for Israel, both in Egypt and in Canaan. The Psalmist alludes to His going before His people, and leading them through the wilderness; to the earth quaking when it swallowed up Dathan and Abiram; to Sinai itself being moved, when God delivered His laws; to His pouring down showers of manna for the support and refreshment of His inheritance.

In the tenth and following verses, he says, "Thy congregation (or thy people) hath dwelt therein;" that is, in the promised land: "Thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor," or in other words, Thou hast provided for Thy people, when they were destitute and had no resources of their own.'

Then he goes on to speak of the Lord giving His command to gather together His hosts to battle, and immediately it was published far and near; "Kings with their armies did flee apace," and the women who remained at home made division of the spoil. So it was in the days of Sisera, as we see in Judges, v. 29, 30.

The Psalmist also declares, that although the people of God may be in an afflicted and low condition, brighter and happier days will come to them; "Though ye have lien among the pots," as a caldron discoloured by smoke and soot, "yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold. When

the Almighty scattered kings in it (that is, in the land), it was white as snow in Salmon"-it became bright and joyous.

He then sings in praise of Mount Zion, which he calls "the hill of God." Other mountains may be higher; they may leap with exultation and pride; but this is the abode of God Himself. Here He dwells surrounded by His mighty chariots and hosts of angels. And yet His presence-chamber is higher still, even in Heaven itself: "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men."

Let us think of God in His greatness; and thither let our hearts ascend, and with Him continually dwell.

PSALM LXVIII. 20-35.

He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death. But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea; that thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same. They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary. The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. Thy God hath commanded thy strength : strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee. Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war. Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; to him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice. Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and

his strength is in the clouds. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

IN this closing portion of the Psalm David ascribes power and greatness unto God. He is the God of Salvation, the only one who can save, and with Him are the issues from death. He can wound and destroy His enemies and deliver His people. He can bring back and restore His scattered people, though they be driven to the extreme borders of their land, even unto Bashan. So great would be the Lord's conquests that His very feet, as it were, would be dipped in the blood of His slaughtered enemies.

And this God who doeth all these wonders is "our God." This was David's comfort, and it may well be ours. This reconciled him to all his trials; for so long as he could feel that God was his God, he could bear them all for His sake, and even rejoice in his sufferings.

In the twenty-fourth and three following verses, the Psalmist speaks of the Procession in the Temple ; "They (that is, the lookers-on) have seen thy goings, O God, in the sanctuary." First came the singers; then the musicians; and next the female choristers. He mentions four of the tribes as being present Benjamin and Judah, perhaps because they dwelt nearest to the city of David; and Zebu

lun and Naphtali, because they were at the furthest distance from it.

The Lord-as king present-shall make even the heathen to rally round His temple; "Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee." In the thirtieth verse, a command is given to rebuke all opposers; and these are likened to fierce bulls; "Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people." But even they shall be made to submit to God's sway, and at length to bring their offerings to Him.

Towards the end of the Psalm all the kingdoms of the world are invited to sing praises unto God, and to ascribe unto Him glory and power, both on account of His dealings with Israel, and also the wonders which He displays in the clouds or heavens. Truly God is terrible to His enemies, and full of grace and goodness to His people.

The Psalmist adds, "Blessed be God." And every true heart will respond; for the more we look into His character, the more are we struck with wonder and with thankfulness.

VOL. I.

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