prevent evil the way, nor rob- a Comp. Ps. ii. 6. Ps. lxxvi. 3. b Re. vi. 10; Ge. ix. 5. "Lit. He who requireth, demandeth, satisfaction for bloodshed; like the Goël, the next of kin, who was bound to avenge the murder of his kinsman, so God calls the murderer to account." rowne. a So Delitzsch. b Fausset. Pe "Some think that David in giving also therewith shows thanks what he had prayedfor even in the very anguish of distress. I am inclined to think, however, that he designedly prepared for closing with a prayer.' Calvin. c Kay. hidden sins to of the recent contest. Mr. Mullet replied that he knew of one, and only one, competent to the task. The general eagerly asked, "Who, sir, can he be?" Mr. Mullet replied, "Sir, Cæsar wrote his own Commentaries." The general bowed, and replied, " Cæsar could write his Commentaries; but, sir, I know the atrocities committed on both sides have been so great and many, that they cannot be faithfully recorded, and had better be buried in oblivion ! "g 11, 12. (11) in Zion, this express. proves the Ps. to have been written after Dav. removed the Ark to Zion." From Zion Jehovah's salv. is to be proclaimed to all the world. (12) for blood, God will surely avenge and rescue His persecuted Church, if persecuted even to martyrdom. The verb used means "to demand back fr. any one that wh. he has destroyed, and therefore to demand a reckoning, indemnification, satisfaction for it." humble, those humbled by affliction. Humility in prayer (v. 12).—The Times of June 23, 1858, in recording petitions presented to the House of Lords, remarked of one that it was rejected on the ground of an omission,-after all but a simple one,-the word "humble was left out. Say, how many petitions to a higher tribunal are rejected for lack, not perhaps of humility in the words employed, but in the heart of the individual employing them? 13-16. (13) have mercy, etc., the tone of complaint succeeds the former exultation in an unusual way. Sudden change of mood is quite a common feature of the Ps. This and the foll. v. may however be the cry of the afflicted (v:12).a gates, or regions; gates being the entrance, is put for the bounds. (14) gates.. Zion, as the place of public concourse. (15) heathen, etc., comp. Ps. vii. 16. (16) is known, hath made Himself known. Higgaion, the mark of an interlude : or the indic. of a joyous outburst of the stringed instruments. The cruelty of heathenism (v. 15).—Mr. Leigh tells us, that while he was in the island of New Zealand, he was one day walking with a chief on the beach, and had his attention arrested by a considerable number of people coming from a neighbouring hill. He inquired the cause of the concourse, and was told that they had killed a lad, were now roasting him, and then intended "While the to eat him. He immediately proceeded to the place in order to thought of God's ascertain the truth of the appalling relation. Being arrived at searching judgments gives con- the village where the people were collected, he asked to see the fidence to the boy. The natives seemed much agitated at his presence, and parafflicted, it brings ticularly at his request, as if conscious of their guilt; it was only remembrance."- after a very urgent solicitation that they directed him towards a Spk. Com. large fire at some distance, where they said he would find him. "We prefer to see As he was going to this place, he passed by the bloody spot on paren- which the head of the unhappy victim had been cut off; and on thetical allusion approaching he was not a little startled at the sudden appearance wh. Dav. suffered of a savage-looking man, of gigantic stature, entirely naked, and fr. the opposition armed with a large axe. He was a good deal intimidated, but of that ungodly mustered up as much courage as he could, and demanded to see party, whose in- the lad. The cook, for such was the occupation of this terrific justice and violence evoke monster, then held up the boy by his feet. He appeared to be Ps. x."-Jennings about fourteen years of age, and was half roasted. He returned to the village, where he found a great number of natives seated here а to the troubles and Lowe. the though in a circle, with a quantity of coomery (a sort of sweet potato) God hears before them, waiting for the roasted body of the youth. In this heart, without words; company was shown to him the mother of the child, who, with but He never her child, were slaves, having been taken in war. She would hears words have been compelled to share in the horrid feast, had he not prevailed on them to give up the body to be interred, and thus prevented them from gratifying their unnatural appetite. 