Psalms 137

Verse 1. David. It contains a form of thanksgiving for him, or for any other. Worthington. Bert.—Some Greek copies add, “of Aggeus and Zacharias.” But this is of small authority, though they might sing this psalm ( Calmet.) when the Jews had been delivered from all their enemies, (Origen) under Darius, who married Esther. It might also be used by Ezechias, after his recovery, ( Calmet.) or by David, when he found himself at rest, (Muis) and had the Messias in view. Bert.—Praise. Lit. “confess,” ( Bible.) by repentance, (Saint Jerome) and praise. S. Hil.—For, and so forth This sentence is placed after angels, in Septuagint and is not at all in Hebrew Bert. Chal. Syr. and so forth Calmet.—It seems probable that the Septuagint found this reason for praise in their copies.—Angels. Some would translate “judges, gods,” and so forth But the psalmist would rather pray before the angels, who would attend in the temple, and present his petitions. Bert. Revelation 5 and 8. Const. Apost. viii. 4.—Their presence ought to full us with awe, (Lu. 12:8 and 1 Timothy 5:21) and with confidence, if our prayer comes from the heart. Bible.—Such God will hear, and the angels will present. Tobit 12. Acts 10 and 1 Corinthians 11:10. Psalms 24:10.

Verse 2. Towards. Thus the Jews acted, when they were at a distance from the temple, and in captivity. Worthington.—Truth. Which thou hast displayed in my regard.—Holy. Septuagint may have perhaps written Λογιον, “Word,” agreeably to the Hebrew though our version seems more easy. Bert.—S. Jerom (ad Sun.) explains it of Jesus Christ, the Word, whose name is so exalted, (Philippians 2:9. Calmet.) as well as the divine majesty. Worthington.—The holy doctor translates, “thou hast magnified thy word above every name.” But thy is joined with name in Hebrew Others would supply, “thy name and thy word.” Bert.—Strength. Septuagint and so forth add, “thy.” Calmet.—All virtue comes from God. Bible.—If my prayer be granted, as formerly, I shall advance in virtue. Saint John Chrysostom Ephesians 3:14.

Verse 4. Mouth. All kingdoms shall sooner or later, become acquainted with the gospel. Worthington.—The predictions of Jeremias, and so forth had been communicated to the neighbouring princes, ( Calmet.) and all might know that God had executed his threats and promises. Bible.—Yet none of them embraced the true religion, even after the captivity, so that this relates to Christ. Bert.

Verse 5. Ways. Of Providence, ( Calmet.) and mercy, and so forth Psalms 24:10. Bert.—Some have read, “canticles,” ωδαις, being substituted for οδοις. Bible.

Verse 6. The high, and so forth The proud and haughty, who exalt themselves, God knoweth afar off; that is, he despiseth the, and setteth them at a distance from him; whilst he stoopeth down to favour and embrace the low and humble. Challoner.—He treats the proud as strangers to him. Worthington.—If kings would sing in the ways of the Lord, they also must love, and be humble. Saint Augustine—God knows all things before they happen, (Saint John Chrysostom) and both high and low are equally open to his eye. Psalms 112:5 and 138:2 and 8. Calmet.

Verse 7. Wilt quicken me. And not otherwise. Saint Augustine—There is no going to heaven without crosses. Bible.—Wrath. Most furious and cruel enemies. Calmet.

Verse 8. Repay. Taking me under his protection, (Saint John Chrysostom) he will punish my oppressors; or he has done it already. Calmet.—Hands. Rescue me from the oppression of my temporal and spiritual enemies. Bert.