Bible Commentaries
Psalms 82

Verse 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)

Verse 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, non 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)

Verse 3

Noise. Like the boisterous ocean. (Haydock) --- Head. To revolt, 4 Kings iii. 9., and 2 Paralipomenon xx.

Verse 4

Saints. Hebrew, "hidden ones;" (Protestants; Haydock) the people under God’s protection, (Menochius; Berthier) or the treasures of the temple. (Calmet)

Verse 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)

Verse 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)

Verse 8

PSALM LXXXII. (DEUS QUIS SIMILIS.)

A prayer against the enemies of God’s Church.

Verse 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 will to forget their private quarrels. (Haydock)

Verse 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)

Verse 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)

Verse 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)

Verse 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)

Verse 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)

Verse 19

Lord. He who is, Exodus iii. 14., and vi. 3. (Worthington) --- The name of the Lord is Himself. (Berthier)