52 THE PALMS OF EUKOPE AND AFRICA. 



in the Illustrated Commentary, imder the text, 

 Exod. XV. 27. 



In the east it is quite usual for trees to be 

 planted in the courts both of religious houses 

 and domestic habitations ; and -while residing in 

 the countries of the date palm, Dr. Kitto 

 observed that it was almost invariably employed 

 for that purpose. It is equally recommended 

 to this preference by the elegance of its form, 

 the excellence of its fruit, and the broken 

 shade Avhich its spreading head difluses over 

 the court in which it is placed. Referring to 

 the palm, or rather continuing the comparison of 

 the Christian with that tree, and doubtless with 

 this custom in view, the psalmist says, " Those 

 that be planted in the house of the Lord shall 

 flourish in the courts of our God." As Mat- 

 thew Henry remarks, " Let Christians aim to 

 excel, that they may be eminent and may flou- 

 rish, and so adorn the doctrine of God their 

 Saviour, as ilourishing trees adorn the courta 

 of a house." The expression may also refer to 

 the source whence Christians derive all that is 

 really excellent in them, because " it is from 

 God's grace, by his word and Spirit, that they 

 receive all the sap and virtues that keep theiu 

 alive and make them fruitful." 



From the leaves of the date palm, couches, 



