Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. For David, is not in Hebrew nor in some copies of the Septuagint Calmet.—Yet the psalm expresses the sentiments of the royal prophet, (Bert.) or it is a sequel to the two former, thanking God for liberty, and for rain. The Fathers explain it of the coming of Jesus Christ, and the calling of the Gentiles, verse 5. It many have been sung when the first-fruits were brought to the temple. See Psalms 84. Calmet.
Verse 2. Upon us, to grant our requests; or may the Messias come. Hebrews 1:3.—And may, and so forth is in the Arab. and in most copies of the Septuagint and Vulg. though it is omitted in Hebrew and so forth “and we shall live.” Ethiop. Calmet.—Perhaps it may be given to express the sense of Selah, which seems to have been a term of approbation. It does not alter the sense. Bert.—God first forgives sins, and then bestows his manifold graces. Worthington.—This was the form of solemn blessing. Numbers 6:17. D.
Verse 3. Way. The true religion. Menochius.—Salvation. Christ, who is the only way to be saved. John 14:6. Matthew 1:21. Calmet.—This way is new, leading to new heavens, and so forth Hebrews 10:20 and 2 Peter 3:13. Bert.
Verse 5. Earth. Thou art the Father and ruler of thy people. Let all submit to the sweet yoke of Christ. Zechariah 8:21.
Verse 7. Fruit, after rain; or, in a spiritual sense, Jesus Christ, the root, or bud of Jesse, (Isaiah 4:2. Calmet.) born in Judea, (Bert.) of the holy Virgin. Saint Jerome—God. The triple repetition of God’s name, insinuates the blessed Trinity, ( Bible. Fathers) and the prophet’s earnestness. Calmet.—The faith of the Trinity is to be preached throughout the world, ( Bible.) for the salvation of nations. Worthington.
Verse 8. Fear him. With holy fear and obedience. Menochius.—The blessings which God bestows upon his servants, and their piety, will induce many to embrace the truth. Bible.