"True to the kindred points of heaven and home"! Israel first taught the world how sacred the family is; and Christianity recognises "a church in the house" of every wedded pair whose love is hallowed by the fear of Jehovah. In vv. 5, 6, petitions take the place of assurances, for the singer knows that none of the good which he has been promising will come without that blessing of which the preceding psalm had spoken. All the beautiful and calm joys just described must flow from God, and be communicated from that place which is the seat of His self-revelation. The word rendered above "mayest thou look" is in the imperative form, which seems here to be intended to blend promise, wish, and command. It is the duty of the happiest husband and father not to let himself be so absorbed in the sweets of home as to have his heart beat languidly for the public weal. The subtle selfishness which is but too commonly the accompaniment of such blessings is to be resisted. From his cheerful hearth the eyes of a lover of Zion are to look out, and be gladdened when they see prosperity smiling on Zion. Many a Christian is so happy in his household that his duties to the Church, the nation, and the world are neglected. This ancient singer had a truer conception of the obligations flowing from personal and domestic blessings. He teaches us that it is not enough to "see children's children," unless we have eyes to look for the prosperity of Jerusalem, and tongues which pray not only for those in our homes, but for "peace upon Israel." PSALM CXXIX. 1 Sorely have they oppressed me from my youth, Let Israel now say, 2 Sorely have they oppressed me from my youth, But they have not also prevailed against me. 3 On my back the ploughers ploughed, They made their furrows long. 4 Jehovah the righteous Has cut the cord of the wicked. 5 Let them be shamed and turned back, All they who hate Zion. 6 Let them be as the grass of the housetops, Which, before it shoots forth, withers: 7 With which the mower fills not his hand, Nor the sheaf-binder his bosom; 8 And the passers-by say not, "The blessing of Jehovah be to you!" "We bless you in the name of Jehovah!"