_Destroy not. Suffer me not to be destroyed, (Challoner; Menochius) or I will not allow my men to destroy an implacable foe, (Haydock) as they entreat me to do. This conduct is worthy of eternal memory. (Worthington) --- The words may also be an admonition to the reader, not to alter this piece, Apo... [ Continue Reading ]
_In thee. This obliges God to take pity, Psalm xlvi. 11. --- Wings, as a chicken retires to the hen, Ruth ii. 12., and Matthew xxiii. 37._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sent his mercy, &c., (Calmet) above the power of man. (Worthington) --- Reproach. Saul was forced to entreat David to preserve his family, as he had just spared his own life; which would, no doubt, mortify his pride, (1 Kings xxiv. 18, 22.; Calmet) and seem a reproach to him. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lions. Poetry gives life to all things. It represents mercy and truth as God's messengers; and Saul as a young lion. He might have entered the cave with his men, and destroyed David: but Providence caused him to enter alone, so that David had an opportunity to cut off the hem of his garment, and to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Down. Hebrew, "my soul was bowed down," (Berthier) or "to bow down my soul." (St. Jerome) (Haydock) --- Saul strove many ways to destroy his rival, sending him to fight the Philistines, who, nevertheless, proved the ruin of Saul, 1 Kings xviii. 17., and xxxi. 1. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_My. This and the following verses, from the 107th psalm. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Glory. Soul, tongue, or rather instruments of music, (Calmet) and spirit of prophecy. (St. Athanasius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Nations. the psalms are now recited, (Worthington) in every language, and the wonders wrought by Christ are proclaimed. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
Clouds. They are exceedingly great. (Haydock) --- Christ has mounted to the highest heavens, and his apostles have preached (Calmet) his saving truths, which, like clouds, render the earth fruitful in good works. (Haydock)... [ Continue Reading ]
_Earth. It is just thy mercy should be extolled. (Menochius; ver. 6.)_... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM LVI. (MISERERE MEI DEUS.) The prophet prays in his affliction, and praises God for his delivery.... [ Continue Reading ]