Psalms 79

Verse 1. Testimony, or instruction, ( Calmet.) and proof of the psalmist’s faith. Bible.—Psalm. Vat. Septuagint Saint Augustine and so forth add, “for (or against) the Assyrian:” whence some have inferred that it relates to the captivity of Israel. But as Benjamin is also mentioned, it seems rather to speak of the captives of Babylon, ( Calmet.) or of all Jews and Christians in distress. Bert.—The faithful pray for the coming of the Messias, verse 2. 4. 16. Bible.—Fathers. Calmet.

Verse 2. Joseph. He mentions these two as persons dear to God. All the tribes were equally led away captives, and the distinction of kingdoms was not regarded. Calmet.—All Israel is denoted by Joseph, who composed two tribes, having a double portion; ( Worthington. Menochius.) and ruling in Egypt. Bell.

Verse 3. Manasses. These three tribes followed the ark in the desert, (Numbers 2:18) and might better see the majesty shining over it. Worthington. Calmet.—Let all be united once more in the divine service. Muis.—Samaria, and Jerusalem in part, were in the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin, ( Menochius.) and Manasses occupied both sides of the Jordan. Bible.

Verse 4. Saved. This chorus occurs three ( Worthington.) or four times. Calmet.—With God’s grace, we shall be able to act virtuously. Saint Jerome—Thou canst easily rescue us from our misery. Be pleased to send us the Messias, thy substantial image, 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Colossians 1:15. If thou assist us, we may co-operate to obtain salvation. Worthington.

Verse 6. Measure. Hebrew shalish, “three-fold.” Saint Jerome—The capacity of this measure is not determined. It might be the seah, or the third part of an epha, which would be very abundant, speaking of tears; though small to contain the earth. Isaiah 40:12. Calmet.—Penitents must eat little. Saint Jerome—Yet their sorrow must be moderated by hope. Euseb. See Ose. 9:4. Calmet.—God punishes so as not to destroy us. Worthington.

Verse 7. At us. See Psalms 78:4. Bible.—Such was the condition of Jeremias, 15:10. Calmet.—Hebrew “have scoffed among themselves.” Chal. and S. Jerom agree with us. Scorn is more difficult to bear than poverty. Hence to comfort himself, the psalmist repeats, O God, and so forth Bert.

Verse 9. Vineyard. Thy Church and people. Worthington. Isaiah 5:1. Os. 10:1. Matthew 20:2.

Verse 10. Sight. Hebrew “Thou didst dig before it,” (Mont.) making the ground ready. Calmet.—The cloud went before the Israelites. Worthington.—Land of promise. Bible.

Verse 11. God. The highest cedars were surpassed by the branches, or even by the smallest shoots (arbusta) of this vine. Bible.—Most powerful nations were forced to submit to David. Theod.—The Israelites were exceedingly multiplied, ( Worthington.) and enjoyed the fruits of the country. Mic. 4:4. Calmet.

Verse 12. River Euphrates, from the Mediterranean, Red, and Indian seas. Bible. Deuteronomy 11:24.

Verse 13. It? Thou hast withdrawn thy protection. The temple is destroyed, and all plunder with impunity, because thy vineyard has not rendered good fruit. Jeremiah 2:21.