Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Asaph. This psalm alludes to the wars of David, (2 Kennicott. 8. Bert.) against Ammon, (Bos.) or of the Jews returned from captivity, (2 Ezra 4. Ezekiel 38. Theod.) or of the Machabees; (1 Maccabees 5 and 2 Maccabees 10. Bell.) or rather of Josaphat. 2 Chronicles 20. Kimchi. Hammond. Calmet.—All in danger are taught to have recourse to God. Bert.
Verse 2. To thee? Hebrew “be not silent to thyself.” Pagn.—But domi also implies “like;” (Bell.) and there would otherwise be a sort of tautology. Bert.—Christ on earth was like other men: but when he shall come to judgment, non will be comparable to Him. Saint Augustine—Amama says this exposition is groundless: but others are of a contrary opinion. Bible.—The ancient Greek interpreters seem not to have varied from the Septuagint though S. Jerom adopts the present Hebrew “be not silent. Hold,” and so forth which may express the utmost fervour and want of protection. Thy own cause is now at stake: the enemy wishes to destroy religion. Calmet.
Verse 3. Noise. Like the boisterous ocean. Bible.—Head. To revolt, 4 Kennicott. 3:9 and 2 Chronicles 20.
Verse 4. Saints. Hebrew “hidden ones;” (Prot. Bible.) the people under God’s protection, ( Menochius. Bert.) or the treasures of the temple. Calmet.
Verse 5. Nation. That there may be no more of this religion, or Catholics. Worthington.—Israel delighted most in being styled the chosen nation of God. Bert.
Verse 7. Agarenes descended from Agar, though they took the name of Saracens, as if they had sprung from Sara, ( Worthington.) or they dwelt at Agra, otherwise called Petra, in Arabia; or on the east of Galaad, 1 Chronicles 5:10. Calmet.
Verse 9. Assyrian, or “Assur,” sprung from Dedan, (Genesis 25:3) and dwelt near the Ammonites. Calmet.—Come. Hebrew “an arm to,” and so forth Bible.—All infidels conspire against Catholics, ( Worthington.) and are will to forget their private quarrels. Bible.
Verse 10. Madian: 120,000 of whom were defeated by Gedeon with 300 men, ( Bible. Judges 7) as Sisara was routed by Debora, at Cisson, and slain by Jahel. ib. 4. Calmet.
Verse 11. Endor. Near this place the Madianites fell upon one another.—All their princes of Madian, ( Calmet.) or treat all the princes of the people, who now attack us, like them. Menochius.—Both senses are good. Bert.
Verse 15. Mountains. The prayer or prediction was not in vain. The enemies of Josaphat, (2 Chronicles 20:11. 24. Calmet.) and of David, and so forth were destroyed. Bible.—The trees on the mountains, ( Menochius.) or the mountain itself, might burn like Etna and Vesuvius. Geneb.—The destruction of the wicked is thus described. Worthington.
Verse 16. Tempest. During the night, a tempest probably arose, which threw the enemy into confusion, who supposing that the Israelites had broken into the camp, fell upon each other in the dark. Calmet.—Saint Paul reminds us of God’s indignation, which Christians as well as Jews ought to dread. Hebrews 12:25. 29. Deuteronomy 4:24. Bert.
Verse 17. Name. This was the desire of the prophet; (Saint Jerome Calmet. Bert.) and for this end, God sends afflictions. The impenitent must perish for ever, verse 18. Worthington.
Verse 19. Lord. He who is. Exodus 3:14 and 6:3. Worthington.—The name of the Lord is Himself. Bert.