Psalms 144

Verse 1. Praise. The remaining seven psalms relate to the praises of God, to intimate that this occupation ought to be our glory, both in time and in eternity, as all were created for that purpose. Ven. Bede.—This is the seventh of the alphabetical psalms, the four last of which are only recognized by Saint Jerome as perfect. See Psalms 24. 33. 36. 110. 111 and 118. Yet here the ver. 14 which should commence with N, is wanting in Hebrew though it was probably there at first, as it is in the Greek and Latin, ( Worthington.) as well as in the Syr. and Arabic. Calmet.—Hence it appears, that our versions ought not always to be corrected by the Hebrew which might be rendered more perfect by a collation with them. Worthington.—The Jews assert, that whoever reads this psalm thrice-a-day, may be sure of obtaining heaven, provided, says Kimchi, that his heart accompany his words. The new baptized used to recite it in thanksgiving, for having received the body and blood of Christ. Saint John Chrysostom—Ferrand supposes that his psalm was composed after the captivity. But there seems to be no ground for this supposition, and the author had probably no particular event in view. Calmet.—My king. On whom I entirely depend. Bert.—And ever. Saint Jerome “and after,” ( Bible.) both in time and in eternity. Christ is styled king, to whom the nations were promised; (Psalms 2) and David gives the highest honour to the blessed Trinity. Worthington.—David still praises God by the mouths of the faithful, as also in heaven.

Verse 3. End. Hebrew “finding out,” because he is infinite. Bert. Job 5:9.

Verse 4. And. Hebrew “to generation.” The vocation of the Gentiles is insinuated. Calmet.

Verse 5. And shall. Hebrew “and I shall relate the words of thy wonders,” (Saint Jerome) or “shall meditate on,” and so forth Pagn. Bible.—Yet our version is more followed. Calmet.

Verse 6. Acts. Miracles hhich strike people with awe, ( Worthington.) such as those which overwhelmed the Egyptians, and so forth Theod. Calmet.—And shall. Hebrew “and shalt,” and so forth But Chal. (Saint Jerome) read more naturally with the Sept.

Verse 7. Justice. Or mercy. Saint John Chrysostom Calmet.—They shall approve of thy judgments. Bible.

Verse 8. Patient. Hebrew “slow to anger,” which is more expressive. Bert.

Verse 9. Works. The people of Israel (verse 10. Psalms 89:17. Ferrand) and all mankind, who are all invited to embrace the true faith, and the mercy of God. Calmet.—The effects of mercy shine forth above all his other works, in the redemption, and in the recalling of sinners, when they have gone astray. Worthington.—This sense is good, but not literal. His mercy extends to all. Bert.—Yet he punishes the reprobate for ever, chastising their works. Saint Augustine

Verse 10. Works. They shew his power, and excite us to praise him. Saint Jerome

Verse 12. Thy. Hebrew “his.” But the Septuagint read more correctly, with the Chal. and so forth—Men. The Gentiles, to whom the saints, (Bert.) or converted Jews preached. Bible.

Verse 13. Ages. The kingdom of God in his Church is very magnificent, but not so much as in heaven. Worthington.—The. Hebrew Chal. Aquila, Saint Jerome and so forth omit this verse, which is necessary to complete the alphabet. It probably commenced with Namon, “Faithful.” Calmet.—The Septuagint could not insert it by inspiration, as they were only interpreters. Bert.—It was consequently in their Hebrew copies. Houbig.

Verse 14. Lifteth. Hebrew “upholdeth all who are falling.” Bible.—No one can stand or rise without God. Bert.—He is ready to lift up every one. Worthington.

Verse 15. Hope. For sustenance. Psalms 122:2. Matthew 6:26.