Psalm cxii. (Laudate pueri.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. Alleluia. The Jews style this, and the five following psalms, “the great Alleluia,” which they sing after eating the paschal lamb. Eusebius adds, “a psalm of Aggæus and Zacharias,” as it seems to speak of the captives, who return thanks for their deliverance; (Isaias xlv. 6., &c.; Calmet) or David has left this model of thanksgiving for all. (Berthier) — Children. Hebrew, “slaves.” (Menochius) — The Greek and Latin may signify both. (Haydock) — He addresses the Levites, who were addicted to God’s service, or the new converts, who were become docile like little children, (1 Peter ii. 2., and Psalm viii. 3.; Calmet) and in a word, (Haydock) all God’s servants. (Worthington)
Ver. 3. Same. All the day long, (Calmet) or rather in all places. (Muis) (Malachias i. 10.) (St. Chrysostom)
Ver. 6. Earth. Providence watches over all, Psalm cxxxvii. 6. (Haydock) — With respect to God, even those who are in heaven are low. (Worthington)
Ver. 7. Poor. Jesus Christ and his servants, as well as Joseph, Mardochai, &c., 1 Kings ii. 8., and Luke i. 51. (Calmet)
Ver. 9. Children. Anna and Elizabeth, who were naturally barren, were blessed with what they so eagerly desired, by the divine power. (Haydock) — It may be understood of the Gentile world, after it had embraced the faith, (St. Jerome; Galatians iv. 17.; St. Chrysostom) or of the captives, (Isaias lvi. 1., and xlix. 21., and Psalm lxvii. 7.; Calmet) though Isaias may also refer to the Church. (Haydock) — Joseph was wonderfully advanced in glory, and Sara, Rebecca, &c., were made fruitful.
Bible Text & Cross-references:
God is to be praised, for his regard to the poor and humble.
1 Alleluia.
Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.
3 *From the rising of the sun, unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
4 The Lord is high above all nations: and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is as the Lord, our God, who dwelleth on high: 6 and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?
7 Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:
8 That he may place him with princes, with the princes of his people.
9 Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.
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3: Malachias i. 11.