David’s cry for “mercy” is a cry for release from the presence and power of sin. His willingness to call upon God in the depths of his despair is based upon God’s character—His “lovingkindness” or covenant-love, and His “tender mercies.” The latter phrase means “compassion” or “motherly feeling.” David can count on the fullness of God’s mercy both because of His covenant and because of His motherly love toward him. Paul uses a similar picture of love in describing his relation ship to his converts: