xxix. 19. _The meek shall increase their joy._
It is commonly said that while religion is man's duty and his
interest, it is not productive of enjoyment. Yet the Bible is full of
joyful expressions, and of exhortations to joy. It even meets the
sorrows of humanity and brings joy out of them. Its association of
joy with conditions not joyful is remarkable (Matt. v. 3-5). Observe
the contrasts in our passage (vers. 18, 19). Circumstances are
mentioned which amount to the removal of all alarm (ver. 20). From
the outward fact, the faith of the persons here described ruses to
the hand that accomplished it.
Our subject is religious joy.