people also leaves a profound impression upon its national literature.
himself as the true vine and of his Father as the husbandman (John 15:1).
It is quite evident, and therefore needs no elaborate proof, that the expositor should be acquainted with the physical features of Palestine, its climate, topography, productions, etc. How can he explain the poet's statement that the "dew of Hermon descended on the mountains of Zion" (Ps. 133:3), unless he is familiar with the effect of Hermon's snow-clad peak on the mists that are constantly arising from the ravines at its foot? How shall he interpret such expressions as "the glory of Lebanon" and "the excellency of Carmel and Sharon," if he has no knowledge of their luxuriant vegetation and surpassing beauty? What can he say in explanation of the use of chariots in the Northern kingdom (1 Kings 18:44 ff.; 22:29 ff.; 2 Kings 5:9 ff.; 9:16; 10:12, 15), and their absence from the Southern kingdom? How can he account for the success of David in eluding Saul, though they came within speaking distance of each other, unless he understands the character of the country? Only familiarity with the seasons will enable him to interpret such passages as Cant. 2:11, "For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone"; and Matt. 24:20, "But pray that your flight be not in the winter."
2. POLITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES. The political condition of a people also leaves a profound impression upon its national literature. The Bible contains ample evidence of this also, and therefore it is quite necessary that the expositor should inform himself respecting the political organization of the nations that play an important part in it. Their national history, their relations with other nations, and their political institutions should be made the object of careful study. Particular attention must be devoted to the political changes in the national life of Israel.
History only sheds light on the question of why Israel was not permitted to distress the Moabites and Ammonites (cf. Deut. 2:9, 19). The dependent position of Edom in the days of Solomon and Jehoshaphat explains how these kings could build a navy of ships at