(Ps. 110:7.)

The figure is of one who, having quenched genuine thirst by drinking "of the brook in the way," can sympathize with those fallen in the way, and wounded in the strife, who call, however feebly, for "Water! Water!" He shall "lift up the head," and put the cup to the lips Himself, so that the suffering one may know that it is His own blessed Hand that ministers.

David thirsted for a drink of water from the well that was by the gate at Bethlehem; and at the risk of their lives three men got it for him. Obtained at so great a risk, he poured it out unto the Lord as a drink offering. Such devotion, he realized, could only be exhibited by men who had learned it from the Lord.

This "Adonai" (plural), the "Judge," is also a real, true, sympathizing Man (vers. 5, 6); He is also "Adon" (singular), "my Lord" (ver. 1), says David. Wonderful mystery! "Adon," "Adonai," and also Jehovah, in one blessed Person:a Man, a Judge, "The Mighty God" (Isa. 9:6); yet a Man who had thirsted, and drank "of the brook in the way," and He is my Friend, my Shepherd.

Such sympathy, from One so sternly righteous as He, is marvelous! And why so sympathetic? Because He had Himself thirsted from sheer weariness, and, having felt it in Himself, He is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb. 4:15). "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Heb. 12:12,13).

I wandered far in the desert-
Away from the dwellings of men;
I fought with beasts of destruction-
I followed them into their den.

Alas! I thought myself stronger
Then the mighty beasts of the wild;
They did turn and fiercely rend me,
And left me as weak as a child.

My lips parched with thirst for water,
I lay in the sun all the day:
My cry was heard by the Master,
Who drank "of the brook in the way,"

Having fought with His mighty arrows,
And conquered all the beasts of prey;
My head with His Hand He lifted-
Who drank "of the brook in the way."

He brought to my lips the water,
For which I had thirsted all day;
In grace and mercy He saved me-
Who drank "of the brook in the way."

Thus hath He graciously taught me-
And for this I constantly pray;
How to give the cup of cold water
To those who may fall "in the way."

S. A. White