*H Unto the end, for the sons of Core, for the hidden.
Ver. 1. It may allude to the defeat of Sennacherib, (Houbig.) 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. Ezec. xxxviii. The Fathers explain it of the Christian Church, delivered from persecution. S. Chrys. &c. C.
*H Our God is our refuge and strength: a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.
Ver. 2. Troubles. Those of English Catholics have been very great; yet they increase. W.
*H Their waters roared and were troubled: the mountains were troubled with his strength.
Ver. 4. Their. Heb. S. Amb. &c. read, "its." C. — Both sea and land may be in confusion; we shall fear nothing, having God for our protector. H. — Though many and noble personages have revolted from the faith in England, yet the Catholic Church will never fail, (W.) even if it should in these islands. H.
*H The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.
Ver. 5. Stream. Jerusalem was surrounded by placid streams, which are here opposed to the great waters, as in Isai. viii. 6. The Church, after persecution, is restored to peace, and adorned with all graces. C. — Tabernacle. This is the source of our joy. Apoc. xxi. M. and xxii. 1. Ezec. xlvii. 1. — The advantages of the virtuous, both here and in heaven, are great. Bert.
*H Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: he uttered his voice, the earth trembled.
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, (Ezec. xxxviii. 19.) and perished in Judea, which he intended to plunder. C.
*H Making wars to cease even to the end of the earth. He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: and the shield he shall burn in the fire.
Ver. 10. Shields. Heb. "the round things," which some explain, "chariots," without need. Bert. — Fire. The Fathers apply this to the peace which reigned at the birth of Christ, or to that which Constantine gave to the Church. C.
*H Be still and see that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
Ver. 11. Still. We have only to admire the work of God. Bert. — He will bring all to a happy issue for his elect, though the wicked may rage. H.