the first champions of heathenism. We
find, from Deut. xxv. 17, 18, that they
treacherously attacked the faint and
tired rear of the Israelitish army.
Moses directed Joshua to lead a band
of picked men against them; and went
himself, with Aaron and Hur, to the
top of a hill within sight of the field of
battle, to encourage and pray for his
struggling countrymen. The rod of
God, which he held in his hands, and
by means of which he had wrought so
many miracles, might well be regarded
as the banner of victory by the fighting
Israelites in the plain below; but it was
also "

a sign to Jehovah, carrying up,
as it were, to God, the wishes and
prayers of Moses; and bringing down,
from God, victorious powers for Israel.'
As the success of Israel so clearly
depended upon the continued lifting
up of the hands of Moses, Aaron and
Hur assisted to support them; and by
sun-down, Joshua had gained the vic-
tory with the edge of the sword—i. e.,
without quarter.

III. JEHOVAH NISSI.-V. 14-16.
This battle was so important, that God
commanded Moses to narrate it in a
book, especially for the instruction and
encouragement of Joshua; and Moses
himself was so impressed by it, that he
built an altar on the spot, and called it

Jehovah Nissi,-i. e., "The Lord my
Banner." Compare Judges vi. 24.
(Margin.)

REFLECTIONS.-1. Christ is the smitten
Rock. He is as necessary and as free
to all as the water to the Israelites in
the wilderness. He alone satisfies the
soul, and supplies rivers of joy, which
follow His people through life. See
Isai. xii. 3; John iv. 14; 1 Cor. x. 4.
How awful an eternal thirst! See Luke
xvi. 24. Drink now, or thirst for ever.

2. Impatience is very unreasonable.—
It led Israel to quarrel with Moses,
though he was one of the meekest,
greatest, and best of men; and, which
was far worse, to quarrel with God
Himself, who had delivered them from
Egypt, and wrought such wonders for
them.

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3. Pray without ceasing."-In all
our conflicts with Satan, the world, and
sin, we can only get strength for vic-
tory by means of incessant prayer.

QUESTIONS.-Where did the Israelites want
water? To what sin did this want lead them?
What did they say to Moses? What did he
do? How was water procured? What was
the place called? Who were the Amalekites!
What did they do to Israel? Who was ap-
pointed to lead the Jews in battle? What did
Moses? How was the victory won ?
helped Moses? how?

Who

SUMMARY.-St. Luke begins his Gospel
with a brief preface, and then gives an
account of the visit of Gabriel to Zacharias
and Elisabeth, announcing the birth of
their son, John the Baptist.

I. PREFATORY.-V. 1-4. Many.-
Such a life as that of our Lord was sure

to find many biographers. To set forth
in order,-to compile, or arrange. A
declaration,- -a narrative, or history.
Among us,-Christians. Even as they,
&c.-The Apostles, &c., delivered these
matters orally, and others drew up ac-
counts of what they thus learnt. From
the beginning,-i. e., of Christ's public

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life, Acts i. 21. Having had perfect, &c., -or, Having accurately traced all," &c.-Wesley. In order,-i. e., methodically, or consecutively. Most excellent Theophilus.-This was a person of rank, as his title implies, and probably a convert to Christianity. Compare Acts xxiii. 26; xxiv. 3; xxvi. 25.

- or,

II. ZACHARIAS AND ELISABETH.-V. 5-7. Of the course of Abia, Abijah." This was the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which the priests were divided by David. See

Chron. xxiv. 10. Of the daughters of Aaron, so that John the Baptist was of priestly descent by both his parents. Elisabeth.-This is the same in Hebrew as "Elisheba," "the name of Aaron's wife, Exod. vi. 23. Zacharias and Elisabeth were devoted and holy; but they were old, and had no child, a circumstance which, especially in Judæa, was thought a great misfortune.

In

III. THE ANGEL.-V. 8-12. the order of his course.-The courses were of a week's duration each. His lot. It was decided by lot who should perform the different parts of the sacred service. To burn incense.-This office was considered exceedingly important and honourable. The people were praying, &c.-Their prayers were offered while the incense was burnt, as the smoke was the symbol of acceptable prayer. See Ps. cxli. 2; Rev. v. 8 (Margin); viii. 3, 4. There appeared unto him an angel. This was, therefore, not a mere vision, but an actual angelic appearance. On the right side.-The right was the favourable side; so that the position of the angel was a good omen. Compare Matt. xxv. 33.

The

altar of incense. See Exod. xxx. 1 ; xl. 5, 26. He was troubled.-It was so great a thing to be visited by an angel; and his humility led him to think only of his unworthiness. Compare ver. 28, 29; ch. ii. 29; Judges vi. 22; xiii. 22; Dan. x. 8; Acts x. 4.

