The closing verses are addressed, not to the bride, but to the king, and can only in a very modified way and partially be supposed to pass beyond the Jewish monarch and refer to the true King. Hopes that he might be blessed with fortunate issue of the marriage were quite in place in an epithalamion, and the delicacy of the light touch with which this closing note is struck is noteworthy, especially in contrast with the tone of many famous secular songs of similar import. But much straining is needed to extract a spiritual sense from the words. Perowne truly says that it is "wiser to acknowledge at once the mixed character" of the psalm, and he quotes a sagacious saying of Calvin's to the effect that it is not necessary that every detail should be carefully fitted to Christ. The psalm had a historical basis; and it has also a prophetic meaning, because the king of Israel was himself a type, and Jesus Christ is the fulfilment of the ideal never realised by its successive occupants. Both views of its nature must be kept in view in its interpretation; and it need cause no surprise if, at some points, the rind of prose fact is, so to speak, thicker than at others, or if certain features absolutely refuse to lend themselves to the spiritual interpretation. PSALM XLVI. 1 God is a refuge and stronghold for us, A help in troubles most readily to be found. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth do change, And the mountains reel into the heart of the sea. 3 Let its waters roar and foam; Let mountains shake at its pride. Selah. [Jehovah of hosts is with us; A high tower for us is Jacob's God.] 4 [There is] a river--its branches make glad the city of God The sanctuary of the tabernacles of the Most High. 5 God is in her midst; she shall not be moved: God shall help her at the morning dawn. 6 Nations roared, kingdoms were moved: He gave forth His voice, the earth melts. 7 Jehovah of hosts is with us; A high tower for us is Jacob's God. Selah. 8 Come, behold the deeds of Jehovah, Who has made desolations in the earth. 9 Quelling wars to the end of the earth: The bow He breaks, and hews the spear in splinters; The chariots He burns in the fire. 10 "Desist, and know that I am God: I will be exalted in the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 Jehovah of hosts is with us; A high tower for us is Jacob's God. Selah.