Mountains. So far the Jews extend the title, supposing that the subject of this canticle was concerning Sion, Moria, &c. Others think that, thereof, refers to a part of the psalm which has been lost, (Calmet) or to the temple or city which occupied the prophet's thoughts; or it is sufficiently expla... [ Continue Reading ]
_Jacob. Jerusalem belonged to some of his children. Hence the psalmist clearly speaks of something better, even of the Church of Christ, (Berthier) which God has chosen for his spouse, having abandoned the synagogue, (Apocalypse xxi. 9.; Calmet) which was only intended to be a pedagogue. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Rahab. Egypt, &c. To this Sion, which is the Church of God, many shall resort from all nations. (Challoner) --- Christ gives his apostles command to preach to all, Matthew xxviii., and Luke xxiv. 27. (Worthington) --- Some have supposed that Rahab, who received the spies, is here put, to signify th... [ Continue Reading ]
Shall not Sion say, &c. The meaning is, that Sion, viz., the Church, shall not only be able to commemorate this or that particular person of renown born in her, but also to glory in great multitudes of people and princes, of her communion; who have been foretold in the writings of the prophets, and... [ Continue Reading ]
Writings. He alone can number the inhabitants: or He will enroll all nations as citizens of Sion. (Calmet) --- The New Testament explains the vocation of the Gentiles, and the incarnation of Christ. (Berthier) --- The Scriptures are the books of all mankind, as well as of princes. All are equally in... [ Continue Reading ]
The dwelling, &c. Hebrew, "the singers, like people dancing, (for joy) all my fountains are in thee." St. Jerome reads, "strong ones," and (Haydock) others, "my thoughts," instead of "fountains;" which shews that they have read differently. Vesharim, may signify and princes, taken form the line abov... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM LXXXVI. (FUNDAMENTA EJUS.) The glory of the Church of Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]