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Psalm xlv. (Deus noster refugium.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1.
It may allude to the defeat of Sennacherib, (Houbigant) or might be sung by the Corites at the dedication of the second temple,
when peace was restored to the world, after the death of Cambyses, Ezechiel xxxviii. The Fathers explain it of the Christian
Church, delivered from persecution. (St. Chrysostom, &c.) (Calmet)
Ver. 2.
Troubles. Those of English Catholics have been very great; yet they increase. (Worthington)
Ver. 4.
Their. Hebrew, St. Ambrose, &c., read, "its." (Calmet) --- Both sea and land may be in confusion; we shall fear
nothing, having God for our protector. (Haydock) --- Though many and noble personages have revolted from the faith in England,
yet the Catholic Church will never fail, (Worthington) even if it should in these [British] islands. (Haydock)
Ver. 5.
Steam. Jerusalem was surrounded by placid streams, which are here opposed to the great waters, as in Isaias viii. 6.
The Church, after persecution, is restored to peace, and adorned with all graces. (Calmet) --- Tabernacle. This is
the source of our joy, Apocalypse xxi., (Menochius) and xxii. 1., and Ezechiel xlvii. 1. --- The advantages of the virtuous,
both here and in heaven, are great. (Berthier)
Ver. 7.
Trembled. We have witnessed the commotions in the East, under Cyrus, and his son; the latter of whom seems to be styled
Gog, (Ezechiel xxxviii. 19.) and perished in Judea, which he intended to plunder. (Calmet)
Ver. 10.
Shields. Hebrew, "the round things," which some explain, "chariots," without need. (Berthier) --- Fire. The
Fathers apply this to the peace which reigned at the birth of Christ, or to that which Constantine gave to the Church. (Calmet)
Ver. 11.
Still. We have only to admire the work of God. (Berthier) --- He will bring all to a happy issue for his elect, though
the wicked may rage. (Haydock)
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Bible Text & Cross-references:
The Church in persecution trusteth in the protection of God.
1 Unto the end, for the sons of Core, for the hidden.
2 Our God is our refuge and strength: a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly:
3 Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled; and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the
sea.
4 Their waters roared and were troubled: the mountains were troubled with his strength.
5 The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.
6 God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: God will help it in the morning early.
7 Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: he uttered his voice, the earth trembled.
8 The Lord of armies is with us: the God of Jacob is our protector.
9 Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders he hath done upon earth, 10 making wars to cease even to the end
of the earth.
He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: and the shields he shall burn in the fire.
11 Be still, and see that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
12 The Lord of armies is with us: the God of Jacob is our protector.
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