Psalms 27

Verse 1. Himself. The Hebrew and Septuagint (Rom. and Alex.) have simply “of David.”—Ledavid. Bible.—The psalm appears to be a sequel of the preceding, and we may adopt the rule of the Jews, who refer the psalms which have no title, to the same author and events as those which go before. It may relate to the captives, ( Calmet.) or to David under persecution, though the Fathers explain it of Christ suffering, and so forth and rising again.—My God. Hebrew “rock.” This term is so often applied to God, that it might be added to his other ten titles. Bert.—Lest … to me, is not in the Rom. psalter. Euthym. and so forth—Pit, grave; though it also denote “a prison.” Calmet.—S. Jerom has “be not deaf to me,” and so forth Menochius.

Verse 2. Pray. Hebrew “cry … to the recess of thy sanctuary, ( Bible.) or to thy oracle.” Septuagint place the whole for a part. The tabernacle was often styled temple. 1 Kennicott. 1:9. To lift up the hands was customary in prayer, (1 Timothy 2:8. Lamentations 3:41. Bert.) to testify whence our aid must come. Bible.—The Jews turned towards the holy place in prayer, (3 Kennicott. 8:48. Ezekiel 8:16) even after the temple was destroyed. Calmet.

Verse 3. Draw. Sextus V. reads tradas, “deliver,” and so forth But the present trahas, is more conformable to the original. Calmet.—Septuagint add, destroy me not, as the Hebrew might also signify. Suffer me not to follow bad example. They often paraphrase, to render the text clearer. A similar petition occurs, Psalms 25:9.—Hearts. Such double dealers are abominable, and quite opposite to the candour of a Christian. John 1:47 and 1 Peter 2:22. Bert.—The psalmist prays that God would comfort and support him, as he knew that God tempteth no man. Jam. 1. Worthington.

Verse 4. Reward. He speaks prophetically, (verse 5) or of spiritual enemies. Bert.—“If they do not understand by kindness, make them understand by torments.” Saint Jerome—He alludes to the calamities of the Babylonians, who had made such havoc, ( Calmet.) as well as to that of all who persecuted or rebelled against David. Bible.—His zeal prompts him to approve of their chastisement. Worthington.

Verse 5. The works, (in opera.) The preposition seems redundant, though ( Bible.) it was probably in both places, to insinuate that attention is requisite. The Jews perished, because they would not know the things that were for their peace. Lu. 19:42. Their city in ruins, is an emblem of the sinner’s utter destruction.—Thou shalt. Hebrew “he will.” Bert.—The Chaldees gave supreme honour to idols, neglecting the true God. Their punishment was at hand. Kimchi. Calmet.—Ignorance will prove no excuse, when people might be informed. God will save none, without their co-operation. Worthington.

Verse 6. Blessed. This energetic epithet is generally applied to the Lord, and as it is also given to Christ, he must be true God. Romans 9:5. and so forth

Verse 7. Protector. Hebrew “buckler,” to defend me from external enemies, as his grace enables me to do good.—Flesh. Hebrew “heart.” But joy would manifest itself over the whole body: (Proverbs 17:22. Bert.) and the Syr. agrees with the Septuagint “My flesh shall bud forth, and I shall sing his praises in glory.” Calmet.—Will. Hebrew “canticle,” which was dictated by the will. It is suspected that the Septuagint read differently. Only the saints taste true joys, so that they alone might be styled sensual. But this worldlings cannot understand. 1 Corinthians 2:14. Bert.—The Fathers explain this text of Christ’s or of our resurrection, (Saint Jerome and so forth) which was prefigured by the return from captivity. Calmet.—Interior comfort causes the body to be refreshed; and the psalmist gladly ( Worthington.) expresses his gratitude. Bible.

Verse 8. People; (hoz lamu) instead of which the Hebrew has lamo, “their strength;” though the people of God had not been mentioned. S. Jerom translates, “the Lord is my strength.” Houbigant shews that the Vulg. is most accurate. Bert.—Prot. marg. “his strength.”—Salvation. Lit. “salvations,” as he had many times protected David, as well as ( Bible.) the priests and prophets, and all the chosen people. 1 Peter 2:9. Calmet.—God causeth the good endeavours of the king for his subjects to prosper. Worthington.

Verse 9. Exalt, or carry on thy shoulders, like the good shepherd. Lu. 15:5. Restore thy people to prosperity. This was the wish of the carnal Jews. The Christian must raise his thoughts higher. Calmet.—S. Jerom and Prot. “feed … and lift them up for ever.” Here the progress of justification appears. Bible.—God redeems and conducts us to eternal bliss. Bert.—As in Psalms 19. and so forth the subjects pray for their superiors, so here the ruler offers up his petitions for those committed to his charge. Worthington.