The psalm might have ended with this gathering together of its contents in one final emphatic statement, but the poet will not leave the stern words of destruction as his last. Therefore he adds a sweet, long-drawn-out close, like the calm, extended clouds, that lie motionless in the western sky after a day of storm, in which he once more sings of the blessedness of those who wait on Jehovah. Trouble will come, notwithstanding his assurances that righteousness is blessedness; but in it Jehovah will be a fortress home, and out of it He will save them. However the teaching of the psalm may need modification in order to coincide with the highest New Testament doctrine of the relation between righteousness and prosperity, these confidences need none. For ever and absolutely they are true: in trouble a stronghold, out of trouble a Saviour, is God to all who cling to Him. Very beautifully the closing verse lingers on its theme, and wreathes its thoughts together, with repetition that tells how sweet they are to the singer: "Jehovah helps them, and _rescues_ them; He _rescues_ them, ... and saves them." So the measure of the strophe is complete, but the song flows over in an additional clause, which points the path for all who seek such blessedness. Trust is peace. They who take refuge in Jehovah are safe, and their inheritance shall be for ever. That is the psalmist's inmost secret of a blessed life. PSALM XXXVIII. 1 Jehovah, not in Thine indignation do Thou rebuke me, Nor in Thy hot anger chastise me. 2 For Thine arrows are come down into me, And down upon me comes Thy hand. 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thy wrath There is no health in my bones because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. 5 My bruises smell foully, they run with matter, Because of my folly. 6 I am twisted [with pain]; I am bowed down utterly; All the day I drag about in squalid attire. 7 For my loins are full of burning, And there is no soundness in my flesh. 8 I am exhausted and crushed utterly; I roar for the sighing of my heart. 9 Lord, present to Thee is all my desire, And my sighing is not hid from Thee. 10 My heart flutters, my strength has left me, And the light of my eyes--even it is no more with me. 11 My lovers and friends stand aloof from my stroke, And my near [kin] stand far off. 12 And they who seek after my life set snares [for me], And they who desire my hurt speak destruction, And meditate deceits all the day. 13 And I, like a deaf man, do not hear, And am like one dumb, who opens not his mouth. 14 Yea, I am become like a man who hears not, And in whose mouth are no counter-pleas.