“To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Maschil: or, A Psalm giving instruction of the sons, etc panteth: Heb. brayeth”
David. Septuagint add, “it has no title, in Hebrew,” being composed by the same author, and on the same subject, as the preceding [psalm]. (Calmet) — David teaches the faithful how to begin a good work; and priests how they ought to officiate at Mass. (Worthington) — Holy. Hebrew, “merciful.” The Babylonians and their king, treated the Jews with great cruelty. (Calmet) — After we have proved ourselves, according to the admonition of St. Paul, (1 Corinthians xi.) before approaching to the holy Eucharist, we may beg of God to judge and to protect us. (Worthington)
“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?”
Me. Without thy assistance, I can do nothing. My enemies seem too strong, while thou appearest to disregard my prayer. (Worthington)
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?”
Light, your Messias, as the Jews confess, (Jarchi) truth, the holy Spirit. (St. Chrysostom) — Both the titles may be applied to our Saviour. (Berthier) (St. Jerome) — We are in the utmost distress; be pleased to send us relief. (Calmet) — As thou hast sent Christ into the world to impart these graces, grant that we may know, and comply with our duties, before we approach to thy holy altar. — Holy hill, the Church, (Worthington) or tabernacle on Sion, where the Jews wished to be present. (Calmet)
“When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.”
Youth. St. Jerome, “the God of my joy and exultation.” (Haydock) — Syriac and Arabic agree with us, and Gil means, (Calmet) a young man, in Arabic and Hebrew. (Hammond) — People in youth, shew for the effects of joy. (Berthier) — Accompanied with light, and a pure intention, we may offer sacrifice to God, who changeth our corruptions into newness of life. (Worthington) — The Levites might sing near the altar, but could not offer victims. (Calmet)
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. cast: Heb. bowed praise: or, give thanks for the: or, his presence is salvation”
My God. This word is singular; but the former “Elohim,” is plural, to intimate one God in three persons. (Worthington) — Harp. Hebrew cinnor, which Symmachus renders, “the psaltery.” The sons of Core were chiefly door-keepers: but they also played on musical instruments. (Calmet)
“O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. the hill: or, the little hill”
God. Trust in God, whom I hope to see face to face. (Worthington)