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God presides in the great assembly. He judges among the gods.
Verse 1. Asaph. This psalm alludes to the wars of David, (2 Kennicott. 8. Bert.) against Ammon, (Bos.) or of the Jews returned from captivity, (2 Ezra 4. Ezekiel 38. Theod.) or of the Machabees; (1 Maccabees 5 and 2 Maccabees 10. Bell.) or rather of Josaphat. 2 Chronicles 20. Kimchi. Hammond. Calmet.—All in danger are taught to have recourse to God. Bert.
“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?”
Verse 2. To thee? Hebrew “be not silent to thyself.” Pagn.—But domi also implies “like;” (Bell.) and there would otherwise be a sort of tautology. Bert.—Christ on earth was like other men: but when he shall come to judgment, non will be comparable to Him. Saint Augustine—Amama says this exposition is groundless: but others are of a contrary opinion. Bible.—The ancient Greek interpreters seem not to have varied from the Septuagint though S. Jerom adopts the present Hebrew “be not silent. Hold,” and so forth which may express the utmost fervour and want of protection. Thy own cause is now at stake: the enemy wishes to destroy religion. Calmet.
“Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Verse 3. Noise. Like the boisterous ocean. Bible.—Head. To revolt, 4 Kennicott. 3:9 and 2 Chronicles 20.
Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Verse 4. Saints. Hebrew “hidden ones;” (Prot. Bible.) the people under God’s protection, ( Menochius. Bert.) or the treasures of the temple. Calmet.
They don’t know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
Verse 5. Nation. That there may be no more of this religion, or Catholics. Worthington.—Israel delighted most in being styled the chosen nation of God. Bert.
I said, “You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High.
Nevertheless you shall die like men, and fall like one of the rulers.”
Verse 7. Agarenes descended from Agar, though they took the name of Saracens, as if they had sprung from Sara, ( Worthington.) or they dwelt at Agra, otherwise called Petra, in Arabia; or on the east of Galaad, 1 Chronicles 5:10. Calmet.
Arise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.