“A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: Many: or, Much”
Canticle. David might compose it after his sin, though it might suit the captives, and all sinners, as well as the souls in purgatory. (Berthier) — It has long been recited in their behalf. (Worthington) — Depths of the prison of expiation, or from this vale of misery, (Berthier) captivity, (Calmet) and from the bottom of my heart. (St. Chrysostom)
“The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows .”
Mark. Hebrew, “observe or keep.” — It. Hebrew, “who shall stand upright, (Calmet) or make opposition.” (Haydock) — We all stand in need of mercy, as none can stand before the rigours of divine justice. (Worthington)
“The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.”
Law. That promises of pardon contained therein. (Worthington) — Hebrew is now different from what the ancient interpreters read. (Calmet) — “Therefore shalt thou be feared.” (Montanus) (Haydock) — Symmachus and Theodotion agree with us.
“Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.”
Word. And promises that the captivity should end, (Calmet) and sin be remitted. (Haydock)
“Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:”
From. Or Hebrew, “more than the morning watch; yea, more than the morning watch.” I expect my deliverance with greater eagerness than sentinels do the return of morning. All the day and night long I am filled with these sentiments. (Calmet) — The hope of penitents resembles the watches of the day, which are more comfortable than those of the night. (Worthington)
“Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.”
Redemption. Our Saviour affords the greatest consolation. (Worthington) — He will save the people, Matthew i. 21., and 1 John ii. 2. (Berthier)