Verse 1. Psalm. Cassiodorus, and so forth add, “of David.” But it is thought, he was not the author of this and the following piece, as his name is not in the original. Calmet.—This argument is, however, of small weight.—Resurrection. Hebrew Origen’s Septuagint and so forth omit these words, (Bert. Tirinus. iii.) which seem to have been added by some Greek Christian, who thought he perceived some allusion to the resurrection of Christ, verse 9. The Fathers have well explained it in this sense, though they also apply it literally to the return of the captives, (Theod. Calmet.) and to the general resurrection, the end of all the miseries of the elect, (Bellar.) as well as to the conversion of the Gentiles, (Geneb.) and the resurrection of a soul from the state of sin. Bible.
Psalms
Verse 3. Lie. Prove faithless to thee, (Psalms 17:46. and so forth) notwithstanding the evidence of thy wonders, and their deceitful professions. Thus the Samaritans pretended they wished to assist the Jews to build the temple; yet soon after obtained an order from court to hinder it. 1 Ezra 4:1. and 8:36. Calmet.—Pharao frequently promised to let the people go, but as often broke his word. Worthington.—They had been moved with servile fear. Menochius.—The sight of God’s judgments upon the world was enough to inspire terror. Worthington.
Psalms
Verse 5. Men. Choosing some, and rejecting others, (Saint Jerome) calling the Gentiles, while he casts off the Jews. Saint Augustine
Psalms
Verse 6. In him. God, ( Bible.) Jesus, (Euseb.) or “on it,” the river Euphrates, which we shall pass over with as much ease, as our ancestors did the Red Sea. So the prophets frequently speak in a figurative sense. Isaiah 11:16 and 50:3 and Zechariah 10:10 and 4 Ezra 13:41. Calmet.—As Josue led the Israelites across the river Jordan on dry land, ( Bible.) so wel shall extol thy wonders. Worthington.—There, reflecting on these prodigies, both past and present, we shall rejoice. Menochius.
Psalms
Verse 7. Provoke him. The faithless Jews, or Gentiles; particularly those of Babylon; or those among God’s people, who neglected his service. Hos. 4. and 1 Ezra 9. and so forth Calmet.—These often gave way to murmuring, and are therefore exhorted not to be proud, lest they should be brought low.
Psalms
Verse 8. Gentiles. By this invitation, he predicts their conversion.
Psalms
Verse 9. Moved. The apostles were most courageous. Only those Jews returned, who had separated themselves from impure idols. 1 Ezra 5:5. The Church never fails. If some apostatize, others embrace the faith. Worthington.
Psalms
Verse 10. Tried. So Daniel was treated. Daniel 3:21. The Babylonian captivity is compared to a furnace, as well as all severe trials of virtue. Proverbs 17:3. Zechariah 13. Calmet.
Psalms
Verse 11. Back. Hebrew “loins.” The captives had experienced the greatest miseries, as the martyrs of Christ have done since. Calmet.—The Church is put to the most severe trials. Worthington.—Yet God brings no one into the net of sin. This is solely the effect of man’s corruption. Bible.
Psalms
Verse 12. Fire and water, which the Egyptians considered as the emblem of purity, (Horus. xli.) and which here denote the greatest tribulations. Calmet.—The just still overcome by God’s grace, ( Worthington.) notwithstanding all the efforts of tyrants who may be set over them. Menochius.
Psalms
Verse 14. Uttered. These were alone deemed obligatory by the Jews, (Leviticus 5:4. Calmet.) yet the more enlightened knew that God discerns the secrets of hearts, whence the force of a vow proceeds. Bible.
Psalms
Verse 15. Marrow. Malachy (1:13) reproaches some for presenting lean victims. Calmet.—Offer. Hebrew ehese, “will make.” Septuagint use ποιησω, in the same sense, and are followed by the writers of the New Testament.—Do this, and so forth Bert.—The best external victims of the old law are here specified. Yet even then the internal sacrifice was most pleasing. Worthington.
Psalms
Verse 16. My soul. Every Israelite ought to cherish the same sentiments. Calmet.
Psalms
Verse 17. Extolled, by meditation, (Muis.) or God has immediately granted my request. Theod.—Some Lat. Bibles read, “I have exulted under my tongue,” which my heart directs. Worthington.
Psalms
Verse 18. Heart. Being enslaved to any passion. Bible.—Iniquity and dissimulation hinder the effect of our prayers; and in some sense, it is true, that God does not hear sinners: (John 9:31. 2 Timothy 2:9) though He regards favourably such as wish to repent, like the publican. Lu. 18:14. Calmet.—Whosoever would be heard, must repent of his sins. Worthington.