IV. THE MESSAGE.-V. 13-17. Thy prayer is heard.-Zacharias had, long before, prayed for a son; but, as appears from v. 18, he had now ceased to look for an answer to his prayer. We may well suppose, however, that a higher aspiration arose from the aged priest ministering in the holy place. He was one of those who "looked for redemption in Jerusalem," ch. ii. 38; and he doubtless prayed for that. The angel's message shows that he was heard

in both. John,-"the grace of God," or, "God is favourable." Johanan is the same Hebrew name, 2 Kings xxv. 23; 1 Chron. iii. 24; 2 Chron. xxviii. 12. Many shall rejoice.-See v. 57, 58. Great in the sight of the Lord,-and, therefore, truly great. See 1 Sam. xvi. 7; Luke xvi. 15. Strong drink,-any strong liquor not made from grapes. See ch. vii. 33, and compare Num. vi. 2, 3; Judges xiii. 4. Filled with the Holy Ghost, to qualify him for his great work. Compare Eph. v. 18. Shall go before Him,-i. e., the Lord their God,that is, Christ. In the spirit and power of Elias.-See Mal. iii. 1; iv. 5, 6. He would resemble Elijah, but be greater than he, ch. vii. 28. Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,-strengthen the ties of family affection.

V. THE SIGN.-V. 18-23. Whereby, &c.-Compare Gen. xvii. 17. Abraham's faith was a strong contrast to the unbelief of Zacharias. See Rom. iv. 19-21. Gabriel,—i. e., "God's hero." Stand in the presence of God.-He was a chief angel, whose station was near the throne. The same appeared to Daniel. See Dan. viii. 16, 17; ix. 21. Shalt be dumb.-This was the "sign," appointed in displeasure. Waited, for the priest to return and dismiss them, with the usual benediction. See Num. vi. 2326. Beckoned unto them,-made signs, to show that he was dumb.

xiv. 11, 12; 2 Kings vii. 2, 17-20; Mark xvi. 16; Heb. iii. 18, 19.

QUESTIONS. Why did St. Luke write his Gospel? To whom does he address it? How

does he style him? Who were Zacharias and Elisabeth? What was their character? Who appeared to Zacharias? where? why? What was to be his son's name? What office was he to fulfil? How was he to be brought up? Why was Zacharias struck dumb?

SUMMARY.-The child of Zacharias and Elisabeth is born, and called by a wrong name. Zacharias corrects the error, and foretells the greatness of John, and the coming of Jesus.

I. THE WRONG NAME.-V. 59-62. They called him Zacharias.-The names of children were given at circumcision, just as with us at baptism; because, when the former rite was instituted, the names of Abram and Sarai were changed

to Abraham and Sarah. The relatives and near friends of the family met, as we should say, at the christening. They wished to call the child after his father, according to a favourite custom of the Jews; but his mother, guided by the Holy Spirit, insisted that his name should be John.

II. JOHN.-V. 63-66. The dispute about the name of the child could only be settled by an appeal to his dumb father, who, as instructed by Gabriel, (v. 13,) confirmed Elisabeth's decision; and immediately he received his speech again. The spectators, and all who heard of these things, could not fail to discern the finger of God in them. The attention of the nation was thus attracted early to the Baptist, and the foundation of his popularity was laid in his cradle.

When Zacharias recovered the power of speech, he was filled with the Holy Ghost, and said, or sang, this beautiful and grateful song. He saw that "the fulness of time was "" come; that

Messiah was at hand; and that the promises made from Adam to Malachi were now to be fulfilled. He saw that a flood of light and joy was about to overspread the world; and he sang, as already realizing it.

EST.

IV. "THE PROPHET OF THE HIGH-V. 76-80. To prepare His ways. -See Isai. xl. 3; Mal. iii. 1. By the remission of their sins,-in which way alone the knowledge of salvation can be imparted. The Dayspring from on high,-i. e., the first light of morning. This is put for the coming Saviour, the promised Child of Mary. Compare Mal. iv. 2; Eph. v. 14; Rev. xxii. 16. Zacharias saw that the true Light was already dawning; and exulted in the birth of his illustrious son, who, though "He was not that Light," was "sent to bear witness of that Light," John i. 8, 9. In the deserts.-He grew up, in solitude and abstemiousness, among the hills bordering on the wilderness. See ver. 39, 40. The day of his showing,—the commencement of his public ministry. This was thirty years after his birth; and during all those years he lived in or near the "deserts," where he loved to wander, to muse his great

mission.

on

REFLECTIONS. - 1. God should be praised for His goodness.-When He says, "Ephphatha! we should say,

"Hallelujah!" Zacharias was struck dumb for his unbelief; but when his tongue was loosed, his first words were praise.

2. God remembers when men forget.See ver. 68. The Jews had generally forgotten Him, yet how graciously did He remember them! Numbers daily forget Him now, yet He protects and provides for them every day.

3. There is no salvation without the forgiveness of sins.

4. There is no forgiveness of sins without knowledge of salvation.

5. "What manner of child will this be?"-This question was asked in regard to John the Baptist; and loving and anxious hearts have often asked it in regard to you. Your life will give the answer. How is it shaping itself?

QUESTIONS.-What name did Zacharias's friends wish to give his boy? What did his mother call him? Why did they object to this? How was the dispute settled? What then happened to Zacharias? What did he do? Where was John brought up? What can you tell of his after-life?

