Alleluia. There is no title in Hebrew. But (Haydock) this psalm contains the praises of the Lord, and of his holy law, under fourteen different names, (Worthington) of way, testimony, &c., repeated in every verse, except the 122d, (Muis) with surprising variety, so as to avoid tautology, and to give... [ Continue Reading ]
_His testimonies. The commandments of God are called his testimonies, because they testify his holy will unto us. Note here, that in almost every verse of this psalm, (which in number are 176) the word and law of God, and the love and observance of it, are perpetually inculcated, under a variety of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ways. They may, however, repent. The just are subject to fall, 1 John i. 8. But venial faults are not incompatible with justice. (Calmet) --- Hebrew, "They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways." (Protestants) (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Diligently. Nimis. Literally, "too much." But this is a Hebrew idiom, to imply the greatest diligence. (Haydock) --- Some would refer it to "God's strong injunction;" which is not necessary. The psalmist henceforward speaks to God. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_O! that. Conscious of his own insufficiently, he prays for grace to be justified. (Worthington) --- Moses acknowledged, that man could not observe the law, without Christ, Deuteronomy xxx 11., and Romans x. 6._... [ Continue Reading ]
_All. At the day of judgment, it will not suffice to have observed only some of the commandments. See St. Jerome, St. Ambrose, &c., who all seem to follow Origen. (Calmet) --- The breach of any law brings confusion. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Justice. That all thy ordinances are most equitable, (Worthington) and when I shall have faithfully put them in practice, Ecclesiasticus xv. 9. (Theodoret)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Utterly. Hebrew nimis, as ver. 4. (Haydock) --- It may be advantageous to us to be left awhile, that we may know our own weakness. (St. Gregory, Mor. xx. 21.) (Worthington) --- He does not beg never to be tempted, or in tribulation; (Haydock) but only that he may not yield to sin. (St. Hilary) ---... [ Continue Reading ]
_Correct. Symmachus, "illustrate." (Calmet) --- The observance of the law is the only method to preserve innocence, or to regain it. (Haydock) --- The Holy Ghost gives this direction to youth, and to all who are exposed to the dangers of pleasure, (Worthington) as David might do to his son, 2 Kings... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let. Literally, "do not cast me off." (Haydock) --- God rejects none but the negligent. (St. Hilary; St. Ambrose, &c.) --- The just, or the Church in general, here confess (Worthington) that perseverance is a gift of God. (Haydock) --- Deprived of grace, we should fall, no less than if God "made us... [ Continue Reading ]
_Heart. To guard against the temptations of vanity. (Calmet) --- Christians formerly concealed the mysteries of religion with the utmost care. (St. Hilary and St. Ambrose) --- Moses had given the letter of the law only, insinuating, that it must be kept with all the heart, as David here more fully e... [ Continue Reading ]
_Justifications. He considers himself as placed at the feet of his divine Master. (Calmet) --- Though just, he wished to increase in virtue, Apocalypse xxii. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mouth. I have concealed them in my heart. Now I am not ashamed to publish them. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Riches. I give thy law the preference, Psalm xviii. 9. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Give. Hebrew, "avenge," Psalm xii. 6., and cxxxvii. 9. Draw me from this state of oppression, (Calmet) or rather, give me abundant grace, (Berthier) and eternal life. (St. Hilary) --- I cannot fulfil the law, without thy grace. (Worthington) --- Enliven me. So the Septuagint of Aldus reads, though... [ Continue Reading ]
