Psalm lxxxii. (Deus quis similis.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 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)
Ver. 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,
none 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)
Ver. 3.
Noise. Like the boisterous ocean. (Haydock) --- Head. To revolt, 4 Kings iii. 9., and 2 Paralipomenon xx.
Ver. 4.
Saints. Hebrew, "hidden ones;" (Protestants; Haydock) the people under God's protection, (Menochius; Berthier) or the
treasures of the temple. (Calmet)
Ver. 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)
Ver. 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)
Ver. 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 willing to forget
their private quarrels. (Haydock)
Ver. 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)
Ver. 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)
Ver. 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)
Ver. 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)
Ver. 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)
Ver. 19.
Lord. He who is, Exodus iii. 14., and vi. 3. (Worthington) --- The name of the Lord is Himself. (Berthier)