17-20. (17) turned, or turned back. hell, Sheol: not the place of punishment, but, more generally, the place of departed spirits; so a fig. for their death. (18) not alway, comp. Is. liv. 7,8. (19) man prevail, "there is an antithesis bet. the word man, wh. means weak, and his act of prevailing, wh. implies strength." ." (20) put them in fear, make them realise their frail nature.d without the heart. a Ge. iii. 19; Ps. shall be seen in "Where is hell ?" was the question once asked by a telling, was the reply, "Anywhere outside of scoffer. Brief, but heaven." g Whitecross. The wicked and their destiny (v. 17).-I. The characters specified. 1. All those who wilfully violate the plain and positive commands of God; 2. All the persecutors of the people of God; ture end, and helping and 3. Hypocrites and impostors in religion; 4. All who are unreexalting the generate. II. The affirmation made concerning them. 1. It righteous."-Pedescribes the place of punishment; 2. The nature of the punish-rowne. ment; 3. The exquisite sense of punishment which the wickede Spk. Com. will feel; 4. The companions of their punishment; 5. The per-d "Place terror petuity of their punishment. "The wicked shall be turned into over them." hell." This shall be done-(1.) Unexpectedly; (2.) Suddenly; Jerome. (3.) Irresistibly. The certainty of it may be inferred from-(1) e Beta, in 400 Sks. The general consent of mankind; (2) The justice of the moral f Stems and Twigs. Governor of the universe; (3) From the unfitness of the wicked for any other situation; (4) The Bible.-The destiny of the wicked (v. 17).—Who are the wicked? I. Where else can they go? 1. Would themselves or the world be better by their living always on earth? 2. Is it possible that they can be annihilated? 3. Can they go to heaven? II. What else can they expect? 1. Consider, if one act of sin draw down the wrath of God, what must a life? 2. Consider His judgments on whole communities. III. What else do they deserve? 1. Did God ever prevent their seeking His forgiveness? 2. Has He not called, and they refused? milky way in the God remembers the needy (v. 18).—A poor, but pious man, who sky; which is a was out of work, and, in consequence, suffered much distress, of a number of meeting, or knot, was cheered, however, on looking at the Society's Penny Almanac small stars, not for the daily text. He read there, "The needy shall not always seen asunder, be forgotten," Psalm ix. 18. He left home on the strength of but giving light this promise, and went from place to place, during the day, but there a number no work could he procure. He was tempted to say, "Surely the of little and needy are forgotten." In deep distress of mind he was bending scarce discerned his course homewards, when he saw something glitter on the faculties and cusground. He picked it up, and found it was a sovereign. This toms, that make supplied all his necessities until he procured employment, and men fortunate." he then could gratefully rejoice in the faithfulness of God."Let not fortune, The Greenland missionaries.-When the Moravian missionaries which hath no first went, in the last century, to labour in Greenland, they were name in Scripcalled to endure the most painful and distressing trials, both in ture, have any in reference to the indifference of the heathen, and the want of Providence, not thy divinity. Let food. Famine, of the most afflictive kind, almost constantly chance, have the threatened them. But in the darkest hours God always appeared, honour of thy in some way or other, for their help. On one occasion He disposed a Greenlander, a perfect stranger to them, to travel forty together so are virtues, or rather -Bacon. acknowledgments, and be thy Edipus in Browne. "The generality of men sink in virtue as they rise in fortune. How many hopeful young men, by a sudden accession of good viated into de contingencies."-leagues to sell them some seals, the flesh of which, with oatmeal and train oil, was a delicacy to them compared with the old tallow candles on which they sometimes lived. At another time, when they had just returned from a toilsome excursion, in which they could obtain no food, a Greenlander brought them word that a Dutch ship was lying at some distance to the south, the captain of which had letters for them. On sending to the ship, they found a cask of provisions sent them by a kind friend at Amsterdam, with the proposal to send more if they needed. At another period, they were returning home empty in their frail boat, when a contrary wind forced them on a desolate island, where they were compelled to remain all night. Here they shot an eagle and thus obtained food, and also quills for writing. And on another trying occasion, when greatly reduced, a Greenlander left them a dead porpoise, taken out of its dam. Thus did God keep them alive for their future extensive usefulness. estate, have de and bauchery, mont. author,uncertain A vision of judgment upon proud and prosperous, treacherous and cruel atheism. An anonymous Ps, but very suitable to the conditions of David's age. By many regarded as part of Ps. ix. a Calvin. b" Through the pride of the wicked the lowly is hotly persecuted." Revised Eng. Bible. c Jennings and Lowe. So also Ewald and Ge senius. a "The other in terp. wh. makes (i.e. God) will not require the the words 'He words of the evil-doer, accords better with the clause following, and with v. 13." -Perowne. b Spk. Com. c "The present PSALM THE TENTH. 