_Law. In rewarding, punishing, &c. This thou wilt enable me to perceive, (Worthington) as thy law is too much above my comprehension. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Earth. At Babylon, or in the world, which is a pilgrimage, (Calmet) and I am unacquainted with the roads. (Menochius) --- The latter sense is much better, 2 Corinthians v. 6., and Hebrews xi. 10. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Coveted. Hebrew, "burns, (Aquila; Houbigant) or is bruised, (Berthier) and faints through the desire of thy laws," (Calmet) or "judgments." (St. Jerome) --- If I have but a short time to live, I ardently seek for instruction, (Worthington) and wish to advance daily in virtue. (Calmet) --- His humil... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cursed. Becoming victims of hell, Matthew xxiv. (Berthier) (Deuteronomy xxvii. 26.) (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Princes. Thus Daniel, (vi. 5.) was treated. (Calmet) --- All who would live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, 2 Timothy iii. 12. (Haydock) --- The servant of God will adhere to his duty, though his adversaries may be very powerful. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Counsel. Hebrew, "the princes of my counsel." (Houbigant) in opposition to those who endeavoured to make him fall, ver. 23. (Haydock) --- The laws of God afford the best advice. An ancient king observed, that the dead were the best counsellors, as they will not flatter, &c. (Calmet) --- In every tr... [ Continue Reading ]
_Pavement. Hebrew, "dust," (Berthier) weighed down by concupiscence, (St. Augustine) and infected by the union with the body. (St. Ambrose) --- The just, in great distress, beg to be delivered, conformably to God's promise. (Worthington) (Wisdom ix. 15., and Romans vii. 24.)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ways. Or sins, (Theodoret) or miserable condition, ver. 25. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Slumbered. Greek: Enustaxen, for which Origen, thinking it a mistake of copyists, substituted Greek: estaxen, "has melted," (Calmet) or "distilled," (Aquila, &c., Heracleot.) as more conformable to the original, though the sense is much the same. Loss of blood often causes people to slumber. (Berth... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM CXVIII. (BEATI IMACULATI.) Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God. _ Iniquity. Hebrew, "lying." Let me not imitate the wicked. (Haydock) --- Remit the punishment of my sins, (Psalm cvi. 17.; Calmet) --- also original sin, and its effects... [ Continue Reading ]
_Heart. Man runs, but God must impart grace. (Worthington) --- An enlarged heart sometimes denotes the capacity of understanding, 3 Kings iv. 29. (Calmet) --- But it is a singular mercy of God to make us love his commands. (St. Augustine)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Always. Hebrew hekeb, means also, "for the reward," (Pagnin; Haydock; ver. 112.) or step by step. (St. Jerome) (Calmet) --- Make me love thy commandments. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Heart. Enable me to keep and to understand thy law, ver. 1, 2. (Worthington) --- We must observe what we know, that we may receive greater lights. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Desired. Free-will concurs with grace. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Covetousness. Either of money, or any unlawful object, 1 Timothy vi. 10. (Haydock) The word is very comprehensive. (Berthier) --- Batsah is rendered mammon by the Chaldean. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Vanity. Idols, worldly prosperity, &c., (Psalm xxxvi. 1, 7.; (Calmet) shews, (St. Ambrose) and all dangerous objects. (Haydock) --- We must pray that God will take away the occasions of sin, and help us to advance in virtue. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Reproach. Hidden sins of thought, (St. Ambrose) or the sarcasms of the Babylonians. (Calmet) --- Sin is odious, because it is contrary to God's law, which is most delightful. (Worthington) --- The saints have been often ridiculed, Jeremias xx. 7., and Acts xxvi. 24. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Quicken. The just prays for greater perfection, and for perseverance. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Salvation. The Messias, foretold by the prophets, (Genesis xlix., Romans iii. 23., and Titus ii. 13.; Berthier) or grace, freely promised to all who ask for it. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_In any thing. Literally, "the word" that I, &c. Thus he stops their mouths, by professing his confidence in God. (Haydock) --- The Babylonians insultingly ask, Where is their God? If thou free me from captivity, I may reply that my hopes were not vain. (Calmet) --- This answer I will give boldly, i... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mouth. Let those who preach the truth, live up to it. (St. Hilary and St. Ambrose) --- Though the psalmist may be under some fear, he prays that he may not omit to make open profession of his faith. (Worthington) --- God never hinders his servants from doing this, though he sometimes suffers them t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ever. Hebrew, "and after." The sanction of the law will remain after this world is at an end. These expressions relate to the Church. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Large. The Jews could not practise the law out of their country, (Calmet) as to the ceremonial part. (Haydock) --- He hopes to be soon set at liberty. The verb should be explained in the future, as St. Jerome has them, (Calmet) though this is immaterial. (Berthier) --- David had already observed th... [ Continue Reading ]
