Psalms 143

Verse 1. Goliath. Hebrew has simply, “of David.” Bible.—S. Hilary thinks that the Septuagint added the rest by inspiration, ( Calmet.) because this was David’s first exploit in war. Worthington.—But others pay no deference to this part of the title. The Chaldee, however, seems to allude to the same victory, (verse 10) and the Syriac to that which David obtained over Asaph, brother of Goliath. 1 Chronicles 20:5. Calmet.—David prays that he may overcome the Philistines, and give thanks in Psalms 17. Ferrand.—These two psalms are very much alike, and this seems to have been written after the rebels were discomfited, while the 17th expresses the sentiments of the prophet, towards the end of his life, for all his victories. Calmet.—Zorobabel after the defeat of God, (Ezekiel 38. Orig.) or the Machabees; (Greek paraphrast.) or Jesus Christ might adopt these sentiments. Holy Fathers.—Kimchi and Goan refer the psalm to the Messias. Calmet.—God. Hebrew “rock.”—Fingers. Which chose the five pebbles. He was to exert himself, and yet to acknowledge that all success came from God. Bert.—He had not been trained to war, when he overcame Goliath. Worthington.

Verse 2. Mercy. “All the titles of God remind us of his benefits.” Saint Jerome—My people. After the defeat of the rebels, ( Calmet.) and the death of Isboseth. Bert.—Hebrew may also be “peoples,” as Psalms 17. (Syr. and so forth) including them, and the various nations that were subdued by David. Calmet.—Conquerors are generally in confusion, while those who keep their passions under are free. 2 Corinthians 3:17. Bert.

Verse 3. To him. Hebrew “thou dost acknowledge him.” Saint Jerome Bible.—In the transport of gratitude, he reflects on his own weakness. Job 7:17. Romans 8:31. Calmet.—Before Christ, all mankind were undeserving of revelation. Worthington.

Verse 4. Vanity. Hebrew hebel, “nothing, a vapour,” and so forth Eccle. 1:1. Jam. 4:15. Bible.—Our lives resemble a shadow, which is the less distinct, the more it increases. Bert.—As it cannot subsist of itself, so neither can man without God. Worthington.

Verse 5. Mountains. The proud, (Orig.) spirits. S. Hil.—Come to my assistance, as thou didst appear on Sinai. Exodus 19:16. Psalms 17:8. Calmet.—This is a poetical description of God’s aid.

Verse 7. Waters. Of tribulation. Worthington.—Children. My rebellious subjects, ( Bible.) who lead bad lives in the true Church. Worthington.—Foreign nations continued faithful, while Israel rose up against their sovereign.

Verse 8. Iniquity. Hebrew “lying.” The have sworn fidelity, and have prevaricated. Calmet.—They adhere not to their engagements of keeping God’s law. Worthington.

Verse 9. New. More excellent. Bert.—Psaltery. Hebrew “on the Nebel of ten strings,” ( Bible.) the chief instrument, fit for a new canticle of thanksgiving. Worthington.

Verse 10. Kings. Their power cannot protect them. Bible.—Hast. Several read, “wilt redeem.”—Malicious. Hebrew “his servant from the evil sword” (Mont.) of Goliath, (Chal.) or of Saul, (Bert.) and all his other enemies. Bible.—He represents himself in the midst of danger, from the rebels. Calmet.

Verse 11. Children. Both Jews and Christians who live ill, are like strangers, who frame to themselves a temporal felicity, making riches and pleasures their god. Worthington.

Verse 12. Whose. Hebrew “our.” This makes quite a different sense from the ancient versions, which refer what follows to the rebels, who had no cause to complain of David’s government, verse 14. Calmet.—S. Jerom, however, agrees with the Hebrew “that our sons may be,” and so forth Prot. asher means “whose (verse 11.) and that.” Bible.—If we supply, they said, the text and versions will give the same sense, (Geneb. Bert.) as it is inserted verse 15. Bible.—Decked. Hebrew “our daughters, like corner-stones cut like a temple,” (Mont.) or “palace.” Prot.