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The first sense of this passage belongs to God's ancient people, and was partially accomplished after their return from Babylon, partially when the kingdom of heaven was spiritually set up at Jerusalem, but was to be still more gloriously fulfilled hereafter. But a child of God claims all the promises.

I. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD HERE GIVEN.

1. "Poor, and needy." All creatures are poor compared with God — even the pure spirits, the highest angel, yea, archangels themselves. Especially must this be true of a fallen creature, yea, a restored creature.

2. "They seek water." This spiritually sets forth the sacred influences of the Holy Spirit. They want refreshing views of God's love, realising apprehensions of an interest in Christ, more of the real power of religion, more faith, more repentance, more love, more uprightness, more purity of heart, more humility, more true prayer, more gratitude and praise, more brokenness, more joy, more devotedness. They seek this water. Sometimes with great ardour, sometimes, alas! with little. In the means of grace they seek it, and it seems as if "there is none." They strive, they fight, but they only find their own weakness, their enemies, darkness, and deadness in their souls.

3. "Their tongue faileth for thirst." Few states are so disconsolate. It is vast discouragement. That this is a state into which the soul has brought itself through its own sin, I am led to conclude —

(1) By considering the state in which this promise finds the Jews, to whom it primarily belongs.

(2) By remembering the promise which sets forth God's usual dealings (Matthew 7:7-9).

(3) By retracing the history of one's own experience. If this be so, beware of the steps which lead to this desolate region.

II. THE VAST ENCOURAGEMENT. my people are honestly, uprightly seeking Me. Out of Infinite love, Infinite wisdom, Infinite grace and mercy, I have delayed the answer. Their faith is small, their strength little, their souls discouraged. But I have not forgotten. "I, the Lord, will hear them." The subject is one of unutterable sweetness and consolation to a true child of God. In few things, perhaps, are we more tried than in prayer. But the words of the text encourage not only persevering prayer, they do more. They encourage expecting prayer. Be not afraid of seasons of need. They are usually seasons of prayer, and these are our greatest seasons of happiness.

(J. H. Evans, M. A.)

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KJV: When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

WEB: The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, Yahweh, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.