Psalms 135

Verse 1. Alleluia, in Hebrew is at the end of the last psalm. Bible.—It is omitted entirely in Saint Augustine and so forth Origen thinks that the captives sung this psalm at their return, as it greatly resembles the 106th, 134th, and so forth Calmet.—We read, (2 Chronicles 7:6) the priests stood in their offices, and the Levites, with the instruments of music of the Lord, which king David made to praise the Lord, “because his mercy endureth for ever,” and so forth This chorus is found only in this psalm, which seems therefore to have been sung at the dedication of the temple. Bert.—The first part of the verse was sung by the priests, or cantors, ( Bible.) and the second was repeated perhaps by the people, ( Calmet.) or by other musicians, as we now answer at the litanies, and often repeat the Rosary, Glory, and so forth ( Worthington.) which surely may be done without any superstition, though Leigh, in his Βαττολογεω, and Casaubon (Exer. 14.) be pleased to ridicule the Jesus psalter, on this account.—Praise. Lit. “confess” ( Bible.) your sins, and praise God. S. Hil.—For ever. Or is unbounded. His heart overflows at this thought. Bert.

Hebrew: יה Yah

LORD or GOD in all caps is from the Hebrew יהוה Yahweh except when otherwise noted as being from the short form יה Yah.

Verse 2. Gods. Angels, kings, (Theod.) or idols. Saint Augustine—God is over all. Calmet.

Verse 3. Lord. By these three repetitions the blessed Trinity is insinuated, ( Worthington.) as some of the Fathers have remarked, though the argument is not convincing. Bert.

Hebrew: יה Yah

Verse 4. Wonders. If saints or others work miracles, it is only by God’s permission. Theod.—None can do any thing against his will. Bible.—Only He can perform true miracles, above the course of nature. Worthington.—They prove the divinity. Calmet.

Hebrew: יה Yah

Verse 5. Understanding. Or Son, who is the uncreated Wisdom, (Saint Augustine) or to lead us to the knowledge of him. All has been made by the divine power and wisdom. Cajetan, and so forth would assert the heavens to be intelligent, or governed by angels. Genesis 1:14. Orig. Prin. 1. and so forth—But this opinion is generally rejected.

Verse 6. Waters. On which it was supposed to rest like a vessel. Calmet.

Verse 7. Lights. The stars, (Saint Jerome) or the sun and moon. verse 8. Genesis 1:16. Calmet.—All are great lights, though the moon be comparatively small. Bert.

Verse 10. First-born. Justice was exercised on them, and mercy on Israel. Calmet.

Verse 13. Parts. Two, not twelve, as the Rabbins pretend, (Bert.) and as Origen, and so forth seem to allow. Exodus 14:22.

Verse 16. Desert. This was very astonishing, as they were not incommoded by the heat, or destitute of food and clothes for forty years, ( Calmet.) except when God tried them for their improvement, or for their sins.

Hebrew: יה Yah