Corrupt not. 'Tis believed to have been the beginning of some ode or hymn, to the tune of which this psalm was to be sung. St. Augustine and other Fathers, take it to be an admonition of the Spirit of God, not to faint, or fail in our hope; but to persevere with constancy in good: because God will n... [ Continue Reading ]
_Praise. The repetition shews the certainty of the event. Christ and his apostles, who sit as judges, praise the ways of Providence. (Worthington) --- Hebrew is more obscure. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_When I shall take time. In proper times: particularly at the last day, when the earth shall melt away at the presence of the great judge: the same who originally laid the foundations of it, and, as it were, established its pillars. (Challoner) (Worthington) --- This is God's answer to the longer pr... [ Continue Reading ]
_Melted. Symmachus and Houbigant, "is strengthened." (Haydock) --- After the last fire the earth shall remain, though changed in quality. (Worthington) (2 Peter iii. 10.) --- God destroys and establishes kingdoms. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wickedly. This is an epitome of Christian doctrine. (Worthington) --- God had severely punished Nabuchodonosor, Baltassar, and the priests of Bel. Yet the people would not attend to these salutary admonitions. --- Horn. By pride, (Worthington) which is the origin of all evil, (Haydock) and an offen... [ Continue Reading ]
_God. Hebrew tsauuar means, "neck." But the Septuagint have not seen the a, and translate against God. Literally, "the rock," which is one of his titles; (Berthier) and this seems preferable to "speak not with a stiff neck;" (Calmet) or "with the old neck:" (St. Jerome) though this sense is not cont... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hills. Hebrew harim, may also be considered as the nominative case; "not from the south a re there heights" to which they may flee for succour. (Haydock) --- Yet most of the ancients agree with us; though is there "refuge," must then be supplied. (Berthier) --- None would be able to screen the Baby... [ Continue Reading ]
Drink. The just themselves shall suffer something. But their part will be comparatively the clear wine, while sinners shall have the dregs. Many suppose that God holds in his had two cups, which he mixes according to each one's deserts. So the Septuagint, Syriac, St. Augustine, &c., seem to intimate... [ Continue Reading ]
_Declare. Septuagint, "rejoice;" as St. Augustine, &c., read, contrary to the Hebrew. (Calmet) --- Jacob. Christ did all for the glory of his Father. (Berthier)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Just. Zorobabel, (Theodoret) the figure of the Messias. The Jews were shortly after set at liberty by Cyrus, who was the scourge of their oppressors. (Calmet) --- The virtuous, who use well their free-will, are thus rewarded. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM LXXIV. (CONFITEBIMUR TIBI.) There is a just judgment to come: therefore let the wicked take care.... [ Continue Reading ]