Psalm cxxvii. (Beati omnes.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1.
Canticle. Being a sequel to the former [psalm], (Calmet) and similar to the 111th, as both promise felicity to the
captives at their return, if they prove faithful, 2 Esdras ix. 38. (Ferrand.) --- It is a sort of epithalamium. (Moller.)
--- Both temporal and spiritual blessings are set before us. (Berthier) --- Ways. Many saints have not received temporal
rewards; and this confirms our faith that there is a world to come. (Calmet) --- In effect, no temporal advantages are here
specified, as they are below. (Berthier)
Ver. 2.
Hands. The idle are not entitled to blessings, which God will bestow on the industrious who fear him, preserving them
from evils, Leviticus xxvi. 16., and Deuteronomy xxviii. 30. (Calmet) (2 Corinthians iii. 10.) --- Some have explained karpon,
"fruits:" though it here means hands. (Berthier)
Ver. 3.
Sides. Against which vines were planted. (Calmet) --- The married people who fear God, shall commonly have a numerous
posterity; or their souls shall produce many good works in the Church, which springs from our Saviour's side. Children denote
such good works. (Worthington) --- Plants. Psalm cxliii. 12. (Homer, Odyssey vi. 163.)
Ver. 5.
Sion. Where he displayed his bounty. (Calmet) --- Jerusalem. In heaven, 1 Corinthians xv. 19. (Berthier) ---
Mayst thou live happily in the holy city, after thy long captivity. (Calmet)
Ver. 6.
Israel. This is best secured by a well-regulated and numerous people. (Berthier) --- The good works, performed on earth,
will be rewarded in heaven. (Worthington) --- We shall rejoice in the spiritual children, whom we shall have begotten. (Menochius)