Of thy, ( de, &c.) but the true reading is, in testimoniis, "conformably to," &c., as in the Hebrew, Septuagint, and Vulgate. (Haydock) (Berthier) --- Ashamed. Thus many even of the female sex have professed their faith boldly, with St. Agnes, St. Catharine, St. Winefrid, &c., answering the reproach... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hands. To pray, labour, or rather to swear an eternal fidelity. (Calmet) --- Confessors rejoice in meditation on God's words, which they shew forth in all their actions. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mindful. He does not intimate that God can forget, but shews his fervour, (St. Augustine) and begs that he may be worthy to receive the effects of God's promises. (St. Hilary) --- Though his decrees be most certain, means must be employed, which the just pray may not be wanting. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_This hope, hæc, though some would suppose it is put for hoc. (Berthier) --- "This is my consolation in my distress." (St. Jerome) (Haydock) --- Word. The expectation of thy promises has given me courage. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Did. Hebrew, "greatly derided me." (Haydock) --- But I continued to observe thy law (Calmet) with patience, notwithstanding their provocations. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Of old. Upon the rebel angels, and sinful men, whom thou wilt punish for ever. This encourages me to adhere to the cause of virtue. (Worthington) --- In many dangers our ancestors have been protected by God. Is his arm shortened, or are we no longer his people? (Calmet) (1 Peter iv. 12.)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Fainting. So much was the psalmist grieved at the sight of sinners! (Berthier) --- He would have died through zeal, if he had not seen God's justice. (Worthington) --- Apostates particularly filled him with horror. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Song. Here on earth I am comforted with singing the praises of thy law, which makes the observers just. (Worthington) --- The captives would not give holy things to dogs: but, among themselves, they sung canticles, Psalm cxxxvi. (Calmet) (Colossians iii. 16., 1 Paralipomenon xxix. 15., and Hebrews... [ Continue Reading ]
_Night. Of tribulation, (Worthington) and captivity. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_This. Hæc facta est mihi. The feminine is put for the neuter, (Calmet) which the Hebrew have not. (Berthier) --- We may also understand, This night of calamity, ver. 55. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Portion. With the just tending to perfection, I desire no other inheritance. (Worthington) --- "He who possesses God, has all things." (St. Ambrose)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_My ways. Many read, " thy ways. " (Septuagint; Arabic) --- But this is the true sense of the Hebrew, &c. The consciousness of having adhered to thy commands, makes me hope that thou wilt not abandon me. (Calmet) --- I have bewailed my past transgressions, and am resolved henceforward to live piousl... [ Continue Reading ]
_And am. Hebrew, "and delay not." For cursed is he who does the work of God negligently, (Septuagint) or with deceit, Jeremias xlviii. 10. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cords. Temptations of the devil, (St. Augustine) and of the wicked, who strive by force, or by caresses, to ensnare the virtuous, ver. 110. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Midnight. Under tribulation, (St. Augustine) or to avoid the malice of those who pried into my conduct. I was so delighted with thy law, that I meditated on it both in the day-time, and at night. (Calmet) --- This pious custom was observed by St. Paul, (Acts xvi.) as it is still by many religious o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Partaker. Hebrew, "a friend." I do not fear to approve of their conduct, (Calmet) and condole with them. (St. Hilary) --- The true living members of Christ enjoy the great benefit of partaking in the prayers and good works of the whole Church militant and triumphant, in the communion of saints. (Wo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Goodness to others (Menochius) in want. (Worthington) --- Discipline, or patience under chastisement. (St. Augustine) (Theodoret) --- Hebrew, "wisdom," or discernment how to act, and knowledge of what regards thy law and revealed truths. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Humbled. St. Jerome, "before I heard, I was ignorant." He speaks of the gift of prophecy: or "before I was afflicted, I went astray." (Calmet) --- Therefore, chastisements are very salutary. (Berthier) (ver. 71., and Jeremias x. 24., and 31, 19.) (Calmet) --- Before, I often fell; but sorrow has ma... [ Continue Reading ]