1-3. (1) why, etc., not a complaining murmur, but the expression of an ardent desire. afar off, judging foreign enemies, and seeming unmindful of the crimes and troubles in the Psalmist's own land. hidest, winkest." (2) the wicked, etc., trans. "By reason of the haughtiness of the wicked, the afflicted burns," either with indignation, or with sorrow. (3) boasteth, singeth praises. blesseth the covetous, better rend. "The plunderer renounces, [yea,] contemns Jehovah." Man's cry (v. 1).-This cry implies the belief that the distance is-1. Unnatural; 2. Undesirable. How can this felt distance be explained? There are only three sources to which we can look for light on the subject. I. Philosophy. 1. It may be that God is too great to allow man a close connection with Him; 2. That the case of the felt distance is God's method of agency. II. Speculative theology. 1. Because it is inconsistent with the immutability of the Divine character; 2. Because it is inconsistent with the moral excellence of God. III. Divine revelation. The Bible speaks of sin as the cause of the felt distance (Isa. lix. 2; Col. i. 21).a 4-7. (4) the pride, lit. height of his nostril: arrogant bearing. not seek, add after God. "He never troubles himself whether God approves his conduct or not."a thoughts, "their practical, perhaps only half-conscious atheism." (5) far above, comp. Ps. xviii. 22. puffeth, bloweth at contemptuously, as if they were mere bubbles. (6) never, Heb. unto generation and generation." (7) his mouth, etc., the cursing should be perjury, false swearing. under his tongue, suggesting a store of venom. Pride of heart (v. 4).—Through pride the wicked are not saved. I. Proud of their own merit, they will not call upon God. II. Proud of their own strength, they will not apply to God for help. III. Proud of their own wisdom, they will not submit to God's teaching. IV. Proud of their own happiness, they will not seek God's favour./ The vanity of pride (v. 4).—Mahmoud, the first Mohammedan e" So is the way of conqueror who entered India, when a mortal disease was con suming him, ordered all his costly apparel, and his vessels of silver 8-11. (8) lurking places, ambush, places outside villages. villages, the Heb. word means a covered place, and the clause is better rendered "He sits in a well-covered ambush."a poor, here the sad and sorrowful. (9) secretly, in secret places. catch, in order to rob. This word changes the fig. from the lion to the hunter and his net. (10) croucheth, stoops to spring. strong ones, either his claws, or his teeth. (11) hideth his face, v. "The key-note of the bad man's refrain." 4. Religious cruelty.-In 1534, Francis I. ordered an inquisition to be made at Paris against the Protestants; some of whom were discovered by informers, others apprehended on suspicion, and put to the torture, and both sorts burned, after a very barbarous manner; for, being tied to a pulley, they were drawn up a great height, then let down into the fire, presently after snatched up again; and, after torturing them in this manner for some time, the executioner cut the rope, and they dropped into the flames, and were consumed. Those who were thought to be more learned than the rest, had their tongues cut out, and were then brought to the stake and burnt. 12-15. (12) humble, as trans. poor in v. 9; the afflicted. (13) contemn, the same word is trans. abhorreth in v. 3, despised. (14) hast seen, comp. bad man's words, v. 11. "God is not the passive spectator of human affairs wh. these men deem Him." spite, lit. the impatience or fretting under suffering. requite, etc., to set it in Thy hand, i.e. to make it the matter of Thy care. fatherless, the type of all the desolate. (15) break, etc., shatter his strength. seek out, in order to punish. The power of a child's fidelity.-A gentleman, some time ago, sent his two youngest children, with their nurse, to take an airing on the sea side. On the way, one of them fell down on his knees, and said to his nurse, "O Bell, I came away, and forgot to say my prayers." A young woman who saw him was consciencestruck, and thought, "Here is a babe rebuking me: when did I pray in all my life?" This simple means was the instrument which the Father of spirits was pleased to use to awaken her from the sleep of sin. She remained with the nurse and children all the time they were bathing; when she returned home, she sent for a Christian friend, that she might converse with him, and died, after lingering eight months in a consumption, with a firm trust in the Saviour.c 16-18. (16) is King, uttered in an exulting, triumphant a Also De. viii. tone. perished, comp. De. iv. 26. (17) prepare, or establish, 20; Jos. xxiii. 