Psalms 12

Me? These expressions are figurative. God seems displeased: but it is often for our greater good. Some explain this of David, Ezechias, the captives, &c. It may be applied to every afflicted soul, which places her whole trust in God. (Calmet)

Day; frequently. (Worthington)

Septuagint adds, “and night.” (Calmet)

These cares and perplexities arise from persecutions and from man’s weakness. (Worthington)

Enemy; Saul, &c., or the devil. (St. Augustine) (Calmet)

Death, by mortal sin, (Worthington) or through excessive sorrow, Jeremias li. 39. Shew me thy favour, (Calmet) and I shall be secure. Sleep is represented as nearly related to death. (Homer, Iliad xiv.)

Tum consanguineus lethi sopor. (Virgil, Æneid vi.) (Haydock)

Mercy. Man must attribute nothing to himself, otherwise he will be moved by pride. (St. Augustine) (Calmet)

Things; patience and reward. (Worthington)

The prophet feels a secret confidence arising in his breast, in consequence of God’s protection.

Yea, &c., is not in Hebrew but it is in the Septuagint, Arabic, and the ancient Fathers. Hebrew, “My heart shall be transported in thy salvation; I will praise the Lord, because he has rendered me the like,” as I placed my hopes in him: (Calmet) or, “he hath rewarded me.” The blessed Mary adopts the language of this verse, [Luke i. 46-55] and the prophet probably had the same salvation, Christ, in view. (Berthier)