_Goodness, or sweetness, denoting the unction of grace. (St. Augustine)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Iniquity. Hebrew, "the proud have forged lies against me," (Haydock) which was verified in Daniel, (Calmet) and David, &c. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Curdled. Grown hard, like milk that is curdled and turned to cheese. (Challoner) --- Hebrew, "like fat." They have no compassion or wisdom, Isaias vi. 10. (Calmet) --- Without the points, cheleb means also milk. (Berthier) --- The wicked combine together for my ruin: but I will still be faithful. ... [ Continue Reading ]
_Humbled me. "It is good for the proud to fall into some open sin, (Calmet) whence they may be displeased at themselves." (St. Augustine) --- A patient thanks his physician for having used a necessary severity. (Theodoret) (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Silver, above all the world. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hands. Power (Berthier) and love. (Theodoret) --- We may confidently pray to our Creator for light, (Worthington) and that he may perfect his work. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_See me advance in virtue. (Worthington) --- The angels rejoice at the conversion of a sinner, (Luke xv. 10.) as the Church does at her children's progress. (St. Jerome) --- All the just will be glad to see me delivered. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Truth. Though we may not discern the particular causes of our suffering, we must be convinced that they are right. (Worthington) --- Sinners are afflicted that they may amend, and the just for their advancement. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mercy. Jesus Christ, according to St. Jerome._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ashamed. Literally, "confounded," not accomplishing their wicked designs. (Calmet) --- Thus may they be induced to entertain that shame for sin which bringeth life, (Haydock) and cease to offend. (Theodoret) --- Let them be converted: though it be also (Haydock) lawful to desire that obstinate sinn... [ Continue Reading ]
_Turn to me. Let the wicked (Worthington) among those who adore the true God, enter into themselves, that we may form a holy league to support each other. (Haydock) --- May we all obtain our liberty, (Calmet) or may they imitate my constancy. (St. Ambrose)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Salvation. All the saints sighed after our Saviour's coming, (Matthew xiii. 17.) as they still do, 2 Timothy iv. 8. (Worthington) --- The deliverance from Babylon was a figure of redemption. The next verse is of the same import. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Like a bottle in the frost. In the Hebrew, like a bottle in the smoke. That is, I am become, through my sufferings in this mortal pilgrimage, as a leathern bottle, shrunk up because of being exposed to the frost or smoke. (Challoner) --- So the bodies of the just are exposed to mortification, that... [ Continue Reading ]
_Servant. The just may lawfully desire the term of their sufferings, with submission to God's will, (Worthington) and to be freed from the power of persecutors, (Hebrew, "the proud;" Berthier) and from exile, after their enemies are punished, Psalm xxxviii. 5. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Fables. Idle tales, not agreeable to God's law. (Worthington) --- Such were the theology and histories of the pagans. (Calmet) --- Such are still the false maxims of the world, and many books designed to corrupt the morals of the age. (Haydock) --- The Jews confined themselves to their own divine b... [ Continue Reading ]
_Help me. He does not pray to be exempted from trials, but that he may have grace to gain the victory. (St. Hilary)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Earth. Babylon; (Calmet) though this is never styled simply the earth. It refers to all the enemies of salvation, particularly to our own passions. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_In heaven. In the faithful angels, (St. Augustine) or Jesus Christ. (Bellanger.) --- The promises seem not to have their effect here; but they will in heaven. (Berthier) --- The word of God is as unchangeable as heaven. (Calmet) --- The psalmist praises God's works, which observe the order establis... [ Continue Reading ]
