PSALM XXIV. (AT TE DOMINE LEVAVI.) A prayer for grace, mercy, and protection against our enemies. Seek. Hebrew, "keeps." But no one seeks after the law, who does not strive to keep it. (Berthier) --- Jesus Christ shewed mercy at his first coming, and he will display truth at his second, judging all with equity. (St. Augustine) --- Testimonies. When God gave the law to manifest his will, he attested heaven and earth, that all might observe it carefully. (Calmet) --- The law is God's covenant, and the testimony of his will. He mercifully preventeth us with his grace, and will reward with truth and justice. (Worthington) Great. "Original sin is common to all, and will not be washed away, except God be pleased to destroy it in baptism." (St. Jerome) --- David had committed adultery; and all must acknowledge their manifold guilt. (Calmet) --- Though the guilt had been remitted, the punishment due to David's crime was to be endured in this life, and he ought daily to pray for pardon. (Berthier) --- The aversion from God in sin is great, and standeth in need of his gracious remission. (Worthington) He hath. This may be understood either of God, or of man, who has chosen a state of life. (Berthier) --- Provided he be guided by the fear of the Lord, (Calmet) all thing will turn to his advantage. (Haydock) Dwell. Hebrew intimates, "all night" at rest; yet so that he must only enjoy temporal goods like a traveller. (Berthier) --- We ought to look up to heaven as to our true country, (Calmet) or which Palestine was only a figure, Psalm lxviii. (Menochius) --- The land, is not expressed in Hebrew, "his seed shall receive for an inheritance." (Haydock) --- Five blessings are here promised to those who fear the God: instruction, a supply of necessities, a progeny to imitate his virtues, protection, and heaven. (Worthington) Firmament, or strong support. (Haydock) --- Hebrew, "the secret of the Lord is for them," &c. He conceals nothing from his friends. (Calmet) --- Both these sense are good, (Berthier) and the Hebrew words are nearly allied. (Robertson) --- All who fear God, ought to interest themselves, and pray that he would enlighten the ignorant, and convert sinners. (Berthier) --- The uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest to me, Psalm l. 8. (Menochius) Lord. Our prayers are not heard, because they are not like this: fervant, incessant, and humble. We have all to fear from our passions, which are the most dangerous snares. (Berthier) Alone. Desolate, (Psalm xxi. 21.) without any assistant. (Haydock) --- Such is man destitute of God's grace. (Worthington) Multiplied. Hebrew, "enlarged." So in the gradual for the second Sunday of Lent, we read dilatat\'e6. (Berthier) --- Afflictions must be endured. (Worthington) (Sen.[Seneca?] ep. 12.) See. The word kum, "arise," may be wanting, as the verse should begin with k, (Calmet) unless it be lost. Manuscript 2, repeats the former verse, perhaps to fill up the space. (Kennicott) --- Forgive. Hebrew or "bear." (Berthier; St. Jerome; Menochius) --- If the cause be removed, the affliction will have an end. (Worthington) Unjust. Hebrew also, "cruel," (Haydock) or "violent." But St. Jerome agrees with the Septuagint. Our spiritual enemies are the most dangerous and unrelenting, and we are too often off our guard. (Berthier) --- The wicked, through hatred of God, (Haydock) seek to draw others into sin. (Worthington) Soul. David was most concerned for it; (Berthier) and those who sincerely place their confidence in God, will never be confounded. (Worthington) Adhered. Hebrew, "innocence, &c., have kept me." (Calmet) --- Those faithful subjects, who have accompanied me in my flight, stand guard to protect me. Requite them, O Lord, and grant peace to all my people. (Haydock) --- My example encourages them to follow thy law, and they will be staggered, if thou grant not my request. (Menochius)