Psalms 77

Verse 1. Asaph. David composed this, to declare the rights of Juda to the throne, in preference to the tribe of Ephraim, (Lyran.) which had kept possession of the ark a long time; which was henceforth to be on Mount Sion. Bible.—It seems to relate to the times of Asa, who reunited several of the other tribes to his dominion, (2 Chronicles 15:8. Calmet.) and contains a moral instruction, delivered in the person of Christ, (verse 2. Euseb. Bert.) and submitted to the attentive consideration of the faithful. Worthington.—Law. Given to Moses, (Bert.) and sanctioned by the divine authority. Bible.—The law, and the people were not David’s, but God’s, in whose name he speaks. Saint Gregory in Job ii. Worthington.

Verse 2. Propositions. Deep and mysterious sayings. By this it appears, that the historical facts of ancient times, commemorated in this psalm, were deep and mysterious; as being figures of great truths appertaining to the time of the New Testament. Challoner.—Saint Matthew, 13:35. has, things hidden from the foundation of the world. Hebrew minni kedem, “from of old.” Saint Jerome “ancient riddles.” Bible.—Mashal and chidoth, “parables and enigmas.” frequently denote things very plain, but spoken in a sententious poetic style. Numbers 23:7. Calmet.—The facts, and so forth of the Old Testament, prefigured the mysteries of the New. Worthington.

Verse 3. Fathers. Christ might thus speak as man, and he enforces tradition in the strongest terms. Bert.—Only some things were written. Worthington.—The most ancient and universal mode of instruction, was by word of mouth. Bible.

Verse 5. Testimony. The tabernacle, (Euseb.) or the law which notifies his will. Calmet. Menochius.—He also thrice required the Israelites to perpetuate the memory of what he had done for them, by instructing their children. Deuteronomy 4:9 and 6:7 and 11:19. Both the written and the unwritten word must be carefully preserved. 2 Thes. 2:14. God had freely chosen Abraham, and given him the law of circumcision; as he directed his posterity by the mouth of Moses. Worthington.

Verse 7. That, and so forth This was the end of all the laws and monuments of religion, ( Calmet.) to increase our confidence, ( Worthington.) gratitude, and observance of our duty. Bible.

Verse 8. Fathers. Some were virtuous, like Moses, Josue, Samuel, and so forth verse 3 and 5. Bert.—But the majority proved faithless. Bible.—To God. Or did not confide in him, or know that without God’s grace, no good can be done. Saint Augustine Bert.—Abraham instructed his house, (Genesis 18) and David his subjects, that they might avoid bad example. The same advice regards Christians, 1 Corinthians 10. Worthington.

Verse 9. Battle. Many of this tribe were cut off by the men of Geth, (1 Chronicles 7:21. Chal. Geier.) as they fought without God’s command. Numbers 14. Worthington.—They did not defend the ark against the Philistines, though they seemed more bound to do so than the rest, since it was brought from their city, Silo, and they also set the others a pattern of infidelity; (1 Kennicott. 4. Abenezra.) whence they are singled out likewise by Osee. Bert.—The famous victory of Abia against Jeroboam may be also designated. 2 Chronicles 13. Calmet.—This had not yet taken place, no more than ( Bible.) their captivity, under Salmanazar, which is enigmatically foretold. After this reproach, the whole body of the Israelites is condemned. verse 10. Bert.

Verse 12. Taneos. Hebrew Tsohan, ( Bible.) which means, “spreading,” either because the plagues spread from this capital, or because it was in a plain, (Bert.) or very extensive, ( Bible.) on the eastern branch of the Nile, in the Delta. Calmet.—Here Moses wrought his wonders. Worthington.

Verse 13. Vessel. Lit. “bottle,” like walls on either side.

Verse 14. By day. Lit. “of the day.” Bible.—But this is the real import of the Greek. The same cloud ( Calmet.) was both luminous and obscure. When the light side was turned towards Israel, the Egyptians were in darkness. Bible.—The eternal Son of God guided this pillar, and the Israelites tempted him, (verse 18 and 1 Corinthians 10. Exodus 13:21. Bert.) forgetting their baptism or initiation in the service of God. Bible.

Verse 15. Deep. Water was so abundant, and followed them in streams. 1 Corinthians 10:4. Calmet.—The first miraculous grant of water was at Horeb, the second at Cades. verse 20. Bert.

Verse 18. Desires. Lit. “souls,” as if they were dying for hunger, though they had plenty of manna. Numbers 11:4. Calmet.

Verse 19. Ill. Hebrew “against,” (Numbers 11. Calmet.) still distrusting in God’s power. Menochius.

Verse 20. Bread. Including all sorts of food. Worthington.—Table. Hebrew “flesh.” It is true we have water and manna, but we want something more solid and agreeable. Calmet.