Vers. 1-11.-God worthy of praue. "A. fresh burst of praise because of God's Fatherly care, as shown in his provision for the wants of the cattle and the fowls of the air. And as he feeds the ravens, which have neither storehouse nor barn, but only cry to him for their food, so amongst men his delight is not in those who trust in their own strength and swiftness, but in those who look to him, and put their trust in his goodness." God is to be praised- L BECAUSE HE PROVIDES FOB THE FERTILITY OF THE MATERIAL WORLD. Clouds temper the heat of the sun as well as pour forth rain to fertilize the earth, and make it productive of food for man and beast. The chain of connection between God and man bountifully set forth in Hos. ii. 21, 22, " I will hear the heavens," etc. IL BECAUSE OF HIS JIOUNTY TOWARDS ALL ORDERS OF THE ANIMAL CREATION. Grass upon the mountains where the herds and flocks feed, and which the plough and labours of man cannot reach. God is the Shepherd of all inferior as well as superior life. The young ravens, which are forsaken and cast off by their mothers very early, unconsciously cry to him for food, and are fed. 'l'b.e great and the small equally provided for by bis bountiful, universal care. IIL THOUGH GOD 18 THE SOURCE OF ALL STRENGTH, HE HAS ONLY AN INFERIOR PLEASURE IN PIIYSICAL STRENGTH. (Ver. 10.) "The strength of the hills ie his also;" "Strong in power; not one faileth." He must delight in power of all kinds, intellectual and moral, as we do. But neither for himself nor for man is mere strength his chief delight. IV. GOD'S GLOBY IS IN DISPENSING HELP TO THOSE WHO TBUST AND HOPE JN UIM. His delight is in goodness. Gives confidence and courage to those who fear him. Gives strength and riches to those who hope for his loving-kindness. Gives to them his mercy.-S.
EXPOSITION. the sun o.nd moon, the stare, the spnoio11a PSALH OXL'Vill. firmomcnt, and the clouds thot 11.ont in it t'ms psalm has been well called "the joy- and above it (vers. 2-4). In respect of 1ong of creation." Israel, having received earth, the writer begins with the lowest a signal wanifebtation of the Divine power parts - the deep sen, and the monsters (ver. 14), ea.Us on all things in heaven and dwelling lherein-whenoe he makes a sud- earth to praise Jehovah. In respect of den aEccnt to the highest pnrts-tho atmo- heaven, commencement is mado with the sphere and the manifestotions peculinr to angels, from whom the writer descends to it-lightning, hail, snow, vapour, stormy re. c::u.vm. 1-14.] THE DOOK OF PSALMS. 407