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He raiseth up the poor out of the dust. The expressions used in this and the following verse are taken from the song of Hannah (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10), and similar expressions are found in the song of the Virgin Mary (see Luke 1:51-53). Historical illustrations of the passage may be found in the careers of Gideon, King Saul, and David. The psalmist may have in mind the restoration of the nation from the Babylonish captivity, which was an extreme national humiliation. As a fact of Divine dealing, this removing of disabilities may be illustrated from the preacher's own experience and observation. But we can so fully recognize the Divine wisdom in such dealings in general as to remove all thought of Divine favoritism or mere sovereignty. Two of the reasons guiding Divine conduct may be considered.

I. GOD GRACIOUSLY RECOGNIZES AND REWARDS CHARACTER. Some of the best features of human character can only gain expression and culture under the pressure of poverty, burdens, and disabilities. It is the misfortune of many men that they cannot be noblest-typed characters because they have never known trouble and strain. There are qualities of character in the favored ones which the poor and tried ones cannot attain; but they are not so important as the qualities of the humbled and suffering ones, which the favored few cannot attain. Since God is specially interested in character, he is concerned for the poor and needy, and finds in them persons who are fitted for responsible positions. The rise of men of lowly station to offices of influence is mainly due to the power of character, and the Divine recognition of character. It may be shown that, though this is largely true, it must be taken with some qualifications, seeing that men do sometimes rise through force of mind, or characteristic qualities, which are quite distinct from moral and religious character.

II. GOD FINDS IN THOSE UNDER DISABILITIES FITTING PERSONS FOR HIS SERVICE. Here it may be pointed out that times of disability are often the schooling of the men God wants for his work. Poverty, toil, strain, burden, make the training-ground for the Lord's heroes. And the man who is placed under any special form of disability may comfort himself with the assurance that the Lord is needing him, and so needs to have him disciplined, polished, furbished, by this trying experience. - R.T.

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KJV: He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

WEB: He raises up the poor out of the dust. Lifts up the needy from the ash heap;