Psalms 70

Verse 1. Of the sons of Jonadab. The Rechabites, of whom see Jeremias 35. By this addition of the seventy-two interpreters, we gather that this psalm was usually sung in the synagogue, in the person of the Rechabites, and of those who were first carried away into captivity. Challoner.—This first captivity happened under Joakim, A.Menochius. 3398, the second, under Jechonias, 3405, and the last, when the city was destroyed and Sedecias w as taken, 3416. Usher.—The Rechabites entered Jerusalem a little before the first of these events, and set the people an example of obedience by submitting to Nabuchodonosor, as Jeremias directed. Bellar. Menochius.—S. Jerom considers their being confined within the walls, as their first captivity. Ep. ad Paul. and ad Rust.—But there is nothing in this title in Hebrew Euseb. and so forth and several copies of the Septuagint acknowledge the same; ( Calmet.) so that it is of no great authority. Bert.—The psalm contains the sentiments of the captives, (Theod.) or of David, persecuted by his son: and in a more sublime sense, of Jesus Christ, complaining of treason and cruelty. Calmet.—All the saints, under persecution, may adopt the same language. Bert.—Hoped. These three verses are almost exactly the same. Psalms 30. Bias “being asked what was sweet to men, answered, hope.” Laert. 1.—Vain is the salvation of man. But hope confoundeth not. Psalms 59:13. Romans 5:5. Calmet.

Verse 2. Justice. Or mercy. Psalms 30:1. I have not injured Absalom, and so forth Calmet.—God avengeth the injuries done to his servants. Worthington.

Verse 3. Refuge. The parallel passage seems more complete ( Calmet.) in Hebrew, some letters of which may have been altered, since the time of the Septuagint Yet the sense is nearly the same. Bert.—“Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort. Thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.” Prot. Bible.

Verse 4. Unjust. Achitophel and Absalom. Calmet.

Verse 5. Patience. Confiding on thee, I lost not patience; (Saint Augustine Worthington.) or rather, (Amama) all my expectations are from thee. Psalms 61:6. Calmet.