The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-28
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON.
October %, 1S09-Psalms lxxxv, cxxvi
Psalms Of Deliverance.

Two post-exic psalms Of unknown origin
here welded together. They were written for the
times They voiced the emotions and feelings of
the popular heart as the nobest poetry always
does. 1t is difficult for us to appreciate the
feebleness and detection of the remnant of Israel
that returned from the captivity. They dwelt for
years among the ruins of former greatness, al
ways more dispritng situation than new
settlement in virgin wilderness. The temple at
length completed was mean. compared with
Solomon's, that those who had the latter.
burst into tears at the dedication of the former.
The nation was such pitiful small folk that
they were by-word and kissing Of their neigh
bors. They greatly detected They seemed
to be settling down into gloom and despair.
revival of hope and joy their greatest need.
1t would be difficult to conceive Of anything bet
ter suited TO accomplish this end than these
noble lyrics. He who said: Let write the
songs of a nation and you may write their laws
had just estimate Of the influence OF national
song upon national character Under these ele-
waited poetical strains there is logical substitute
ton furnishing a firm foundation for hope OF
coming prosperity. The argument of Psalm lxxxv
is this THE present situation of the Lords peo-
pie, dispiriting ii is in some respects is In
point of fact evidence of the oIvine favor. The
miraculous emancipation from Babylonian cap
tivity, the replanting OF the nation in Canaan is
in itself a pledge of the divine forgiveness. The
people restored not merely to their land,
but to their God as we'll There Is sudden
change of key. The psalmist recognizes that the
Christening wrath of God has not altogether
ceased There is depreciation, confession and
suppcation. Then ii is return to the high
grace notes of joy and triumph. 1t is doubtful If
Hebrew poetry ever reached higher strain than
in this glowing picture of Jehovahs visit to His
people. He comes In triumph. Righteousness Is
His outrider. Mercy, Truth and Peace are His
attendants. Rich largesses shall be strewn on
land and people The argument of Psalm cxxvi is
thanksgiving for return from captivity (Nerse ID,
accompanied by ardent prayer for Verse ~ and
confident hope of Oversees 8, 81 its quick and full
completion. The miracle of return like
dream; il could scarcely be credited for its won
der. Ii filled the heart of the chosen with Joy
on, with establishment. Vet few only. in COM
ants. occupied the land. The psalmist Verse a
ardently entreats Of God TO restore The remainder
and confidently predicts Verses 5, 81 the ac-
complshment of his prayer, harvest of JOY and
rejoicing after a, seed-time of sorrow, and pros
porous many days after the short, sharp time of
ial."-Dean Johnson.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
First-Some Of the best and noblest OF the
Psalms composed in exile. The authors
learned in suffering what they taught in song"
Second-Psalmody had been intermtted in the
exile. The unstrung harp had been hung the
willow, but as Matthew Henry quantity says:
than after such disuse The long want OF mercies
greatly sweetens their returM'
Third-The psalmists radiant picture had lit
eral fulilment, and early also. Within a
century the country was populous. prosperous and
pious.