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.