Psalms 124

Verse 1. Canticle of thanksgiving, relating to the times of the Messias, (Abenezra) or to the Jews, who overcame the attempts of the nations at their return, 2 Ezra 4. and 6. Ven. Bede, and so forth Calmet.—It exhorts all to confide in God. Bert.—Trust. The Jews complied not with this condition, and are become vagabonds; but the faithful inherit this promise, (Hebrews 10:19. Bert.) which is verified in the Catholic Church. Saint Augustine—To be secure, like Sion, which is defended by other mountains, we must belong to her society. Worthington.—The situation of Jerusalem was very advantageous. It was difficult to bring any cavalry against it, except by the way of Idumea. A handful of men might defend the passes leading to the north, as we see in the history of the Machabees.

Verse 2. About it. Coming from Joppe, travellers cannot see the city till they are very near it, though with respect to Judea, it is very elevated. Hence Josephus styles it “the navel of the land.” Bel. iii. 2. or 4.—The construction of the Vulg. is very natural. Calmet.—For the promise regards the inhabitants, rather than the place, as Hebrew would insinuate.—Lord. Zechariah 2:5. Heresiarchs have in vain risen up against the Church, though they were able men, like mountains. Saint Augustine

Verse 3. Rod. Sceptre, or violent dominion. Isaiah 10:5.—That, Or “therefore.” Interp. in Saint John Chrysostom God always concludes his threats with promises of pardon to the penitent, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Calmet.—He tries his servants for their good, and will not abandon them. Worthington.—The captivity lasted only 70 years: the ten persecutions of the Christian Church were terminated in 300 years; and though the wicked should even put the just to death, then their rod remains no longer upon them. If the virtuous were always suffering, the temptation might be too strong. But those who are sincere, at last emerge from the cloud, and force their enemies to applaud their conduct. Bert.

Verse 4. Heart. This God will certainly perform. Worthington.—He asks not for himself alone, and leaves all to the divine disposal. Bible.

Verse 5. Bonds, obligationes. “Knots,” as στραγγαλιας, also means, (Bert.) rather than duties. Bell.—Some suspect that obligationes was put originally, as Hebrew means “crooked ways,” ( Calmet.) “embarrassments.” Aquila.—He may allude to the dark machinations of false brethren, who endeavoured to thwart the pious designs of Nehemias. 6:14. Apostles shall be treated like infidels, ( Calmet.) or rather worse, as we shall be if we act not up to the lights, ( Bible.) and graces which we have received. Calmet.—Those who enter into any covenant, and so forth to uphold a false religion, though they may despise it in their hearts, must expect to be punished, while the Church shall have peace. Worthington.—Israel. Saint Paul adds, of God, to shew who may be entitled to this blessing. Bert.—Heretics can neither give nor receive this peace. Saint Augustine