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I. THE GUARDIANSHIP OF GOD ENJOYED. "Hiding-place" is a place of protection, a place where the enemy cannot discover you. "Shield" is an instrument of protection, that which prevents the arrow or the sword from touching the life. The two expressions mean safe guardianship. What a Guardian is God!

1. His guardianship does not circumscribe liberty. Not like the "hiding-place," it allows ample room for the development of all the powers, and satisfaction for all the desires.

2. His guardianship is sufficient for all purposes. It protects from all evils, material and spiritual, all enemies, human and satanic. With the enjoyment of this guardianship there is "hope in Thy Word."

II. DELIVERANCE FROM THE WICKED DESIRED. "Depart from Me, ye evil-doers."

1. The expulsion of evil companions is at once the duty and the interest of all men. "The companion of fools shall be destroyed." "Come out from among them."

2. The expulsion of evil companions is necessary in order to obey God. "For I will keep the commandments of my God."

III. THE SUPPORT OF HEAVEN IMPLORED. "Uphold me," etc. The words imply —

1. Consciousness of the ruin of a fall. "That I may live," implying, If I fall I die. A moral fall is soul death.

2. Consciousness of liability of a fall. "Hold Thou me up." I cannot stand without Thee. I totter on the verge of ruin, I am unable to support myself. "Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe."

(Homilist.)

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KJV: Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

WEB: You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.