Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Canticle. David might compose it after his sin, though it might suit the captives, and all sinners, as well as the souls in purgatory. Bert.—It has long been recited in their behalf. Worthington.—Depths of the prison of expiation, or from this vale of misery, (Bert.) captivity, ( Calmet.) and from the bottom of my heart. Saint John Chrysostom
Verse 3. Mark. Hebrew “observe or keep.”—It. Hebrew “who shall stand upright, ( Calmet.) or make opposition.” Bible.—We all stand in need of mercy, as none can stand before the rigours of divine justice. Worthington.
Si quoties homines peccant, sua fulmina mittat
Jupiter, exiguo tempore inermis erit. Trist. ii. Bible.
Verse 4. Law. That promises of pardon contained therein. Worthington.—Hebrew is now different from what the ancient interpreters read. Calmet.—“Therefore shalt thou be feared.” Mont. Bible.—Sym. and Theodotion agree with us.
Verse 5. Word. And promises that the captivity should end, ( Calmet.) and sin be remitted. Bible.
Verse 6. From. Or Hebrew “more than the morning watch; yea, more than the morning watch.” I expect my deliverance with greater eagerness than sentinels do the return of morning. All the day and night long I am filled with these sentiments. Calmet.—The hope of penitents resembles the watches of the day, which are more comfortable than those of the night. Worthington.
Verse 7. Redemption. Our Saviour affords the greatest consolation. Worthington.—He will save the people. Matthew 1:21 and 1 John 2:2. Bert.