3.—the dew of Hermon.] Maundrell says, 'We were sufficiently instructed by experience what the holy Psalmist means by "the dew of Hermon," our tents being as wet with it as if it had rained all night.' —the mountains of Zion:] These seem to be those mountains which stood round about Jerusalem. Rosenmüller. —for there &c.] That is, God hath promised all kind of prosperity upon the dwelling of those who live together in unity. Green, Rosenmüller. The colouring of the picture presented to us in this Psalm is much heightened by its being viewed in another light, as a representation of spiritual unity in the Church. The spirit of heavenly love was that oil of gladness which Jehovah poured without measure on Him who is the High Priest and Head of his Church. Insinuating and healing, comforting and exhilarating, it is diffused from Him over his body mystical, even down to the least and lowest members; "of his fulness have we all received." Nor did the dew of heaven, in time of drought, ever prove more refreshing and beneficial to the mountains of Judah, than are the influences of Grace, when descending in soft silence from above upon the Church; in the union and communion of which, God hath "commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." Bp. Horne. 10.—turn not away &c.] Do not reject the prayer of him, whom Thou hast consecrated to be king of thy people. Travell. 11. The Lord hath sworn &c.] That this is a prophecy of the Messiah, we have the authority of St. Peter to say, Acts ii. 30. This promise to David occurs, 2 Sam. vii. 12, and hath a twofold sense, relating to Solomon in type and shadow, to Christ in truth and substance. Bp. Horne. 12.—for evermore.] The temporal kingdom of David continued in the line of David till the birth of Christ, when the spiritual kingdom commenced in the person of this Son of David, of which there shall be no end. Dimock. 16. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: I will spread my protection and defence over her priests, which are consecrated to me. Bp. Holl.