*H A gradual canticle. When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted.
Ver. 1. Sion. It cannot be doubted but this regards the captives of Babylon: but still David might compose it, as he was a prophet; and herein the redemption of mankind may also be described. Bert. — The captives pray for the return of the rest of their brethren. C. — Comforted. Heb. "dreaming." C. — They could hardly believe their own eyes, like S. Peter. Acts xii. 9. This extraordinary joy is felt by devout souls, when freed from sin. W. — The Greek cities which the Romans declared free, could scarcely believe that they had understood the herald. Majus gaudium fuit, &c. Livy xxxiii. — Thus were the Jews affected. C. Ps. xiii. 2. — Chal. "we were like convalescents," which comes nearer to the sense of the Sept. Bert.
*H Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy. Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath done great things for them.
Ver. 2. Shall. Or "did;" (C.) though the future is here well employed. Bert. — The prophet uses both tenses, shewing the certainty of the event. W. — It would require some time before the Gentiles would become sufficiently acquainted with the concerns of the Jews. Bert. — As soon as they did, they expressed their admiration, while the former were careful not to imitate the conduct of those who murmured at leaving Egypt. S. Chrys.
*H Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south.
Ver. 4. South. As the Egyptians hope for the overflowing of the Nile; (Hammond) or as the south wind melts the snow, so as to make the Jordan overflow its banks. Theod. — The return of our brethren will be as agreeable to us as water to a thirsty soil. Chal. Muis. — Make them come quickly, and in great numbers. Is. lx. 3. and lxvi. 12. C. — Esdras brought back some, and Nehemias others, from Babylon. Bert. — The ten tribes returned from Assyria later, and by degrees, (C. Diss.) if at all. Those who arrived first at Jerusalem pray for the rest. Bert. — The prophet foreseeing this event, desireth its perfect and speedy accomplishment, (W.) though it were scarcely to be expected, no more than (H.) a copious torrent in the south. W.
*H They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Ver. 5. Joy. This was the case of the martyrs, &c. (Lu. vi. 21. Jo. xvi. 20.) as well as of the captives. Jer. xxxi. 9. Is. lxvi. 10. Bar. v. 6. C. — Tribulation commonly attends the virtuous in this life. Their reward is reserved for the next. S. Aug. W. — Sowing, we know not whether we shall ever reap. H. — This is a sort of proverb, which is applied to the captives. Bert.
*H Going they went and wept, casting their seeds.
Ver. 6. They. Heb. "he," which must be taken distributively for all. Bert.