“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.”
David. It contains a form of thanksgiving for him, or for any other. (Worthington) (Berthier) — Some Greek copies add, “of Aggeus and Zacharias.” But this is of small authority, though they might sing this psalm (Calmet) when the Jews had been delivered from all their enemies, (Origen) under Darius, who married Esther. It might also be used by Ezechias, after his recovery, (Calmet) or by David, when he found himself at rest, (Muis) and had the Messias in view. (Berthier) — Praise. Literally, “confess,” (Haydock) by repentance, (St. Jerome) and praise. (St. Hilary) — For, &c. This sentence is placed after angels, in Septuagint and is not at all in Hebrew, (Berthier) Chaldean, Syriac, &c. (Calmet) — It seems probable that the Septuagint found this reason for praise in their copies. — Angels. Some would translate “judges, gods,” &c. But the psalmist would rather pray before the angels, who would attend in the temple, and present his petitions. (Berthier) (Apocalypse v., and viii.) (Apostolic Constitutions viii. 4.) — Their presence ought to full us with awe, (Luke xii. 8., and 1 Timothy v. 21.) and with confidence, if our prayer comes from the heart. (Haydock) — Such God will hear, and the angels will present, Tobias xii., Acts x., and 1 Corinthians xi. 10., and Psalm xxiv. 10.
“We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.”
Towards. Thus the Jews acted, when they were at a distance from the temple, and in captivity. (Worthington) — Truth. Which thou hast displayed in my regard. — Holy. Septuagint may have perhaps written Logion, “Word,” agreeably to the Hebrew, though our version seems more easy. (Berthier) — St. Jerome (ad Sun.) explains it of Jesus Christ, the Word, whose name is so exalted, (Philippians ii. 9.; Calmet) as well as the divine majesty. (Worthington) — The holy doctor translates, “thou hast magnified thy word above every name.” But thy is joined with name in Hebrew. Others would supply, “thy name and thy word.” (Berthier) — Strength. Septuagint, &c., add, “thy.” (Calmet) — All virtue comes from God. (Haydock) — If my prayer be granted, as formerly, I shall advance in virtue. (St. Chrysostom) (Ephesians iii. 14.)
“How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? strange: Heb. land of a stranger?”
Mouth. All kingdoms shall, sooner or later, become acquainted with the gospel. (Worthington) — The predictions of Jeremias, &c., had been communicated to the neighbouring princes, (Calmet) and all might know that God had executed his threats and promises. (Haydock) — Yet none of them embraced the true religion, soon after the captivity, so that this relates to Christ. (Berthier)
“If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.”
Ways. Of Providence, (Calmet) and mercy, &c., Psalm xxiv. 10. (Berthier) — Some have read, “canticles,” wdais, being substituted for odois. (Haydock)
“If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. my chief: Heb. the head of my joy”
The high, &c. The proud and haughty, who exalt themselves , God knoweth afar off; that is, he despiseth them, and setteth them at a distance from him; whilst he stoopeth down to favour and embrace the low and humble. (Challoner) — He treats the proud as strangers to him. (Worthington) — If kings would sing in the ways of the Lord, they also must love, and be humble. (St. Augustine) — God knows all things before they happen, (St. Chrysostom) and both high and low are equally open to his eye, Psalm cxii. 5., and cxxxviii. 2., and 8. (Calmet)
“Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. Rase it: Heb. Make bare”
Wilt quicken me. And not otherwise. (St. Augustine) — There is no going to heaven without crosses. (Haydock) — Wrath. Most furious and cruel enemies. (Calmet)
“O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. destroyed: Heb. wasted rewardeth: Heb. recompenseth unto thee thy deed which thou didst to us”
Repay. Taking me under his protection, (St. Chrysostom) he will punish my oppressors; or he has done it already. (Calmet) — Hands. Rescue me from the oppression of my temporal and spiritual enemies. (Berthier)