_All. Literally, "unto generation and generation," which the fathers explain of the true faith, which has subsisted in the synagogue and in the Church of Christ alone. (St. Hilary, St. Ambrose, &c.) (Calmet) --- Those who did not belong to the former, in the first ages of the world, might still form... [ Continue Reading ]
_Serve thee. Except man, (Worthington) and angels who rebel; and yet they also are forced to serve as victims of justice, if they have refused to accept of mercy. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abjection. Man cannot rise from sin without grace, and attention to the law. (Worthington) --- This supports him under the punishment of sin. (Haydock) --- Meditation alleviates his grief, which might otherwise have proved mortal. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Understand. Or "shall understand." I am already able to encounter my enemies, Philippians ii. 15. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Perfection, of a worldly nature. (Haydock) --- All have their limits. But God's law bindeth for ever, as the rewards and punishments are eternal. (Worthington) --- Broad. Charity, which extends both to God and our neighbour. (St. Augustine) --- The law is above my comprehension, though I am able to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Loved. Constraint takes away all merit. (St. Hilary) --- Son, give me thy heart, Proverbs xxiii. 26. (Haydock) --- The just man wonders that he should feel such love, as he knows it is not his own growth, but a gift of God. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Enemies of salvation, (Berthier) or the Babylonians, whom Daniel far surpassed; thou we would not absolutely assert that it refers to him, Daniel i. 19., and xiii. 1., and Ezechiel xxviii. 3. (Calmet) --- David was no less enlightened (Berthier) by the prophetic spirit above his earthly instructor,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Teachers. Who do not follow the rules of virtue. The ancients, (ver. 100.) of the same description, must yield the palm to those who are less advanced in years, but more observant of God's law. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Every. We cannot follow both the broad and the narrow path. (Theodoret) (James ii. 10.)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Honey. St. Ambrose, &c., add, "and the honeycomb," Psalm xviii. 11. Homer (Iliad A.) compares the speech of Nestor with honey. (Calmet) --- See Proverbs xvi. 24., Ezechiel iii. 3., and Apocalypse x. 10._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hated. We must come to the practice of the law, (Calmet) and hate sin. (Worthington) --- Iniquity. Hebrew, "lying." But every sin is contrary to truth. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy word. Jesus Christ, (St. Hilary) who enlightens every man, John i. --- Lamp, (2 Peter i. 19., and Proverbs vi. 23.) while sin is the light of the wicked, Proverbs xxi. 4., and xxiv. 20. (Berthier) --- The law of God, proposed by his prophets and pastors, in the ordinary method of instruction. ... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sworn. By the ceremony of circumcision, &c., as we now engage by vows in baptism, to observe all the commandments. (Worthington) --- Those who receive not the sacrament, are still under a strict obligation to obey the truth; as all were created only for this purpose. (Haydock) --- The psalmist mean... [ Continue Reading ]
_Quicken. This petition, with the praise of the law, is the subject of this psalm. (Calmet) --- All the godly must suffer, 2 Timothy iii. 12. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Free offerings of praise and thanks, (St. Augustine) or the works of supererogation, (St. Hilary, Theodoret, &c.) which are not commanded, though acceptable to God, (Worthington) and undertaken for the sake of greater perfection. (Calmet) --- The evangelical counsels of voluntary poverty, &c., are... [ Continue Reading ]
_My hands. In danger of being thrown by, or of falling, (Worthington) ready to appear before God's tribunal. I watch over myself, and strive to keep my soul tranquil. The prophet might have all this in view. (Berthier) --- Most of the fathers read, "in thy hands," under God's protection. This is den... [ Continue Reading ]
