Psalms 15

Verse 1. The inscription of a title. That is, a pillar or monument, στηλογραφια: which is as much as to say, that this psalm is most worthy to be engraved on an everlasting monument. Challoner.—Mictam. Prot. “Michtam.” Marg. or “golden psalm of David,” or most excellent. S. Jerom, and so forth have divided the word into two: “of the humble and upright David.” Bible.—It may signify “inscribed.” Calmet.—But there seems to be no reason for abandoning the Septuagint who were well acquainted with the original. The ps. is in the form of a prayer, which David pronounces in the person of Christ, to whom the apostles apply several verses; and, as the rest seem to be of the same nature, we must understand all of the Messias, praying, in his sacred humanity, (Bert.) that his body may remain incorrupt. It may refer to Ezechias, to the captives, or rather to David, persecuted by Saul, and provoked to serve false gods. 1 Kennicott. 26:19. But then many expressions must be explained figuratively, ( Calmet.) and this would tend to weaken the prediction, (Bert.) which all the Fathers have understood of Christ suffering. Calmet.—The thing most worthy to be noted, (stilographia) by the prophet David, is our Saviour’s crucifixion; ( Worthington.) the memory of which must be perpetuated. Job (19:24) wished that what he said about the resurrection, might thus be engraven on flint. Bible.—Preserve. David acknowledges his infirmity, and that all good comes from God. Calmet.—Jesus was heard praying with tears, and so forth Hebrews 5:7. In his humanity, He might use these expressions, ( Bible.) as He was the head of a new people, whom he wished to sanctify and instruct. Bert.—He often prayed, as the gospel informs us. Worthington.

Verse 2. I have. Hebrew “Thou, my soul, hast said.” But S. Jerom agrees with us.—Goods. Hebrew “my good is not above thee.” I can desire nothing greater. Bert.—Aquila and Vatable seem to have the same idea as the Septuagint We reap all the profit from our piety. Calmet.—The redemption was entirely for man’s benefit, ( Worthington.) though it gave the greatest glory to God. Bible.—Since God, therefore, wants nothing, I will shew my kindness (Bellar.) to the poor. Bible.

Verse 3. Saints. Hebrew “the magnificent” priests, God himself, (Exodus 15:11. Calmet) and ceremonies of religion, ( Bible.) for which David had a wonderful affection. Calmet.—But Christ has displayed the greatest love towards all his converts, and they had need of it. Bert.—God here speaks, shewing that Christ should make known his wonderful charity to the apostles and other saints.

Verse 4. Haste. Men who are convinced of their own infirmities, hasten to find a remedy. Worthington.—No sooner had fallen man been redeemed, that he strove to advance in the ways of perfection. Bert.—The sins, to which the saints sometimes yield, tend to make them more cautious ( Calmet.) and grateful to their deliverer, like Saint Peter. Persecutions likewise cause them to cling closer to God, and fill them with interior joy. Acts 5:41. Bible.—If we explain it of the wicked, chastisement often makes them repent. Psalms 77:34. Calmet.—“Their idols have been multiplied after their followers, I will not join in their libations of blood.” Saint Jerome—David was continually exposed to such temptations, among the idolaters; but out of contempt, he would not even pronounce the name of the idols. Calmet.—Blood, or bloody. D.—The pagan ( Worthington.) and Mosaic sacrifices shall cease. Christ will unite us (Bert.) by a more excellent oblation of his own body and blood. Bible.—Christians shall be distinguished by a fresh appellation, being styled children of light and of God, in opposition to the sons of men, (Saint Augustine and so forth Calmet.) and pagans.

Verse 5. Cup. Eternal happiness consists in seeing ( Worthington.) and enjoying God, ( Bible.) and is promised to the patient. Though Christ was truly king of Israel and exercised jurisdiction, (John 12 and 18:37. Matthew 21. and so forth Worthington.) yet it was not of a temporal nature; ( Bible.) and his chief inheritance was the Lord, who would reward his merits. He has taught all clergymen to make this happy choice; as they declare when they become such. Man may call God his inheritance, as he was made for him; and though he may have fallen, if he rise again, his title will be restored, and he may obtain felicity, whether he live in the world or retire from it. Worthington.—David alludes to the custom of allotting each his portion of wine and meat, which was greater in proportion to the person’s dignity. He rejects with disdain all worldly and sensual joys. Calmet.—God in not “a part,” but the whole portion of a good man.—It is, and so forth Saint Jerome “Thou are the possessor of my lot.” I trust in thee for all. Bible. 1 Peter 1:4. 2 Timothy 1:12. In the ancient sacrifices a part was reserved for the offerer. But Jesus keeps nothing back.