The construction of this and the three following verses is somewhat difficult to trace. It may be that the verses are the things that God "spoke in his holiness." But it is simpler to treat the verses as expressions of what the psalmist feels he can do, and means to endeavor to do, basing his confidence on the fact that "God has spoken in his holiness" has made promise and pledge to him; and God's pledges, he is sure, are holy, inviolate, certain of fulfillment. In relation to David, the promise to secure for him the full sovereignty of the nation is probably referred to (2 Samuel 7.) "In his holiness" means, "in the immutable integrity of his heart," which was an infallible guarantee for the fulfillment of his promise. The key-note of this portion of the psalm is the fact that the promises of God sent by Nathan to David ensured the establishment of the Davidic dynasty over the kingdom of Israel. But when the original of the psalm was composed, David had all the work before him. The northern portion of Canaan had to be won; neighboring nations had to be subdued, or put under tribute. But the promise gave him conscious strength, made him feel superior to his responsibilities; able even to speak lightly, almost scornfully, of those whose conquest would involve hard toil and fighting (see figures of ver. 9).

I. FROM HOLD OF GOD'S PROMISE GIVES US CONSCIOUS SUPERIORITY TO LIFE'S DIFFICULTIES. This is true, whether our difficulties come from our circumstances or our sins. We have Divine promises that we shall finally master both our surroundings and ourselves, winning the whole kingdom of our being for righteousness. What keeps us full of good cheer? Not our evident successes, but our grip of the Divine promises. In God's word and pledge, we rise above our circumstances and above our sins. We feel no sort of fear; we shall "come off more than conquerors."

II. FIRM HOLD OF GOD'S PROMISE GIVES US CONSCIOUS STRENGTH TO CARRY OUT OUR RESOLVES. David meant to win Moab, Edom, Philistia, etc.; and he knew he could because God had spoken. There is no sense of strength to accomplish life-purposes ever comes to a man like that he knows when he feels God is at his back. - R.T.

I. THE IDEAS INVOLVED IN THIS REPRESENTATION.

1. Its lofty conspicuousness.(1) It is clearly expounded in the Word of God, which every one may read in his own tongue.(2) It is openly proclaimed by the ministers of God, who are commanded to preach it everywhere.(3) It is pre-eminent in the earth, as actually attracting the attention of mankind, even among the wisest and most advanced nations.

2. Its wide embrace. The heavens encompass and enclose all the earth. So that the people at the antipodes see the same sun and moon and stars that we see. What an emblem of the comprehensiveness of the Gospel!

3. The almighty sovereignty. The heavens rule the earth physically: so God's mercy governs all the events of mankind. His dominion, through Christ, rules everything in the Church, and subordinates everything in the world. Think of His benign character, His holy law, His gracious purposes: and then see how He can abase the proud, reward the wicked, avenge the just.

4. Its settled stability. Christ reigns on high, and maintains His majesty and state, undisturbed by worldly tumults, darknesses, and changes.

II. HOW TO BE CONTEMPLATED.

1. With ardent admiration, delight, and confidence.

2. With cheerful submission.

3. With watchful care to please God: for He is over us everywhere.

4. With hope as to the future: for He must bring final victory to the good and true, and reign till all foes are under His feet.

(Anon.)