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James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:1-2

The first psalm in this lesson is one of the imprecatory or cursing psalms, in the interpretation of which we should keep in mind the principles already stated: (1) that the writer speaks as a prophet; (2) that the enemies are not merely personal to him but enemies of God; (3) that they are not individuals so much as nations; and (4) that they are considered at a time when the incorrigible condition has been reached, and they have become permanently fixed in opposition to the Most High. The... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 117:1

CONTENTS In this short but sweet Psalm, the nations of the earth are called upon to praise God for his mercy; and the people of God are more immediately urged to be active in this service. Psalms 117:0 I cannot find any authority to confirm the Jewish opinion that this Psalm is purposely limited to two verses, to intimate the two nations, Jews and Gentiles, that are to be both brought alike into the privileges of the Messiah's kingdom. But certain it is, some of the Jewish writers confessed... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 117:2

REFLECTIONS READER! contemplate the blessed contents of this psalm, and let the saving interest we as Gentiles bear in it, bring it home to our hearts with a tenfold joy and satisfaction. In order to see its blessedness as it concerns us, let it be only considered that by nature we were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. We knew nothing of the scriptures of truth; were strangers... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:1

Alleluia is borrowed from the end of the former psalm in Hebrew. Our Saviour and the apostles determine us to explain this solely of the Messias, though should would also see another literal sense, applicable to the victories of David, or of the captives, at their return, over God or Cambyses. (Berthier) --- This supposition seems very probable, 2 Esdras vi. 16. Yet the Jews saw that some passages belonged to the Messias, and were accustomed to use ver. 26., in praying for his manifestation.... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:2

PSALM CXVII. (CONFITEMINI DOMINO.) The psalmist praiseth God for his delivery from evils; putteth his whole trust in him; and foretelleth the coming of Christ. That he is good, is not here in Hebrew. The Septuagint insert the words in the two next verses. The people, priests, and all who fear God among the Gentiles must praise him (Psalm cxiii. 11.; Calmet) particularly now under the new law, since they have received greater benefits. (Worthington) --- Our Saviour seems to allude to this... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:5

Trouble. Both spiritual and temporal. (Worthington) --- Enlarge me, or set me at liberty in a spacious place. (Calmet) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:7

My helper. Hebrew, "to me among the helpers," (Montanus) or most powerful, (Houbigant) and the mover of all, who lend assistance. Jesus Christ prayed with tears, and was heard for his reverence, Hebrews v. 7. We must expect afflictions, (Job xxxiii.) and must have recourse to God. read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:9

Princes. For vain is the salvation of man, Psalm lix. 31., and Jeremias xvii. 5. (Calmet) --- So neither can man hurt those whom God protects, Romans viii. 31. (Haydock) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:10

Revenged. Hebrew, "I have broken them," (Calmet) or "will render to them." (Houbigant) --- This may relate to David, Nehemias, Christ, and his martyrs. (Calmet) --- The Church, or any just man in the midst of enemies, confidently hopes for victory. (Worthington) --- None shall prevail against Christ and his Church. (Berthier) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 117:12

Bees. Septuagint add, "do a honeycomb." But this is not in the original. --- Burned. Hebrew, "were extinguished." The Septuagint and Chaldean seem to have read better, as it would then be useless to add, as is the former verse, "but....I will destroy them;" and therefore Protestants and Duport here put, "for," &c., (Berthier) though the ci be still used. (Haydock) --- The rage of the enemy is well described by the similitudes of bees and fire. (Calmet) --- Christ was attacked with mortal... read more

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