Psalms 144

Psalms 144:1

Praise. The remaining seven psalms relate to the praises of God, to intimate that this occupation ought to be our glory, both in time and in eternity, as all were created for that purpose. (Ven. Bede) — This is the seventh of the alphabetical psalms, the four last of which are only recognized by St. Jerome as perfect. See Psalm xxiv., xxxiii., xxxvi., cx., cxi., and cxviii. Yet here the ver 14., which should commence with N, is wanting in Hebrew, though it was probably there at first, as it is in the Greek and Latin, (Worthington) as well as in the Syriac and Arabic. (Calmet) — Hence it appears, that our versions ought not always to be corrected by the Hebrew, which might be rendered more perfect by a collation with them. (Worthington) — The Jews assert, that whoever reads this psalm thrice-a-day, may be sure of obtaining heaven, provided, says Kimchi, that his heart accompany his words.

The new baptized used to recite it in thanksgiving, for having received the body and blood of Christ. (St. Chrysostom) — Ferrand supposes that his psalm was composed after the captivity. But there seems to be no ground for this supposition, and the author had probably no particular event in view. (Calmet) — My king. On whom I entirely depend. (Berthier) — And ever. St. Jerome, “and after,” (Haydock) both in time and in eternity.

Christ is styled king,, to whom the nations were promised; (Psalm ii.) and David gives the highest honour to the blessed Trinity. (Worthington) — David still praises God by the mouths of the faithful, as also in heaven.

Psalms 144:3

End. Hebrew, “finding out,” because he is infinite. (Berthier) (Job v. 9.)

Psalms 144:4

And. Hebrew, “to generation.” The vocation of the Gentiles is insinuated. (Calmet)

Psalms 144:5

And shall. Hebrew, “and I shall relate the words of thy wonders,” (St. Jerome) or “shall meditate on,” &c. (Pagnin) (Haydock) — Yet our version is more followed. (Calmet)

Psalms 144:6

Acts. Miracles hhich strike people with awe, (Worthington) such as those which overwhelmed the Egyptians, &c. (Theodoret) (Calmet) — And shall. Hebrew, “and shalt,” &c. But Chaldean (St. Jerome) read more naturally with the Septuagint.

Psalms 144:7

Justice. Or mercy. (St. Chrysostom) (Calmet) — They shall approve of thy judgments. (Haydock)

Psalms 144:8

Patient. Hebrew, “slow to anger,” which is more expressive. (Berthier)

Psalms 144:9

Works. The people of Israel (ver. 10., and Psalm lxxxix. 18.; Ferrand) and all mankind, who are all invited to embrace the true faith, and the mercy of God. (Calmet) — The effects of mercy shine forth above all his other works, in the redemption, and in the recalling of sinners, when they have gone astray. (Worthington) — This sense is good, but not literal. His mercy extends to all. (Berthier) — Yet he punishes the reprobate for ever, chastising their works. (St. Augustine)

Psalms 144:10

Works. They shew his power, and excite us to praise him. (St. Jerome)

Psalms 144:12

Thy. Hebrew, “his.” But the Septuagint read more correctly, with the Chaldean, &c. — Men. The Gentiles, to whom the saints, (Berthier) or converted Jews preached. (Haydock)

Psalms 144:13

Ages. The kingdom of God in his Church is very magnificent, but not so much as in heaven. (Worthington) — The. Hebrew, Chaldean, Aquila, St. Jerome, &c., omit this verse, which is necessary to complete the alphabet. It probably commenced with Namon, “Faithful.” (Calmet) — The Septuagint could not insert it by inspiration, as they were only interpreters. (Berthier) — It was consequently in their Hebrew copies. (Houbigant)

Psalms 144:14

Lifteth. Hebrew, “upholdeth all who are falling.” (Haydock) — No one can stand or rise without God. (Berthier) — He is ready to lift up every one. (Worthington)

Psalms 144:15

PSALM CXLIV. ( TE DEUS.) A psalm of praise, to the infinite majesty of God.

Hope. For sustenance, Psalm cxxii. 2., and Matthew vi. 26.

Psalms 144:16

Blessing. Abundantly (Calmet) “satisfieth the desire” (Protestants; Haydock) even of brute beasts, giving to all what is requisite. (Worthington)

Psalms 144:17

Just. Before, his fidelity was notices, ver. 13. (Haydock)

Psalms 144:18

Truth. Observing his commandments, Matthew vii. 21. (Theodoret)

Psalms 144:19

Will. He will obey their voice; (Josue x. 14.) or rather he will grant their requests (Calmet) of eternal happiness. (Berthier)

Psalms 144:21

Flesh. Every human being, though even the least favoured, must praise God, as all have received much from him. (Haydock)