“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: strength: Heb. rock to war: Heb. to the war, etc”
Praise. The remaining seven psalms relate to the praises of God, to intimate that this occupation ought to be our glory, both in time and in eternity, as all were created for that purpose. (Ven. Bede) — This is the seventh of the alphabetical psalms, the four last of which are only recognized by St. Jerome as perfect. See Psalm xxiv., xxxiii., xxxvi., cx., cxi., and cxviii. Yet here the ver 14., which should commence with N, is wanting in Hebrew, though it was probably there at first, as it is in the Greek and Latin, (Worthington) as well as in the Syriac and Arabic. (Calmet) — Hence it appears, that our versions ought not always to be corrected by the Hebrew, which might be rendered more perfect by a collation with them. (Worthington) — The Jews assert, that whoever reads this psalm thrice-a-day, may be sure of obtaining heaven, provided, says Kimchi, that his heart accompany his words. The new baptized used to recite it in thanksgiving, for having received the body and blood of Christ. (St. Chrysostom) — Ferrand supposes that this psalm was composed after the captivity. But there seems to be no ground for this supposition, and the author had probably no particular event in view. (Calmet) — My king. On whom I entirely depend. (Berthier) — And ever. St. Jerome, “and after,” (Haydock) both in time and in eternity. Christ is styled king, to whom the nations were promised; (Psalm ii.) and David gives the highest honour to the blessed Trinity. (Worthington) — David still praises God by the mouths of the faithful, as also in heaven.
“LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!”
End. Hebrew, “finding out,” because he is infinite. (Berthier) (Job v. 9.)
“Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.”
And. Hebrew, “to generation.” The vocation of the Gentiles is insinuated. (Calmet)
“Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.”
And shall. Hebrew, “and I shall relate the words of thy wonders,” (St. Jerome) or “shall meditate on,” &c. (Pagnin) (Haydock) — Yet our version is more followed. (Calmet)
“Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.”
Acts. Miracles which strike people with awe, (Worthington) such as those which overwhelmed the Egyptians, &c. (Theodoret) (Calmet) — And shall. Hebrew, “and shalt,” &c. But Chaldean (St. Jerome) read more naturally with the Septuagint.
“Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children; hand from: Heb. hands from”
Justice. Or mercy. (St. Chrysostom) (Calmet) — They shall approve of thy judgments. (Haydock)
“Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.”
Patient. Hebrew, “slow to anger,” which is more expressive. (Berthier)
“I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.”
Works. The people of Israel (ver. 10., and Psalm lxxxix. 18.; Ferrand) and all mankind, who are all invited to embrace the true faith, and the mercy of God. (Calmet) — The effects of mercy shine forth above all his other works, in the redemption, and in the recalling of sinners, when they have gone astray. (Worthington) — This sense is good, but not literal. His mercy extends to all. (Berthier) — Yet he punishes the reprobate for ever, chastising their works. (St. Augustine)
“It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. salvation: or, victory”
Works. They shew his power, and excite us to praise him. (St. Jerome)
“That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: polished: Heb. cut”
Thy. Hebrew, “his.” But the Septuagint read more correctly, with the Chaldean, &c. — Men. The Gentiles, to whom the saints, (Berthier) or converted Jews preached. (Haydock)
“That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store : that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: all: Heb. from kind to kind”
Ages. The kingdom of God in his Church is very magnificent, but not so much as in heaven. (Worthington) — The. Hebrew, Chaldean, Aquila, St. Jerome, &c., omit this verse, which is necessary to complete the alphabet. It probably commenced with Namon, “Faithful.” (Calmet) — The Septuagint could not insert it by inspiration, as they were only interpreters. (Berthier) — It was consequently in their Hebrew copies. (Houbigant)
“That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. strong: Heb. able to bear burdens, or, loaden with flesh”
Lifteth. Hebrew, “upholdeth all who are falling.” (Haydock) — No one can stand or rise without God. (Berthier) — He is ready to lift up every one. (Worthington)
“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”
Hope. For sustenance, Psalm cxxii. 2., and Matthew vi. 26.
Blessing. Abundantly (Calmet) “satisfieth the desire” (Protestants; Haydock) even of brute beasts, giving to all what is requisite. (Worthington)
Just. Before, his fidelity was notices, ver. 13. (Haydock)
Truth. Observing his commandments, Matthew vii. 21. (Theodoret)
Will. He will obey their voice; (Josue x. 14.) or rather he will grant their requests (Calmet) of eternal happiness. (Berthier)
Flesh. Every human being, though even the least favoured, must praise God, as all have received much from him. (Haydock)