Bible Commentaries
Psalms 65

Verse 1

Psalm. Cassiodorus, &c., add, "of David." But it is thought, he was not the author of this and the following piece, as his name is not in the original. (Calmet) --- This argument is, however, of small weight. --- Resurrection. Hebrew, Origen’s Septuagint, &c., omit these words, (Berthier, T. iii.) which seem to have been added by some Greek Christian, who thought he perceived some allusion to the resurrection of Christ, ver. 9. The Fathers have well explained it in this sense, though they also apply it literally to the return of the captives, (Theodoret; Calmet) and to the general resurrection, the end of all the miseries of the elect, (Bellarmine) as well as to the conversion of the Gentiles, (Genebrard) and the resurrection of a soul from the state of sin. (Haydock)

Verse 3

Lie. Prove faithless to thee, (Psalm xvii. 46., &c.) notwithstanding the evidence of thy wonders, and their deceitful professions. Thus the Samaritans pretended they wished to assist the Jews to build the temple; yet soon after obtained an order from court to hinder it, 1 Esdras iv. 1., and viii. 36. (Calmet) --- Pharao frequently promised to let the people go, but as often broke his word. (Worthington) --- They had been moved with servile fear. (Menochius) --- The sight of God’s judgments upon the world was enough to inspire terror. (Worthington)

Verse 5

Men. Choosing some, and rejecting others, (St. Jerome) calling the Gentiles, while he casts off the Jews. (St. Augustine)

Verse 6

In him. God, (Haydock) Jesus, (Eusebius) or "on it," the river Euphrates, which we shall pass over with as much ease, as our ancestors did the Red Sea. So the prophets frequently speak in a figurative sense, Isaias xi. 16., and l. 3., and Zacharias x. 10., and 4 Esdras xiii. 41. (Calmet) --- As Josue led the Israelites across the river Jordan on dry land, (Haydock) so wel shall extol thy wonders. (Worthington) --- There, reflecting on these prodigies, both past and present, we shall rejoice. (Menochius)

Verse 7

Provoke him. The faithless Jews, or Gentiles; particularly those of Babylon; or those among God’s people, who neglected his service, Aggeus iv., and 1 Esdras ix., &c. (Calmet) --- These often gave way to murmuring, and are therefore exhorted not to be proud, lest they should be brought low.

Verse 8

Gentiles. By this invitation, he predicts their conversion.

Verse 9

Moved. The apostles were most courageous. Only those Jews returned, who had separated themselves from impure idols, 1 Esdras v. 21. The Church never fails. If some apostatize, others embrace the faith. (Worthington)

Verse 10

Tried. So Daniel was treated, Daniel iii. 21. The Babylonian captivity is compared to a furnace, as well as all severe trials of virtue, Proverbs xvii. 3., and Zacharias xiii. (Calmet)

Verse 11

Back. Hebrew, "loins." The Captives had experienced the greatest miseries, as the martyrs of Christ have done since. (Calmet) --- The Church is put to the most severe trials. (Worthington) --- Yet God brings no one into the net of sin. This is solely the effect of man’s corruption. (Haydock)

Verse 12

Fire and water, which the Egyptians considered as the emblem of purity, (Horus. xli.) and which here denote the greatest tribulations. (Calmet) --- The just still overcome by God’s grace, (Worthington) notwithstanding all the efforts of tyrants who may be set over them. (Menochius)

Verse 14

PSALM LXV. (JUBILATE DEO.)

An invitation to praise God.

Uttered. These were alone deemed obligatory by the Jews, (Leviticus v. 4.; Calmet) yet the more enlightened knew that God discerns the secrets of hearts, whence the force of a vow proceeds. (Haydock)

Verse 15

Marrow. Malachy (Malachias i. 13.) reproaches some for presenting lean victims. (Calmet) --- Offer. Hebrew ehese, "will make." Septuagint use Greek: poieso, in the same sense, and are followed by the writers of the New Testament. --- Do this, &c. (Berthier) --- The best external victims of the old law are here specified. Yet even then the internal sacrifice was most pleasing. (Worthington)

Verse 16

My soul. Every Israelite ought to cherish the same sentiments. (Calmet)

Verse 17

Extolled, by meditation, (Muis) or God has immediately granted my request. (Theodoret) --- Some Latin Bibles read, "I have exulted under my tongue," which my heart directs. (Worthington)

Verse 18

Heart. Being enslaved to any passion. (Haydock) --- Iniquity and dissimulation hinder the effect of our prayers; and in some sense, it is true, that God does not hear sinners: (John ix. 31., and 2 Timothy ii. 9.) though He regards favourably such as wish to repent, like the publican, Luke xviii. 14. (Calmet) --- Whosoever would be heard, must repent of his sins. (Worthington)