(3) And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. (4) Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.
We do not hear of prayer, or supplication to the Lord, put up. No fast. No day of public humiliation. The people lifted up their voices, and wept indeed, but it is not said, that they cried unto the Lord. Oh! how sweet is it to recollect, in the distresses of the soul, that the Lord waits to be gracious. See those promises; Isa_30:18; Isa_65:24.