Psalms

Introduction to the chapter

PSALM LXXVIII. (DEUS VENERUNT GENTES.)

The Church in time of persecution prayeth for relief. It seems to belong to the time of the Machabees.

Psalms 78:1

Ver. 1. Asaph, who might live during the captivity. C. --- If the ancient (H.) Asaph, or David, composed this psalm, it must be considered a prediction of the ruin caused by Nabuchodonosor, or by Epiphanes. Bert. T. v. --- The author of 1 Mac. (vii. 17.) accommodates it to the sufferings of those (C.) whom Alcimus destroyed; or rather the prophet had them also in view as well as Christian martyrs. H. --- He cannot speak of the last ruin of Jerusalem, since it would have been improper to pray for its restoration. S. Aug. --- Fruit. A mean village, (M.) as Isaias (i. 8.) had threatened. Heb. "a heap of stones," (S. Jer.) in the field. Mic. i. 6. Such was the condition of Jerusalem under Nabuchodonosor (C.) and Ephiphanes. 1 Mac. i. Bert. --- Catholics have been persecuted in every country, and forced to use mean houses for divine worship. W.

Psalms 78:2

Ver. 2. Saints. The Assideans, who were the most esteemed for piety, 1 Mac. ii.

42. In the worst of times, there were always some pious Israelites, and the generality of them were less wicked than their enemies, who exercised a horrid barbarity in refusing them burial, after destroying vast numbers. 2 Par. xxxvi.

17. C. --- This was done at least under Epiphanes. 1 Mac. vii. 16. H. ---

Persecutors have hung the bodies of martyrs on poles to be the food of birds, (W.) as the missionary priests were treated in England not long ago. Heb. is here rather inaccurate, (H.) "to the wild beast of the earth itself;" (Mont.) lechaitho arets, being put forth léith, earts, (Houbig.) as Prot. themselves translate. H.

Psalms 78:4

Ver. 4. Us. The Idumeans, &c. are hence blamed by the prophets. Ezec. xxv. 12.

Abd. 10. C.

--- Christ and his disciples have been treated with scorn, (Bert.) being styled Galileans, Papists,

&c. W.

Psalms 78:5

This 19th-century note uses polemical language; read it in the light of the note at the top of this panel.

Ver. 5. Zeal, or jealousy, as God has the greatest affection for his people, and resents their infidelity as a kind of adultery. C. --- Sin is the source of misery.

W.

Psalms 78:6

This 19th-century note uses polemical language; read it in the light of the note at the top of this panel.

Ver. 6. Name. Their ignorance was of course culpable. Bert. --- This prayer is prophetical, (S.

Aug.) or insinuates that those infidels were still more deserving of punishment. Bert. --- By destroying Israel, the number of God's worshippers would be lessened. C. --- Yet this consideration would not hinder God from chastising them; and it is not absolutely true that pagans are always more guilty. Those who know the will of their master, and do it not, shall suffer many stripes. Having the true faith, they may, however, (H.) be sooner converted. W.

Psalms 78:7

Ver. 7. They have devoured. So Pagnin ventured to translate the Heb. But Montanus substitutes the singular, though it be evidently incorrect, (H.) and contrary to all the ancient versions and the parallel passage, (Jer. x. 25.) as well as to MS. 3. Lambeth 435, &c. (Kennicott) v being lost at the end of acol.

Houbig. --- Place. Heb. also, "beauty," the ark or temple. C.

Psalms 78:8

Ver. 8. Former iniquities, which we and our fathers have committed. The Hebrews generally pray for the remission of their parent's faults. Lam. v. 7. Bar.

iii. 5. Dan. ix. 5. C. --- But here the penitents' own transgressions may be meant. Bert. --- God is ready to pardon such. W.

Psalms 78:9

Ver. 9. Help. The necessity of grace, and the co-operation of free-will, are here plainly asserted.

S. Aug.

Psalms 78:10

This 19th-century note uses polemical language; read it in the light of the note at the top of this panel.

Ver. 10. Their God. Let him rescue his people. Cicero (pro Flacco) speaking of the Jewish nation, says, "How dear it was to the immortal gods, appears from its being overcome, enslaved,"

&c. --- Shed. He speaks not of revenge; (C.) but in order that chastisement may open the eyes of the infidels, that they may be converted. Euseb. --- Let none suspect that thou disregardest thy people. The event will evince the contrary.

W.

Psalms 78:11

Ver. 11. Put. Chal. "consigned." C. --- Protect the successors of the martyrs. W.

Psalms 78:12

Ver. 12. Bosom. Punish them severely C. in this world. S. Jer. --- Many of the surrounding nations were subdued by Nabuchodonosor, five years after he had conquered the Jews. Joseph. x.

10. Jer. xlix. 7. &c.