39. Again, they are minished &c.] At another time, God sees fit to alter the course of his providence, to lessen their numbers, and to humble them by various afflictions and calamities, or by the hands of tyrannical oppressors. Travell. Bp. Patrick. 40. — causeth them to wander &c.] The meaning is either, He bringeth them into difficulties, so that they know not what course to take; or, He banisheth them from their courts and kingdoms, and foreteth them to flee into desolate wildernesses. Poole. 42. The righteous shall see &c.] Two consequences will follow from this alternate display of the mercy and the judgment of God. The righteous, finding themselves still the object of the former, will have cause to rejoice and give thanks; and the wicked, when visited with the latter, will be forced by their silence at least to own that their punishment is just. Bp. Horne. 43. Whoso is wise, &c.] To take notice of the providences of God is the most effectual way to make men wise, as it is a proof of wisdom. Bp. Wilson. This very instructive Psalm serves to teach us, that God does wisely dispense all that happens to men; and that when they are fugitives and captives, sick, and in danger of perishing, afflicted with famine, or any other distress, It is He that makes them pass through all those trials that He may engage them to call upon Him, and have recourse to his power and goodness. It therefore shews us that it is the duty of persons in affliction to apply themselves to God by humble and fervent prayer for deliverance out of all their misfortunes; that when men cry to God in their distress, and turn to Him, He takes pity on them, and delivers them from all heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. 2. — the rod of thy strength] The "rod," or sceptre, of Christ's "strength" is his word, accompanied by his Spirit. Bps. Horne and Nicholson. — out of Zion:] Christ's spiritual kingdom was to begin at Jerusalem. Edwards. 3. Thy people] They that are fit for thy kingdom. Fenton. — the day of thy power,—holiness] "The day of his power" is the season of their conversion, when the corruptions of nature can no longer hold out against the prevailing influences of grace; and they make a free and voluntary offering of themselves to their Redeemer. Then it is that they appear "in the beauties of holiness," adorned with humility, faith, hope, love, and all the graces of the Spirit. Bp. Horne. — from the womb of the morning: &c.] The words should rather be translated, "more than the dew from the womb of the morning is the dew of thy progeny;" that is, thy children, begotten to Thee through the Gospel, shall exceed in number, as well as brightness and beauty, the spangles of early dew, which the morning discloseth to the eye of the delighted beholder. Bps. Louth and Horne. 4. — Thou art a priest for ever &c.] Thy priesthood is everlasting: in thy person and office is and shall be fulfilled that which was figured in the royal priesthood, person, and name of Melchizedek, king of Salem, the king of righteousness and peace. Bp. Hall. The Epistle to the Hebrews places the resemblance between Melchizedek and Jesus on the name and title of the former, on his having no father, or mother, or priestly descent, or birth, or death, or successor, mentioned; which so far agreed with the latter, as He had no human father, nor mother, in the ordinary way of generation; nor was of a sacerdotal family, nor began to exist at his birth, nor continued in a state of death, nor could have any successor in his office. Abp. Secker. See the note on Gen. xiv. 18.