Another pair of verses follows (vv. 150, 151), in which the hostile nearness of the psalmist's foes, gathering round him with malignant purpose, is significantly contrasted, both with their remoteness in temper from the character enjoined in the Law, and with the yet closer proximity of the assailed man's defender. He who has God near him, and who realises that His "commandments are truth," can look untrembling on mustering masses of enemies. This singer had learned that before danger threatened. The last verse of the section breathes the same tone of long-continued and habitual acquaintance with God and His Law as the earlier pairs of verses do. The convictions of a lifetime were too deeply rooted to be disturbed by such a passing storm. There is, as it were, a calm smile of triumphant certitude in that "Long ago." Experience teaches that the foundation, laid for trust as well as for conduct in the Law, is too stable to be moved, and that we need not fear to build our all on it. Let us build rock on that rock, and answer God's everlasting testimonies with our unwavering reliance and submission. § ר 153 See my affliction, and deliver me, For Thy law do I not forget. 154 Plead my plea and redeem me, Revive me according to Thy promise. 155 Far from the wicked is salvation, For they seek not Thy statutes. 156 Thy compassions are many, Jehovah, According to Thy judgments revive me. 157 Many are my pursuers and my adversaries, From Thy testimonies I have not declined. 158 I beheld the faithless and loathed [them] Because they observed not Thy promise. 159 See how I love Thy precepts, Jehovah, according to Thy lovingkindness revive me. 160 The sum of Thy word is truth, And every one of Thy righteous judgments endures for ever.