The third part (vv. 9-12) is taken by some commentators to breathe the same spirit as the first part. Cheyne, for instance, speaks of it as a "relapse into despondency," whilst others more truly hear in it the tones of rekindled trust. In ver. 9 there is a remarkable change of tense from "Who will bring?" in the first clause, to "Who has guided?" in the second. This is best explained by the supposition that some victory over Edom had preceded the psalm, which is regarded by the singer as a guarantee of success in his assault of "the fenced city," probably Petra. There is no need to supplement ver. 10, so as to read, "Wilt not Thou, O God, which," etc. The psalmist recurs to his earlier lament, not as if he thought that it still held true, but just because it does not. It explained the reason of past disasters; and, being now reversed by the Divine Oracle, becomes the basis of the prayer which follows. It is as if he had said, "We were defeated because Thou didst cast us off. Now help as Thou hast promised, and we shall do deeds of valour." It is impossible to suppose that the result of the Divine answer which makes the very heart of the psalm, should be a hopeless repetition of the initial despondency. Rather glad faith acknowledges past weakness and traces past failures to self-caused abandonment by a loving God, who let His people be worsted that they might learn who was their strength, and ever goes forth with those who go forth to war with the consciousness that all help but His is vain, and with the hope that in Him even their weakness shall do deeds of prowess. "Hast not Thou cast us off?" may be the utterance of despair; but it may also be that of assured confidence, and the basis of a prayer that will be answered by God's present help. PSALM LXI. 1 Hear, O God, my shrill cry, Attend to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I cry to Thee, when my heart is wrapped [in gloom]: Lead me on to a rock that is too high for me to [reach] 3 For Thou hast been a place of refuge for me, A tower of strength from the face of the foe. 4 Let me dwell a guest in Thy tent for ever, Let me find refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Selah. 5 For Thou, O God, hast hearkened to my vows, Thou hast given [me] the heritage of them that fear Thy name. 6 Days mayest Thou add to the days of the king, May his years be as many generations. 7 May he sit before God for ever: Give charge to loving-kindness and troth, that they guard him. 8 So will I harp to Thy name for aye, That I may fulfil my vows day by day.