Psalms 82

Psalms 82:1

Asaph. This psalm alludes to the wars of David, (2 Kings viii.; Berthier) against Ammon, (Bossuet) or of the Jews returned from captivity, (2 Esdras iv., and Ezechiel xxxviii.; Theodoret) or of the Machabees; (1 Machabees v., and 2 Machabees x.; Bellarmine) or rather of Josaphat, 2 Paralipomenon xx. (Kimchi) (Hammond) (Calmet) — All in danger are taught to have recourse to God. (Berthier)

Psalms 82:2

To thee? Hebrew, “be not silent to thyself.” (Pagnin) — But domi also implies “like;” (Bellarmine) and there would otherwise be a sort of tautology. (Berthier) — Christ on earth was like other men: but when he shall come to judgment, non will be comparable to Him. (St. Augustine) — Amama says this exposition is groundless: but others are of a contrary opinion. (Haydock) — The ancient Greek interpreters seem not to have varied from the Septuagint, though St. Jerome adopts the present Hebrew, “be not silent. Hold, " &c., which may express the utmost fervour and want of protection. Thy own cause is now at stake: the enemy wishes to destroy religion. (Calmet)

Psalms 82:3

Noise. Like the boisterous ocean. (Haydock) — Head. To revolt, 4 Kings iii. 9., and 2 Paralipomenon xx.

Psalms 82:4

Saints. Hebrew, “hidden ones;” (Protestants; Haydock) the people under God’s protection, (Menochius; Berthier) or the treasures of the temple. (Calmet)

Psalms 82:5

Nation. That there may be no more of this religion, or Catholics. (Worthington) — Israel delighted most in being styled the chosen nation of God. (Berthier)

Psalms 82:7

Agarenes descended from Agar, though they took the name of Saracens, as if they had sprung from Sara, (Worthington) or they dwelt at Agra, otherwise called Petra, in Arabia; or on the east of Galaad, 1 Paralipomenon v. 10. (Calmet)

Psalms 82:8

PSALM LXXXII. (DEUS QUIS SIMILIS.) A prayer against the enemies of God’s Church.

Psalms 82:9

Assyrian, or “Assur,” sprung from Dedan, (Genesis xxv. 3.) and dwelt near the Ammonites. (Calmet) — Come. Hebrew, “an arm to,” &c. (Haydock) — All infidels conspire against Catholics, (Worthington) and are will to forget their private quarrels. (Haydock)

Psalms 82:10

Madian: 120,000 of whom were defeated by Gedeon with 300 men, (Haydock; Judges vii.) as Sisara was routed by Debora, at Cisson, and slain by Jahel, Judges iv. (Calmet)

Psalms 82:11

Endor. Near this place the Madianites fell upon one another. — All their princes of Madian, (Calmet) or treat all the princes of the people, who now attack us, like them. (Menochius) — Both senses are good. (Berthier)

Psalms 82:15

Mountains. The prayer or prediction was not in vain. The enemies of Josaphat, (2 Paralipomenon xx. 11, 24.; Calmet) and of David, &c., were destroyed. (Haydock) — The trees on the mountains, (Menochius) or the mountain itself, might burn like Etna and Vesuvius. (Genebrard) — The destruction of the wicked is thus described. (Worthington)

Psalms 82:16

Tempest. During the night, a tempest probably arose, which threw the enemy into confusion, who supposing that the Israelites had broken into the camp, fell upon each other in the dark. (Calmet) — St. Paul reminds us of God’s indignation, which Christians as well as Jews ought to dread, Hebrews xii. 25, 29., and Deuteronomy iv. 24. (Berthier)

Psalms 82:17

Name. This was the desire of the prophet; (St. Jerome; Calmet; Berthier) and for this end, God sends afflictions. The impenitent must perish for ever, ver. 18. (Worthington)

Psalms 82:19

Lord. He who is, Exodus iii. 14., and vi. 3. (Worthington) — The name of the Lord is Himself. (Berthier)