Psalm lii. (Dixit insipiens.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. Maeleth, or Machalath. A musical instrument, or a chorus of musicians: for St. Jerome renders it, per chorum; (Challoner) and Aquila, “for dancing.” Sixtus V, &c., read incorrectly, “for Amalec.” — The psalm is nearly the same with the 13th, (Calmet) except ver. 6. (Menochius) — We know not the reason why David gave this second copy, omitting the name of Jehovah. (Berthier) — St. Augustine explains it of the dangers of the latter times. (Worthington) — It seems to speak of the return from captivity, ver. 7. (Calmet)
Ver. 6. God hath scattered the bones, &c. That is, God hath brought to nothing the strength of all those that seek to please men, to the prejudice of their duty to their Maker. (Challoner) — That. Hebrew, “who besiege thee. Thou hast confounded them, because,” &c. Septuagint seem to have read more correctly, as no one has been addressed before. (Berthier)
Ver. 7. Glad. The Fathers explain this of Christ’s redemption. The captives doubted not but that they should be speedily set at liberty, as the prophets had assured them. (Calmet)
Bible Text & Cross-references:
The general corruption of man before the coming of Christ.
1 Unto the end, for Maeleth, understanding to David.
The fool said in his heart: *There is no God.
2 They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that doth good.
3 God looked down from heaven on the children of men: to see if there were any that did understand, or did seek God.
4 *All have gone aside, they are become unprofitable together: there is none that doth good; no, not one.
5 Shall not all the workers of iniquity know, who eat up my people as they eat bread?
6 They have not called upon God: there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear.
For God hath scattered the bones of them that please men: they have been confounded, because God hath despised them.
7 Who will give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? when God shall bring back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
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*
1: Psalm xiii. 1.
4: Romans iii. 12.