A gradual canticle. The following psalms, in number fifteen, are called gradual psalms or canticles, from the word gradus, signifying steps, ascensions, or degrees; either because they were appointed to be sung on the fifteen steps, by which the people ascended to the temple; or that in the singing... [ Continue Reading ]
_Tongue. From the Babylonians, who seek to delude me, (Calmet) and from detraction, which is most dangerous. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Added. This is an usual form of denouncing vengeance, Ruth i. 17. The Babylonians are threatened with God's judgments, ver. 4. Some place these words in the mouth of God, answering the captives. How shall you be screened from the shafts of detraction? Fear not. The sharp, &c. (Calmet) --- What puni... [ Continue Reading ]
_Waste. Hebrew, "of juniper" or thorn trees, Job xxx. 4. The former is said to retain its heat a long time, and the latter is easily inflamed, Psalm cxvii. 12. Such fiery weapons have been often used, Psalm vii. 14., and lxxv. 3. Spiculaque et multa crinitum missile flamma. (Stat. Theb. v.)_ --- Ho... [ Continue Reading ]
_Is prolonged. Hebrew, "is Meshec." (Haydock) --- But Houbigant rejects this as a place unknown; and the word may have the former signification, given by the Septuagint and St. Jerome. (Calmet) (Berthier) --- Moses speaks of Meshec, (Genesis x. 2.) or of the mountains separating Cholcis from Armenia... [ Continue Reading ]
_Peaceable. Hebrew, "I spoke peaceable, and they warlike things. (St. Jerome) --- Literally, "I was peace, and when I spoke, they flew to war." (Haydock) --- Cause. This is easily understood from the context, (Berthier) though not expressed in the original. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM CXIX. (AD DOMINUM.) A prayer in tribulation.... [ Continue Reading ]