Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 21:1

1 THe kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water , he turneth it whithersoever he will .

His very inward purposes and inclinations, which seem to be most in a Man's own power, and out of the reach of all others, and much more his Tongue and Hand, and all his outward actions. He names Kings hot to exclude other men, but because they are more arbitrary and uncontrollable than other men.

Which Husbandmen or Gardiners can draw by little Channels into the adjacent grounds as they please, and as their occasions require.

Directeth and boweth partly by suggesting those things to their Minds which have a commanding influence upon their wills, and partly by a direct and immediate motion of their wills and affections, which being God's Creatures must needs be as subject to his power and pleasure as either mens Minds or Bodies are, and which he moves sweetly and suitably to their own Nature, though strongly and effectually.

So as they shall fulfil his counsels and designs, either of Mercy or of Correction to themselves, or to their People.