“God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.”
Ziph lay to the south of Juda. (Haydock) — David was rescued from the most imminent danger, by an irruption of the Philistines. He then composed this canticle, expressing his sentiments in danger, and his gratitude to God. (Calmet) — It may also be used by any person in distress. (Worthington) — The Church orders it to be said by her ministers at Prime, that they may be protected from all their spiritual enemies. (Berthier) — The Fathers apply it to Jesus Christ, (St. Hilary) or to his persecuted members. (St. Augustine)
“Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
Name, which is a strong tower, (Proverbs xviii. 10.; Calmet) event thyself. Hence it is so criminal to take it in vain. (Berthier) — Judge. Ancient psalters have, “deliver.” Saul and the Zipheans persecute me unjustly. I commit my cause to thee. (Haydock) — Defend me for the justice of my cause. (Worthington)
“There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them. were: Heb. they feared a fear”
Strangers. Barbarous, (Worthington) enemies, though of the same tribe. (Calmet) — Hostis dicebatur quem nunc peregrinum dicimus. (Cicero, Off. i.) — The devil and our passions, as well as the world, are such to us. (Berthier)
“Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. Oh that: Heb. Who will give salvation, etc”
Behold. He admires how God delivered him, though Saul seemed to have only one step more to take. Jesus Christ was secure amid the persecutions of the Jews, till he was pleased to deliver himself up, John x. 18. (Calmet)
Truth. To fulfil thy promises. (Haydock) — He foretells their destruction.
Freely, without being commanded. (Worthington) (Menochius) (Leviticus iii. 1.) — Jesus Christ was offered, because he would, Isaias liii. 7., and John x. 17. (St. Jerome) — Good, so to do, (Du Hamel) or sweet in itself, Psalm li. 11. (Calmet)
Enemies, from the hill which divided the armies. I saw them retire, (Haydock) and in security beheld their chastisement. (Menochius)