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 ]