Psalm lxvi. (Deus misereatur.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. For David, is not in Hebrew, nor in some copies of the Septuagint. (Calmet) — Yet the psalm expresses the sentiments of the royal prophet, (Berthier) or it is a sequel to the two former [psalms], thanking God for liberty, and for rain. The Fathers explain it of the coming of Jesus Christ, and the calling of the Gentiles, ver. 5. It many have been sung when the first-fruits were brought to the temple. See Psalm lxxxiv. (Calmet)
Ver. 2. Upon us, to grant our requests; or may the Messias come, Hebrews i. 3. — And may, &c., is in the Arabic, and in most copies of the Septuagint and Vulgate, though it is omitted in Hebrew, &c., “and we shall live.” (Ethiopic) (Calmet) — Perhaps it may be given to express the sense of Selah, which seems to have been a term of approbation. It does not alter the sense. (Berthier) — God first forgives sins, and then bestows his manifold graces. (Worthington) — This was the form of solemn blessing, Numbers vi. 17. (Du Hamel)
Ver. 3. Way. The true religion. (Menochius) — Salvation. Christ, who is the only way to be saved, John xiv. 6., and Matthew i. 21. (Calmet) — This way is new, leading to new heavens, &c., Hebrews x. 20., and 2 Peter iii. 13. (Berthier)
Ver. 5. Earth. Thou art the Father and ruler of thy people. Let all submit to the sweet yoke of Christ, Zacharias viii. 21.
Ver. 7. Fruit, after rain; or, in a spiritual sense, Jesus Christ, the root, or bud of Jesse, (Isaias iv. 2.; Calmet) born in Judea, (Berthier) of the holy Virgin. (St. Jerome) — God. The triple repetition of God’s name, insinuates the blessed Trinity, (Haydock; Fathers) and the prophet’s earnestness. (Calmet) — The faith of the Trinity is to be preached throughout the world, (Haydock) for the salvation of nations. (Worthington)
Ver. 8. Fear him. With holy fear and obedience. (Menochius) — The blessings which God bestows upon his servants, and their piety, will induce many to embrace the truth. (Haydock)
Bible Text & Cross-references:
A prayer for the propagation of the Church.
1 Unto the end, in hymns, a psalm of a canticle for David.
2 May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us.
3 That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations.
4 Let people confess to thee, O God: let all people give praise to thee.
5 Let the nations be glad and rejoice: for thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon earth.
6 Let the people, O God, confess to thee: let all the people give praise to thee:
7 The earth hath yielded her fruit.
May God, our God bless us: 8 may God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him.