David. It is of faith that he wrote this psalm on the Messias. The Jews, in our Saviour's time, were convinced of it, (Matthew xxii. 42.) so that their posterity (Berthier) in vain attempts to explain it of Abraham, David, Solomon, Ezechias, Zorobabel. (St. Chrysostom) --- Even some of the candidly... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sion. Whence the empire of Christ extended over all the earth, Isaias ii. 3., and Luke xxiv. 47. (Calmet) --- In spite of opposition, he reigns in the Church, and will one day make all submit. (Berthier) --- On Whitsunday the new law was promulgated, to continue unto the end of time. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
Principality. Christ says, All power is given to me, Matthew xxviii., and this he will display (Haydock) in the day of judgment. (St. Chrysostom) --- Greek: Arche is used in this sense by Xenophon, &c., (Calmet) as principium is by Suetonius, (in Aug.) yet it may also signify, This is the "origin,... [ Continue Reading ]
Repent. Not that He can ever do so, or give way to error: but the sacred writer expresses himself thus, to give us the greatest security. (Calmet) --- The order. Hebrew dibrathi, "my order," Melchisedech. The i has been perhaps designedly inserted, to render the argumentation in the epistle to the H... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord. He speaks to God the Father concerning the Messias, (Menochius) or God assisted the sacred humanity. (St. Chrysostom) --- In the Godhead the persons are equal. The Father is at the right of the Son, as He is at his Father's, ver. i. (St. Augustine) (Calmet) --- Yet it seems more probable,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ruins. Hebrew and Septuagint, "with dead bodies," (Calmet) or he will fill up the places of the fallen angels. (Jansenius) --- Implevit valles. (St. Jerome) --- Christ was placed for the fall and for the resurrection of many. --- Of many. Hebrew, "the head in an extensive territory." We might rende... [ Continue Reading ]
_Way. By the torrent Cedron, the passion of Christ is insinuated. (Houbigant) --- During life, he and his faithful servants shall be exposed to many sufferings, for which they will be amply rewarded. (Worthington) (Philippians ii. 9.) --- A torrent often denotes affliction, Psalm xvii. 5., and Isaia... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM CIX. (DIXIT DOMINUS.) Christ's exultation, and everlasting priesthood.... [ Continue Reading ]