By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
ExplanationCommentary
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.