_David. When persecuted by Saul. (Calmet) --- It is very difficult, and was used in the evening service in the oriental churches, (St. Chrysostom) as it is on Friday in the Roman Breviary. The psalm may be applicable to all in distress, (Berthier) who are members of Christ. (St. Augustine) --- Heark... [ Continue Reading ]
_As. May be understood. "My prayer is an evening sacrifice," or equally acceptable. (Haydock) --- Sacrifice. Hebrew, "offering," which may be the same with the incense, or the evening holocaust. (Calmet) --- The Church prays that her petitions may ascend to the throne of God, and be accepted. The mo... [ Continue Reading ]
_And. Hebrew, "keep guard at the door of my lips," (Montanus) or "on the poverty of," &c., (St. Jerome) that I may not speak too much, or imprudently; as I shall do, if left to myself. (Haydock) --- Houbigant rejects this version, which is very expressive. (Berthier) (Ecclesiasticus xxviii. 28.) ---... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sins. Such excuses are always vain. (St. Jerome) --- God does not incline any to sin, as the Manichee elect pretended. (St. Augustine) --- The pride of the human heart would throw the blame of sin on any but itself. (Haydock) --- Sometimes, fate, predestination, &c., are charged with it. Our first... [ Continue Reading ]
In mercy. Proverbs xxvii. 16., and Ezechiel xix. 8. (Haydock) --- Let not the oil of the sinner, &c. That is, the flattery, or deceitful praise. (Challoner) --- This is pernicious; while the reprehension of the just may do us good. (Worthington) --- Sinner. Hebrew, "of poison, or of the head, ( vass... [ Continue Reading ]
_Their judges, &c. Their rulers, or chiefs, quickly vanish and perish, like ships dashed against the rocks, and swallowed up by the waves. Let them then hear my words, for they are powerful and will prevail; or, as it is in the Hebrew, for they are sweet. (Challoner) --- The Israelites were long gov... [ Continue Reading ]
As when the thickness, &c. If this is to be connected with what goes before, it declares the efficacy of those powerful words, capable to break up the thick and hard earth, of the hearts of man. But if it is to be connected with the following words, our bones are scattered, &c., it means, that the m... [ Continue Reading ]
_His. "Own," (Protestants) the devil's, (St. Hilary) or God's net. (St. Chrysostom, &c.) --- Saul twice fell into David's power. (Calmet) --- Alone. Singularly protected by the Almighty, until I pass all their nets and snares. (Challoner) --- Though alone, I fear no danger. (Haydock) --- I will have... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM CXL. (DOMINE CLAMAVI.) A prayer against sinful words, and deceitful flatterers.... [ Continue Reading ]