_Snare, ver. 67. In such dangers, I still remain faithful. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Inheritance. I will strive to imitate the faith of Abraham, &c. (Haydock) --- I will stick to the law as to my portion, through pure love._... [ Continue Reading ]
Inclined. He had said, (ver. 36.) incline, as the work proceeds from grace and free-will. (St. Augustine) --- Reward. St. Jerome, "for the eternal reward." All agree, that the Hebrew may have this sense. He is influenced by hope, though the motive of charity is place first. Whether both motives can... [ Continue Reading ]
_Unjust. Inasmuch as they oppose thy law. (Berthier) --- So Christ orders us to hate our parents, when they are an obstacle to our salvation. We must love their persons and welfare, (St. Augustine) but hate their iniquity. (Worthington) --- Hebrew, "the turbulent." St. Jerome, "vain thoughts," and i... [ Continue Reading ]
_Helper. Hebrew, "asylum and buckler." We must keep in his presence, (Haydock) and avoid the society of the wicked, if we would search the law, ver. 115. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Live. St. Augustine (tr. 124. in Joan.) beautifully describes the life of the just here and in heaven. (Berthier) --- We may thus pray for grace, and spiritual life with confidence, if we be resolved to keep the commandments. Yet we must not fail to entreat God not to suffer us to be confounded, wh... [ Continue Reading ]
_Prevaricators. For though they be not acquainted with revelation, (Haydock) they have the natural law written in their hearts by God, Romans ii. 12. (St. Augustine) --- There is no such thing as the philosophic sin, (Berthier) which abstracts from every offence of the Deity, though it be allowed to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Afraid. Servile fear is therefore profitable, though perfect charity expel it, and move us to do well for the love of God, 1 John iv. (Worthington) --- Yet fear sometimes returns, that the just may not give way to presumption. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Justice. This he declares out of zeal, praying to be freed from calumniators, (Worthington) particularly the devil, Apocalypse xii. 9. The Babylonians probably laid falsehoods to the charge of the Jews, in order to oppress them, as they frequently accused Daniel._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Uphold. Hebrew, "answer for," (St. Jerome) as a bondsman. --- Unto good. Thus the law is insinuated, though it is not here expressed. (Berthier) --- In attacking the devil, who is so experienced, we must take God with us, or we shall surely be overcome. (St. Augustine, tr. 4. in Joan.)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Salvation. The Messias, (St. Hilary; ver. 41.) or liberty, ver. 82. I have been fatigued with looking up to heaven for aid, like a woman who looks for the return of her husband to port. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mercy. When we have been most diligent, there still remains much to be done, and in many things we offend. (St. Ambrose)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_To do. Our best, since so many prove rebellious, (Hebrews iv. 11., and Ecclesiasticus v. 8.; Berthier) or we stand in the utmost need of the Messias, since even the Jews give erroneous explanations of the law. (St. Ambrose) --- Hebrew, &c., "it is time for the Lord to act," by punishing the guilty;... [ Continue Reading ]
_Topaz. Hebrew paz, which denotes "the purest gold" of Phison, Genesis ii. 11. (Calmet) --- The topaz was discovered only in the reign of Ptolemy, father of Philadelphus. (St. Hilary) (Pliny, [Natural History?] xxvii. 8.) --- Yet St. Jerome and others have the topaz, (Berthier) which St. Ambrose rep... [ Continue Reading ]
_Directed. In my steps. (Berthier) --- Pagnin, "I judged all, yea all thy precepts to be right." (Haydock) --- The hatred of the wicked made the love of the beauty of the law increase in my breast. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wonderful. Under the letter, I discovered many mysteries, which makes me study them diligently. (Calmet) --- God's works and laws deserve our most serious attention. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Declaration. By God's ministers renders them intelligible, though so wonderful in themselves. Hebrew styles this "the door of opening." (Berthier) --- The Scriptures are full of difficulties, and Daniel (ix. 2.) made them his study. Since the coming of Christ, the mysteries and prophecies have been... [ Continue Reading ]
