Bears evident traces of belonging to the post-Exile literature; and the words of vers. 7-9 are certainly no inapt expression of the feelings which would naturally be called forth at a time immediately subsequent to the return from the Captivity.

I. EVEN THE MIGHTIEST OF MANKIND ARE UNWORTHY OF TRUST.

1. They cannot save in our greatest extremities. "In whom is no help." From want of ability and often from want of wilt.

2. The plans and projects of man soon come to an end. (Ver. 4.) His purposes perish, and he passes away. The masters of one age are deposed by those who come after them, and their systems are exploded.

II. THOSE ONLY ARE HAPPY WHO TRUST IN JEHOVAH. (Vers. 5-10.)

1. God is the almighty Creator. (Ver. 6.) Of the heavens, the earth, the sun, and all living things. This is power, spiritual and physical.

2. God unchangeably adheres to the fulfillment of his promises. (Ver. 6.) "Keepeth truth for ever." Men easily change their mind, and do not keep their word.

3. He obtains right for the oppressed. (Ver. 7.) Cannot allow unrighteous men a final triumph over the weak and unprotected. Succors those who suffer wrong without doing wrong.

4. Provides daily bread for the poor and needy. (Ver. 7.) God is a bountiful God, "who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."

5. Is beneficent and gracious, as the Ruler of men. (Vers. 7-9.) "Looseth the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1). Openeth the eyes of the blind - both of the mind and the body. Raiseth up the fallen, and upholds the fainting." "He loveth the righteous," but he is tender towards all the naturally defenseless - the strangers, the widow, and the fatherless.

6. God's kingdom endureth forever. (Ver. 10.) The eternal duration of his kingdom is the guarantee for its future glorious completion, and for the ultimate victories of love. - S.

I. THE KING TO BE PROCLAIMED — Jehovah, the Triune God.

1. The Three Persons of the Deity are included and pointed out as the joint-covenanters for Zion's salvation.

2. He is the avenger of Zion, and the judge of their cause.

3. He is endeared to Zion by His signify.

4. The union is eternal. I want a Christianity that not only brings me to heaven at last, but that brings heaven down to my soul now, that I may gain the foretaste of eternal bliss even in a world of sorrows. Blessed be God, I know something about it.

II. THE INTERESTS OF HIS KINGDOM.

1. The safety of all His subjects, because they are His own peculiar care.

2. The undivided allegiance of His subjects.

3. The statutes and laws of His kingdom are inimitable and immutable.

III. ITS NEVER-ENDING DURATION. The King eternal, immortal, hatch spoiled death, and taken away his sting; and He has removed its terrors, and for ever put away the second death, so that none of His subjects can by any possibility enter upon it; for on such the second death hath no power. They are blessed and holy, having been made partakers of the first resurrection from the death of sin to a life of righteousness. And because our King is immortal, and dieth no more, and lives for ever — cannot grow old — without beginning of days, or end of years, so are all His subjects; for I hear Him thus proclaim for their encouragement, "Because I live, ye shall live also."

IV. HALLELUJAH. Oh for more exalted strains! Oh for stronger language! Oh for a fuller vocabulary, and boundless ideas to be thrown forth as with a cataract, and without reserve, to glorify, and honour, and exalt the precious name of Jesus; for all the voices in heaven are thus employed. And how should this encourage the subjects of His grace on earth!

(J. Irons.).