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I. THE ATTITUDE OF A DEVOUT SOUL.

1. Up-looking (ver. 1). Physically, man is the only being on earth upon whom the Creator has conferred an erect countenance, as if his very physical formation were intended to teach him that his eyes should be raised towards the skies, and that he should hold intercourse with Him who dwells in heaven. Other animals look down upon the ground, their faces are bent towards the earth. Man is God-like, erect, with native honour clad. The heathen themselves recognized this seal of divinity on the brow of man, and, in the beautiful language of the Greek, the word "man" describes him as a being whose honour it is to look up. But mentally so conscious are we of dependence on God, that even the worst of men are forced at times to look up to Him in the heavens. "From Him alone cometh our help." This is the regular attitude of a devout soul, looking up to the Infinite. Is there a more sublime mood of being than this? The millions are looking down to worldly things and worldly pleasures, and the highest objects on which most look are the little social magnates of the hour. But the true soul looks up to the Infinite Father.

2. Up-looking for a practical purpose (ver. 2). The hand is the symbol of power, by the slave's eyes being turned towards his master's hand is meant that he watches carefully for the least intimation of his will. Or the hand may be taken as the instrument of giving, and the reference may be to the slave's absolute dependence on. his master. Or it may be the chastising hand that is meant: as the slave looks with entreaty to his master's deprecating punishment (Isaiah 9:13), so the psalmist's eyes are turned wistfully to God, until He have pity. The tone of the psalm, however, indicates hopeful trust rather than humble submission. The future of His people is entirely in His hands: He will be sure some day to have mercy on His own.

II. THE NEED OF A SUFFERING SOUL (ver. 3). Some suggest the circumstances narrated in Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 4:1-5, as suitable to the composition of this psalm: others prefer the times of persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes: others, again, suggest, on the grounds of similarity of language, common authorship with Psalm 120. What is the need of a suffering soul? Mercy — to calm, succour, strengthen, guide, and deliver. IV CONCLUSION: — .This psalm is a lesson of meekness. When we ere fancying ourselves scorned or forgotten, what have we to do but to look up to God and entreat His favour? It is pity for ourselves, and not vengeance on our foes, that we should seek. At the same time, we must be ready to obey like slaves waiting for some token of their master's will.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: {A Song of degrees.} Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

WEB: To you I do lift up my eyes, you who sit in the heavens.