_Panted. Like one afflicted with the asthma, (Berthier) or most eager to obtain something. (Worthington) --- He asked and obtained the holy Spirit, (St. Augustine) enabling him to understand the law, (Haydock) and to comply with it. See Ezechiel iii. 2., and Psalm lxxx 11. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Judgment. Or custom, (Calmet) as thou art wont to treat such. (Worthington) --- Let us not be looked upon as criminals. (Calmet) --- The just are persuaded, that God will not reject the humble, (Berthier) according to the opinion ( sententiam) of, &c. (Chaldean)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Calumnies. That they may not cause me to abandon virtue. (St. Augustine) --- A person must be well grounded not to yield on such occasions, when he is exposed to ridicule, &c., ver. 122. (Calmet) --- Even the psalmist dreaded this situation. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Shine. (ver. 33.) Let me never go astray. (Berthier) --- But shew me favour. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Law. This shews that David composed this psalm, as he fell by seeing Bethsabee. --- They. Men. (Duport.) Septuagint, "I." But this is unnecessary. The eyes and all our senses lead to our ruin, Romans vii. 18, 24. (Berthier) --- True repentance requires lamentation, as well as a firm purpose of amen... [ Continue Reading ]
_Right. He therefore makes people just indeed, and does not barely impute justice to them. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Truth. Thy laws are just and true in all respects, though we may not be able to discern it always, Romans ix. 20., and xi. 33. (Berthier) --- God punishes the wicked in his justice, and rewards the just in his truth, or according to his promises. (Theodoret)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_My. Septuagint, "thy zeal." The just are animated with the zeal of God, like St. Paul. The enemies here mentioned were the Israelites, who attacked David, and not the Babylonians, who never knew God's law, or apostate captives, since we do not find that they attempted to injure Daniel, &c. (Berthie... [ Continue Reading ]
_Refined. Literally, "fire." (Haydock) --- Pure as any thing which has passed through the fire. (Worthington) --- "It consumes sin, and enlightens the penitent." (St. Jerome)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Young. The Fathers explain this of David, who was preferred before his brothers; and of the Gentiles, who were chosen by Jesus Christ. (Worthington) --- It may refer to Daniel, who was enabled to prophesy very soon, or to the disciples, for whom this psalm was composed, (Calmet) whether Solomon, or... [ Continue Reading ]
_Trouble. Such is the portion of the just, Romans v. 3. --- Mediation. Hebrew, "joy." (Symmachus) (Calmet) --- The sense is the same. Septuagint generally give the former meaning, as they render by seeking what moderns would restrain to signify observing, ver. 145, &c. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Live. In justice, as thy law enjoins. (Worthington) --- Christ is the life. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cried. With requisite fervour, (Worthington) and attention. (St. Augustine)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_The. Literally, "in maturity." Some think that we should read immaturitate, Greek: aoria, (St. Augustine) "in the dead of the night." The psalmist not only rose at midnight, but before sun-rise to meditate. (Haydock) --- Kimchi says, he only indulged sleep the first three hours. But others believe,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Morning. Both night and morning, I prevented the usual hours of prayer. (Worthington) --- To thee, is not in Hebrew, "my eyes prevented the watches." (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Judgment. Or wonted mercy. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Law. There is no medium between faith and infidelity. If we do not observe the law, we sin. Not to advance is to go back. (Calmet) --- Shall we hesitate whether to follow the narrow or the broad road? (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Near. To reward or punish. We wander from thee, yet there is no place between. (St. Augustine, [Confessions?] x. 26, 27.) (Berthier) --- God is ever ready to hear our just requests. (Worthington) --- His law may be easily known, Deuteronomy xxx. 11. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ever. God's law is always the same in substance. (Worthington) --- That of Moses receives its perfection in Christianity. (Calmet) --- Though after this life we can no longer observe them, the reward of our past virtue will remain for ever. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Humiliation. Or "humility," as St. Augustine understands it of that virtue. