A profound shift occurs as the prophet reflects on the rich history between God and Israel. Recalling ancient days creates a sharp contrast between the miracles of the past and the current reality of exile and divine distance. This reflection serves as a prelude to a heartfelt prayer and a cry acknowledging that God hiding His face has caused the people to stray from the right path [מלבי״ם, שד״ל, אברבנאל].
The primary approach among commentators is that the prophet actively addresses the people to remind them of God's past kindnesses, aiming to awaken a deep sense of gratitude. Other perspectives suggest this call is directed at all of humanity to recognize and praise God [רד״ק], or that it describes the wise among Israel who will eventually offer thanks for the guidance they received during the Exodus, throughout their exile, and upon their return [אבן עזרא]. Ultimately, the act of remembering serves a vital purpose. It proves to the people that God's desire to do good remains constant, and the current distance they experience is a result of their own sins rather than a change in His divine nature [אברבנאל].
When reflecting on how to honor God, commentators agree that human beings cannot praise Him for His hidden essence. Instead, praise is only possible by observing His actions and the kindness He shows [מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא]. Because of this limitation, simply telling the story of His miracles is considered the highest possible form of praise [אבן עזרא, צוארי שלל, חומת אנך]. This praise grows even stronger when realizing that God continued to provide for the people in every generation, even during times when they actively rebelled against Him [רד״ק].
God is recognized as actively rewarding and paying forward abundant goodness [מצודת ציון]. This abundance can even be understood as a direct reflection of God Himself, whose very essence is defined by immense goodness [אבן עזרא]. Commentators agree that this constant flow of blessings was never earned through the Israelites' own good deeds or righteousness, but flowed entirely from God's own character [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A careful distinction is made between His mercy and His kindness. Mercy is triggered when a person is in distress, prompting a rescue simply because the rescuer cannot bear to see them suffer. Kindness, on the other hand, is an expression of pure generosity, offering abundant good even when a person is completely safe and secure. Throughout history, God has actively engaged with Israel using both of these profound traits [מלבי״ם].