Psalm cxxi. (Lætatus sum in his.)
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. Canticle.
Hebrew, Chaldean, and Syriac add, "of David," (Calmet) who saw in spirit the glory of the temple under Solomon, or the return
of the captives, and the felicity of souls in heaven. (Berthier) --- See Psalm xli. --- What is said of the earthly Jerusalem,
is beautifully applied to heaven by St. Augustine, &c. The captive Levites might write this psalm. (Calmet) --- Lord.
Many prophets assured the Jews of their speedy deliverance, as preachers still set before the people the joys of heaven; all
which filled the psalmist with rapture. (Worthington) --- The motive for this joy is disinterested and edifying. The captives
had begged for redress in the former psalms. (Calmet) --- Before they had been chastised, they profane the temple. (St. Chrysostom)
Ver. 2. Were.
Hebrew also, "shall," &c. Yet many of the Levites had officiated in the temple, 1 Esdras iii. 12. --- Courts, or
gates, where justice was administered. (Calmet) --- We may better (Haydock) rejoice in the Church, (Worthington) and in the
prospect of heaven. (Haydock) --- "At the news, it seemed as if our feet had been," &c. (Berthier)
Ver. 3. Together.
Well built and inhabited. The Jews throughout the world considered it as their most dear country. (Calmet) --- The participation
of spiritual graces (Psalm cxviii. 63., &c.) is a great comfort to Catholics, (Worthington) who look upon the chair of
St. Peter at Rome as the centre of unity. (Haydock) --- David established order in Jerusalem, when he had made the conquest,
and various families contributed to the rebuilding of it. (Berthier) --- All the tribes were united under the dominion of
David. (Houbigant)
Ver. 4. The.
This was the testimony, (Haydock) or ordinance of the Lord, (Calmet) which Israel had solemnly engaged to perform.
(Haydock) --- All were obliged to repair thither thrice in the year; (Exodus xxiii. 17.; Menochius) and this contributed most
to the splendour of the city. (Calmet) --- Houbigant would translate "the congregations of Israel;" or juxta may be
understood, "according to the testimony." (Berthier) --- The tribes shall be all united, (Calmet) and come to Jerusalem,
as all mankind should embrace the true faith in the Catholic Church. (Worthington)
Ver. 5. Upon.
Or "over." (Haydock) --- The Jews made their sanhedrim superior to the kings, as the Chaldean here insinuates. But the text
rather means that both the ecclesiastical and civil courts shall be re-established, and bring an immense concourse of people
to the city. (Calmet) --- The Church is empowered to pass sentence, (Worthington) and the apostles shall judge both men and
angels. (Haydock)
Ver. 6. Pray.
Septuagint, "ask Jerusalem for," &c., (Haydock) as if she were to give it. (Calmet) --- And may there be abundance.
Hebrew, "those who love thee shall be at rest." (Haydock) --- Christ encourages us to ask; as Catholics exhort each other
to pray for the Church. (Worthington)
Ver. 7. Strength.
Fortifications, (Berthier) or army. --- Towers, or "palaces." (Hebrew) (Jeremias xxxi. 23.) (Calmet) --- He insists
so much on the blessing of peace, because he foresaw that Jerusalem would one day neglect it, Luke xix. 42. Charity dwells
in the towers or saints, (Berthier) and makes us resemble God. (St. Chrysostom, de Laud. S. Paul. iii.)
Ver. 8. I.
Hebrew adds, "I will now;" (Montanus) or rather, "I have now spoken." (Berthier) --- I was forbidden to beg for the peace
of Chanaan, Deuteronomy vii. 3. But Jeremias (xxix. 7.) exhorts the captives to desire this blessing for the city, to which
they were going, as it would redound to their own advantage. (Calmet) --- Christ leaves his peace to his apostles, and to
their successors; and in heaven, all good thing are prepared for the elect. (Worthington)