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sinners. Such cannot expect to be liberated. (Calmet) --- Yet, as the captivity was fixed for seventy years, and many who were almost ignorant of the law, and had married strange wives, returned, this verse overturns that system, and shews that eternal salvation is meant. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Many. the Babylonians on one hand, and false brethren on the other, attack me: but I am grieved most to see God offended. (Calmet) --- All the earth is stained with the blood of martyrs, whom the Church honours with festivals, and whose intercession heals many sick. (St. Augustine)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Transgressors. Septuagint, "fools," Greek: asunetountas. If Greek: o were placed before Greek: e, the exact meaning of the Hebrew would be preserved, though the wicked are often styled fools. (Haydock) --- The prevaricating Jews are here designated, ver. 136. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold. A person may profess his innocence without arrogance._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Truth. Hence all such commandments are immutable. (Worthington) --- The threats of God have been put in execution, and we cannot doubt but the promised liberation will soon take place. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Princes. Of darkness, or the chiefs of the Philistines, &c. (Berthier) --- Daniel was much exposed to the fury of the Babylonian princes, but he was more afraid of the terrors of the law, (Leviticus xxvi.) than of all that they could do against him. (Calmet) --- Thus the martyrs despised the threat... [ Continue Reading ]
_Spoil. Having just mentioned fear; lest any should think that he entertained any secret dislike for the law; he adds, that it gives him more content than the greatest treasures or conquests can the miser or the hero, ver. 14, 72, and 127. (Calmet) --- He rejoiceth thus in keeping the commandments,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Iniquity. Hebrew, "lying." The Babylonians have attempted to draw me over to their false religion; but I perceived its vanity, (Calmet) and stick closer to the truth, (Haydock; ver. 85.) and to thy holy law. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
Seven. Often, (Worthington) as the word signifies, Proverbs xxiv. 16., &. (Vatable) --- Yet here it may determine the precise number, as the Church seems to have taken it, by instituting the seven canonical hours of the day, and matins and lauds for the night, in imitation of the psalmist. (Berthier... [ Continue Reading ]
_Peace, in their own conscience, (Worthington) and prosperity, without fear of danger. Not even death can disturb those who belong to God, Romans viii. 38. (Calmet) --- But all things work together for their good, Romans viii. 28. (Haydock) --- The perfect are not moved to imitate bad example, and t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Loved. Hebrew, &c., "performed." (Calmet) --- The difference is but small. (Berthier) --- He is actuated by real charity. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sight, whom I would not offend. (Worthington) --- The presence of God ought to deter us most effectually from sin. (Haydock) (Titus ii. 13.)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Supplication. Hebrew, "cry." Eusebius reads axioma, "dignity," which S. Ambrose thinks has been substituted for axiosis, "prayer;" though all our copies of the Septuagint have deesis, (Calmet) a word of the same import. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_A hymn. Hebrew also, "praise." (Haydock) --- Like a spring sending forth a copious stream. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Save me. Though a person be endued with grace, he requireth more grace to resist temptations. (Worthington) --- Actual grace is requisite. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Live in grace and glory. To serve God, it was not requisite that one should be at Jerusalem. Daniel, Tobias, &c., were saints elsewhere. (Berthier) --- Yet it was more easy to worship God in his temple, where every thing moved to piety; (Haydock) and this the psalmist desires, deeming it a new life... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lost. I am in captivity. (Calmet) --- All men have been involved in sin, and Christ came to save them; but only such as keep the law will obtain salvation. (Worthington) --- The conclusion contains a confession of misery in the name of all, and an allusion to Christ, the good shepherd. The prophet... [ Continue Reading ]