Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Canticle. Being a sequel to the former, ( Calmet.) and similar to the 111th, as both promise felicity to the captives at their return, if they prove faithful, 2 Ezra 9:38. Ferrand.—It is a sort of epithalamium. Moller.—Both temporal and spiritual blessings are set before us. Bert.—Ways. Many saints have not received temporal rewards; and this confirms our faith that there is a world to come. Calmet.—In effect, no temporal advantages are here specified, as they are below. Bert.
Verse 2. Hands. The idle are not entitled to blessings, which God will bestow on the industrious who fear him, preserving them from evils. Leviticus 26:16 and Deuteronomy 28:30. Calmet. 2 Corinthians 3:10.—Some have explained καρπων, “fruits:” though it here means hands. Bert.
Verse 3. Sides. Against which vines were planted. Calmet.—The married people who fear God, shall commonly have a numerous posterity; or their souls shall produce many good works in the Church, which springs from our Saviour’s side. Children denote such good works. Worthington.—Plants. Psalms 143:12. Hom. Odys. vi. 163.
Verse 5. Sion. Where he displayed his bounty. Calmet.—Jerusalem. In heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:19. Bert.—Mayst thou live happily in the holy city, after thy long captivity. Calmet.
Verse 6. Israel. This is best secured by a well-regulated and numerous people. Bert.—The good works, performed on earth, will be rewarded in heaven. Worthington.—We shall rejoice in the spiritual children, whom we shall have begotten. Menochius.