SUMMARY.-The Psalmist thanks God for a great deliverance, and invites others to join him in doing so. He then goes on to teach the way to lead a safe and happy life.

I. "O MAGNIFY THE LORD!"V. 1-7. At all times.—God's benefits are unceasing, and our praise should be so. See Eph. v. 20; Col. iii. 17; Thess. v. 18; Heb. xiii. 15. Her boast.-See Jer. ix. 24. The humble,i.e., the poor, the afflicted, the oppressed, such as David had been. And be glad. -Compare Ps. cxix. 74; cxlii. 7. I sought the Lord,-when in peril at Gath. See 1 Sam. xxi. 10-15, and compare the title of this Psalm. They, -i. e., the Lord's humble, meek, uncomplaining ones. Looked unto Him, i. e., have always done so in times of great extremity, as a sick child looks mournfully to its parents for help. Were lightened.-Anxiety having left their hearts, serenity returned to their countenances. Ashamed,-literally, 66 were not red;" i. e., they did not blush for shame, as disappointed persons sometimes do. This poor man.-David is speaking of himself. The Angel of the Lord,"the Angel in whom is the name of the Lord. Josh. v. 14; Isai. lxiii. 9. As Captain of the Lord's host, He is to be thought of as attended by armies of

inferior ministering angels, Ps. xci. 11, 12; 2 Kings vi. 17."-Hengstenberg.

All

II. "O TASTE AND SEE!"— V. 8 -10. Taste and see.-The advantages of religion are not all and only future. It gives present peace and joy. who trust in the Lord are blessed, or happy. Fear the Lord, &c.-The true fear of God is always connected with love and obedience; and from him who fears, loves, and obeys God, no good thing shall be withholden. young lions.-Compare Ezek. xix. 2—9; xxxviii. 13. It is agreed that by "young lions" are meant rich, powerful, and violent men. Shall not want, &c.Compare Ps. lxxxiv. 11; Matt. vi.

31-33.

The

III. "COME, YE CHILDREN!"- V. 11-16. Hearken unto me. One experienced in God's ways here addresses young people. Compare Prov. i. 8; iv. 1; vi. 20. What man, &c.-They who would live long and happily, should attend to the following directions. Keep thy tongue, &c.-Compare Ps. xxxix. 1; cxli. 3; James iii. 2; 1 Peter ii. 22. Depart from evil.-Compare Ps. xxxvii. 27; Isai. i. 16, 17. Seek peace.-We should not only be peaceable, but peacemakers. See Matt. v. 5, 9; Rom. xii. 18; xiv. 19; 2 Cor. xiii. 11.

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IV. WHEN "THE RIGHTEOUS CRY," THE LORD IS NEAR.-V. 17-22. "A brokenheart,-the heart broken to shivers. A contrite spirit,-i. e., the beaten-out spirit. In both words the hammer is necessarily implied; in breaking to pieces the ore first, and then plating out the metal when it has been separated from the ore."-Dr. A. Clarke. The word of God is the hammer. See Jer. xxiii. 29. Many are, &c.-God does not show His regard for the righteous by keeping them from trouble, but by delivering them out of it. Not one of them is broken,-i. e., without His permission. Compare Matt.x.30. Shall be desolate, literally, "shall be guilty; that is, their guilt shall be made manifest by the calamities which overtake them.

REFLECTIONS.-1. The deliverance of one of God's servants should encourage the rest, v. 2.

2. Light comes by looking to the Lord, v. 5. He guides and gladdens. He makes our way both plain and plea

sant.

3. The Lord hears the prayer of the poor, v. 6.-Others may disdain them, but not He. See Ps. cii. 17.

4. God has all His servants under His protection, v. 7.-He gives His angels charge concerning them, to succour and deliver them.

5. Religion is a blessing to be experienced, v. 8.-If we plead the promises, God will perform them, and we shall thus be made to "taste" that He is good. See 1 Peter ii. 3; Heb. vi. 5.

6. "Godliness with contentment is great gain."-St. Paul was dependent on the kindness of his friends; yet, because he was godly and content, he had all, and abounded. See Phil. iv. 10-18.

7. Children should be willing learners. -They should not be too fond of play, but always be seeking useful knowledge. They should be most attentive when "the fear of the Lord is taught them. Only this can rightly enable them to live, and fit them to die.

SUMMARY.-Jethro brings the wife and sons of Moses to meet him. He rejoices on hearing of God's wonderful dealings with the Israelites, and joins them in a sacrificial meal.

I. FATHER, DAUGHTER, AND GRANDSONS.-V. 1-6. The report of the conquest of Amalek spread through the surrounding nations, and came to the ears of Jethro. Zipporah and her boys

had been left under his protection, while Moses was engaged in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, when he went back to Egypt, knew certainly that he would return to Sinai; and it was, probably, then arranged that his father-in-law should bring his wife and children to join him there. Jethro was, doubtless, encouraged to do this by the important victory just