V. 7.— For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. The Scriptures both of the Old and New Testament frequently illustrate spiritual by temporal things, and not uncommonly by a reference to the operations of husbandry. See John 15:1-2. Here we are taught that the fertility of the earth proceeds from the blessing of God, Genesis 1:11; Genesis 27:27; Psalms 65:9; Psalms 65:11. This does not, however, preclude the labours of the husbandman, which is essential to the production of the fruits of the earth, Genesis 3:19; but all man’ s labour is vain without the blessing of God, Psalms 127:1, to which alone we are taught to look for success. When he crowns the year with his goodness, causing the grass to grow for the cattle and herb for the service of man, bringing forth fruit out of the earth, Psalm civ, 14, we see the effect of his blessing.