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Such an exclamation escaped from the lips of Joshua, and it was the language of bitter disappointment, for Israel fled before their enemies (Joshua 7:8). The same words were uttered by our adorable Lord when His soul was overwhelmed with grief in the prospect of His agonies and bloody sweat, His cross and sacrificial death (John 12:27). Here it is the language of one who was filled with perplexity by the dispensations of Divine Providence. Such is the case with us sometimes; our circumstances are so painful, so different from what we anticipated, that in bewilderment we exclaim, "What shall I say?" We must say —

1. That God's dealings are very mysterious.

2. That the words of Jesus are still true, "In the world ye shall have tribulation."

3. That some of God's promises require strong faith to believe them.

4. That God will do just as He pleases with His own children.

5. That the trial of faith is often very severe, exceedingly painful.

6. That patience and perseverance are required under our trials.

7. That when Satan hinders, none but God can effectually help; therefore we must look to Him.

8. That however rough the road, the end will more than make up for its toils and trials, for the end shall be blessed.

(James Smith.)

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KJV: What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.

WEB: What will I say? He has both spoken to me, and himself has done it. I will walk carefully all my years because of the anguish of my soul.