Ver. 4.-The self-lifted horn. Perhaps the most suggestive explanation of this fignre is that given by Mr. Munro, in his • Summer Rambles in Syria..' He is writing concerning the females in a Maronite vill11ge of Mount Lebanon. "The most remark- able peculiarities of their dress are the immense silver ear-rings hanging forward upon the neck, and the tantoura, or • horn,' which supports the veil. This latter ornament varies in form, material, and position, according to the dignity, taste, and circumstances of the wearer. Horns are of gold, silver-gilt, and silver, and sometimes of wood. The former are either plain or figured in low relief, and occasionally set with jewels; but the length and position of them is that upon which the traveller looks with the greatest interest, as illustrating and explaining a familiar expression of Scripture. The young, the rich, and the vain wear the tantoura of great length, standing straight up from the top of the forehead; whereas the huwble, the poor, and the aged place it upon the side of the head, much shorter, and spreading at the end like a trumpet. I do not mean to say that these distinctions are universal, but I was told that they are very general, and thus the' exalted horn' still remains a mark of power and confidence, as it was in the days of Israel's glory." The appeal of the text is to those who unduly exalt themselves, as party-leaders in times of civil commotion are in constant danger of doing. They "think of themselves above that they ought to think." This is clearly indicated in the marginal alternative of the Revised Version, "Speak not insolently with a hanghty neck" (see Hannah's song, 1 Sam. ii. 3). I. THE 6ELF-DfPOBTANT MAN DOES NOT WORTHILY ESTIMATE HIMSELF. The most difficult work for any man to do is honestly to criticize himself. Men shrink from that work. Men incapacitate themselves for it. Men spoil their own vision, and when they look in on themselves only find what they wished to find. "To thine own self be true," even if the truth humbles you in the dust. .Illustrate from the case of Shebna. II. THE SELF-IMPORTA?."T MAN TAKES NO ACCOUNT OF Goo's ESTIMo\TE OF HIM, "Be not deceived: God is not mocked." A man can never delude God with any braggings, or mere appca1 ances. He sea.rcheth the heart and trieth the reins (see Isa.. ii. 10-17). See the cunfession of a psalmist," My goodness extendeth not to thee." Only the humble man can dare to consider the Divine searchings. Of the proud man it must be said, " God is not in all his thoughts." He would be glad if there were no God. !II. THE SELF-IMPORTANT MAN DELUDES HIMSELF CONCERXING OTHER PEOPLE'S ESTIMATE OF HIM. Because he will only give heed to the flatterers, He blinds him- self to the mistrust and fear all prudent and good men show in relation to him.-R. T,
Vers. 6, 7.-Divine promotions through DiviM providences. There seems to be a recalling of the sentiments expressed in Hannah's song (see 1 Sam. ii. ~ ) . Keeping to the relations of the psalm with Hezekiah's trouble, we may understand him as express- ing bis confidence that the national deliverance would not come by securing any national alliances, either with Egypt, the power of the south, or with the kingdoms of the mountain districts round Palestine. Hezekiah's assure.nee was that Divine providence would work out the Divine purpose. He believed God's purpose was set on his deliver- ance, therefore he enconrage<l himself to watch and wait for the working of God's providence. It is remarkable that no reference is made to the north. This Delitzach ex.plains: "It is a northern power which arrogantly, even to blasphemy, threatens the small lsraelitish nation with destruction, and against which it looks for help neither from the east nor west, nor from the reed-staff of Egypt, but from J ahve alone." 'rhe word "promotion" should be rendered "lifting up," and seems to refer to the depression PB, LXXV. 1-10.] THE BOOK OF PSALMS. 99