13, in the sense of strengthen and comfort; by imparting cheering convictions. (18) oppress, cause terror." The Eternal King (v. 16).-A King, one Jesus. 1. He reigns by Divine right. II. He reigns by the popular will. III. He 16. b"So that frail man, from the no earth, may more cause ter ror." Jennings and Lowe. are throws herself at the feet of others that despise her." Beaumont. -J. c J. B. Pugh, M.A. "To be thrown reigns by the right of conquest. IV. He reigns on earth and in heaven, and will reign for ever and ever.-The people of God "It is with Fortune as with (v. 17).-I. The experience which the Christian has of God's mercy fantastical mis- and condescension in former instances of communion with Him. tresses-she II. The character of those with whom God condescends to hold makes sport with those that communion. III. The preparation of heart by which God enables ready to die them to approach him. IV. The encouragement which the exfor her, and perience of the past gives to continue stedfast in communion with God for the future."-Rev. G. Whitefield.-When the Rev. G. Whitefield was preaching on one occasion at Plymouth, he lodged with Mr. Kinsman, a minister of the town. After breakfast, on Monday, he said to his friend, "Come, let us visit some of your poor people. It is not enough that we labour in the upon one's own pulpit; we must endeavour to be useful out of it." On entering resources is to be the dwellings of the afflicted poor, he administered to their temcast in the very poral as well as spiritual wants. Mr. Kinsman, knowing the low lap of fortune; for our faculties state of his finances, was surprised at his liberality, and suggested then undergo a that he thought he had been too bountiful. Mr. Whitefield, with development and some degree of smartness, replied: "It is not enough, young man, display an energy of which they to pray, and put on a serious face; true religion, and undefiled, were previously is this to visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, unsusceptible." and to supply their wants. My stock, it is true, is nearly ex-Franklin. hausted; but God, whom I serve, and whose saints we have thing keeps assisted, will, I doubt not, soon give me a supply." His hopes longer than a were not disappointed. A stranger called on him in the evenmiddling foring, who addressed him thus: "With great pleasure I have heard you preach; you are on a journey, as well as myself, and travelling is expensive. Do me the honour to accept this," at the same time presenting him with five guineas. Returning to the family, Mr. Whitefield, smiling, held out the money in his hand, saying: There, young man, God has speedily repaid what I bestowed. Let this in future teach you not to withhold what it is in the power of your hand to give. The gentleman to whom I was called is a perfect stranger to me; his only business was to give me the sum you see." It is remarkable that this gentleman, though rich, was notorious for a penurious disposition; but Elijah was fed by ravens.d "There is no tune, and nothing melts away sooner than a great one. upon the heels Poverty treads of great and un- spirits are a balsam to themselves; there is a noble ness of mind that heals wounds beyond salves." Cartwright. d R. T. S. author,David A Ps. of confidence in circums. of personal peril. Comp.! either in time of Saul (Ewald) or Absalom (Delitzsch). a "The advice 66 PSALM THE ELEVENTH. 1-3. (1) flee, prefer a plural form, Obirds, and refer to Dav. and his company. your mountain, the Psalmist needed no mountain, for his refuge was found, in God. bending; nay, they have already aimed." (3) foundations, of justice and right. (2) bend, lit. "are privily, in secret. The natural reference of this is to Saul, who, as king, was the foundation of justice, yet he was perverting justice by pursuing the innocent. 1. It The working of unbelief and of faith (vv. 1—7).-In this Psalm here given is that we see, in a contrasted view-I. The counsels of unbelief. of timid and desponding friends, magnifies the difficulties we have to encounter; 2. It prompts to who would per- the use of unbecoming expedients. II. The dictates of faith and suade him that trust in God. 1. As an Almighty Sovereign; 2. As a righteous Judge. Address those who are (1) Met with opposition in that the highest their Christian course; (2) Who are ready to faint by reason of to circumstances, spiritual conflicts. The believer and his foundations (v. 3).— all is lost, and wisdom is to yield |