Psalm xcvi. (Dominus regnavit.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. Same. Huic. The title is the same as usual in the Septuagint. (Menochius) — It occurs not in Hebrew. The psalm may refer to David’s establishment on the throne, after the death of Saul, or Absalom, or to the return from captivity, and to the first and second coming of Christ. (Calmet) — This last seems to be the most literal sense. (Berthier) — To him. Christ’s body on the third day, and many souls were restored to life. [Matthew xxvii. 52.] — Islands. We have great reason to rejoice in being educated in the true faith, and we may hope that the Catholic religion will once more flourish in these isles. (Worthington) — The Son of man shall have dominion over all, Daniel vii. 14. His Church is persecuted, as the waves beat against an island. (Eusebius) (Calmet)
Ver. 2. Clouds. We could not bear the blaze of the divine majesty, Psalm xvii. 12. Christ veiled himself in our human nature, (Theodoret) in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. (St. Jerome) (Calmet) — God gave the law with terror; and so he will come to judge with integrity. (Worthington)
Ver. 3. A fire. Preceding the last judgment, 2 Peter iii. 12., Daniel vii. 10., and Wisdom v. 22. (Menochius)
Ver. 5. All. Which is conformable to the Hebrew, &c., though the Vulgate terra, means, “all the earth” melted. (Haydock)
Ver. 6. Heavens. Apostles, Psalm xviii. The judge appears publicly. (Calmet)
Ver. 7. Idols. Hebrew Elilim, Psalm xcv. 5. (Haydock) — Angels. Hebrew Elohim, means also, all who have power. Chaldean, “idols.” St. Paul, (Hebrews i. 6.) quotes this in the third person; Let all the angels, (Calmet) or rather he alludes to the Septuagint, (Deuteronomy xxxii. 43.) which clearly speaks of the Messias, and may therefore have been altered in the Hebrew text, which St. Jerome translated. The psalmist expresses the same idea as Moses had done. (Berthier) — Both those who adore idols of their own imagination, and their graven things, are condemned. (Worthington)
Ver. 9. Gods. Princes or angels, elohim, ver. 7. (Haydock)
Ver. 11. Light. Prosperity. The Babylonians are punished. (Calmet)
Ver. 12. Holiness. Or sanctuary. Praise for ever his adorable name, (Calmet) since he is holiness itself, and sanctifies others. (Worthington)
Bible Text & Cross-references:
All are invited to rejoice at the glorious coming and reign of Christ.
1 For the same David, when his land was restored again to him.
The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.
3 A fire shall go before him, and shall burn his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord all the earth.
6 The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory.
7 *Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols.
**Adore him, all you his angels: 8 Sion heard, and was glad.
And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of thy judgments, O Lord.
9 For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.
10 *You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.
11 Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.
12 Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.
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*
7: Exodus xx. 4.; Leviticus xxvi. 1.; Deuteronomy v. 8. — ** Hebrews i. 6.
10: Amos v. 15.; Romans xvii. 9.