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1993-04-19
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EXPOSITION.
"_The sorrows of hell compassed me about_." From all
sides the hell-hounds barked furiously. A cordon of devils hemmed
in the hunted man of God; every way of escape was closed up.
Satan knows how to blockade our coasts with the iron war-ships of
sorrow, but, blessed be God, the port of all prayer is still
open, and grace can run the blockade bearing messages from earth
to heaven, and blessings in return from heaven to earth. "_The
snares of death prevented me_." The old enemy hunts for his prey,
not only with the dogs of the infernal kennel, but also with the
snares of deadly craft. The nets were drawn closer and closer
until the contracted circle completely prevented the escape of
the captive:--
About me cords of hell were wound,
And snares of death my footsteps bound."
Thus hopeless was the case of this good man, as hopeless
as a case could be, so utterly desperate that none but an
almighty arm could be of any service. According to the four
metaphors which he employs, he was bound like a malefactor for
execution; overwhelmed like a shipwrecked mariner; surrounded and
standing at bay like a hunted stag; and captured in a net like a
trembling bird. What more of terror and distress could meet upon
one poor defenceless head?
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS.
Verse 5.--"_The snares of death prevented me_." The word
"_snares_," signifies such traps or gins as are laid for birds
and wild beasts. The English word "prevent" has changed its
meaning in some measure since our authorised translation of the
Bible was made. Its original meaning is to "come before."--^John
Brown.
HINTS TO PREACHERS.
Verse 5 (first clause).--The condition of a soul
convinced of sin.
Verse 5 (second clause).--The way in which snares and
temptations are, by Satanic craft, arranged so as to forestall or
prevent us.