“But thou, O God, art gracious and true, longsuffering, and in mercy ordering all things,”
Mercy. The pagans have no real respect for their gods: they fear them not. (Calmet) — But we know that Thou governest all, (Haydock) and will punish us, if we transgress. (Calmet)
“For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us, nor an image spotted with divers colours, the painter's fruitless labour;”
Us. He wrote after the captivity, when the Jews abhorred idolatry, (Calmet) as they might also do at the beginning of Solomon’s reign. (Haydock) — Picture. It is not certain that the art was known in the days of Moses, or that he expressly forbade it. Pliny says it was discovered at Corinth, by making the outlines of a man’s shadow on the wall. Afterwards one colour was used, till a variety was found to represent things more perfectly, (L. xxxv. 3, 4.) so as to deceive the senses, for which reason it is styled a fruitless labour. (Calmet)
“His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life of less value than clay:”
Clay. In death, those who have trusted in creatures, shall be abandoned by all.
“Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.”
Worketh. God gives life, and also the rational soul, Genesis ii. 7.
“But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.”
Evil. This is the maxim of worldlings. (Calmet) — Virtus post nummos. (Horace, i. ep. 1.) — Our occupations are like those of children. They presently perish, or we must quit them. (St. Chrysostom, hom. xlvii. ad Pop.) — We must strive to act our part well. Libertines deem this life a comedy, and represent religion as an imposition. (Calmet) — They are like atheists, as they leave the true God, who seek gain by idols. (Worthington)
“And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable than very babes.”
In their pride, they threaten more than they can perform, (Isaias xvi. 6.) or they take images to be gods, which infants only imagine are men, as Lactantius observes, quoting Lucilius,—
“Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in respect of beasts: but they went without the praise of God and his blessing.”
Beasts. They are deformed, (Haydock) and seem to have been cursed by God, like the serpent, Genesis iii. 14. (Calmet) — Fled from. Or “have banished” (Lorin.) God’s praise, claiming it for themselves. (Menochius)