| Douay RheimsDouay-Rheims Bible -- The New Testament was published at Rheims (1582), the Old Testament at Douay (1609). The Douay Rheims served as the main English bible for the Catholic world for centuries. Bishop Challoner updated it extensively mid-18th century. Biblical scholar Rev. George Haydock compiled a Catholic commentary mid-19th century. This text set is from an approved 1914 U.S. printing. | Haydock CommentaryHaydock Catholic Bible Commentary - based on the Douay-Rheims Bible; originally compiled by Catholic priest and biblical scholar Rev. George Leo Haydock (1774-1849). |
| 1 If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say: | Canticle. Heb. &c. with some Lat. copies add, "of David," (C.) who might write it after being delivered from some danger. It may also be applicable to the martyrs, and to all who have been freed from temptation. Bert. --- The captives might compose it in thanksgiving for the leave to return, (C.) or when they had been delivered from the assaults of the neighbouring nations. Orig. C.
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| 2 If it had not been that the Lord was with us, When men rose up against us, | |
| 3 Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive. When their fury was enkindled against us, | Perhaps. This word is here affirmative. Heb. "Then." Sept. "Surely." C. --- He modestly leaves it to others to judge what would have been the event if God had not sent help. The weak would have been destroyed, as soon as if they had been a prey to wild beasts, as Jonas was swallowed up. W. --- See Prov. i. 12. M.
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| 4 Perhaps the waters had swallowed us up. | |
| 5 Our soul hath passed through a torrent: perhaps our soul had passed through a water insupportable. | Insupportable. Without bottom, or beyond our strength, ανυποστατον. C. --- Heb. "Then the swelling waters it had passed over our soul." Mont. C. --- S. Jerom has, "perhaps they," &c. which is more correct. See Ps. lxviii. 3. H. --- A torrent implies sudden great troubles. W.
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| 6 Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us to be a prey to their teeth. | |
| 7 Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the followers. The snare is broken, and we are delivered. |
Sparrow.
Heb. "bird." This comparison shew at once the dangers to which the Jews had been exposed, and their miraculous deliverance. C. --- Man may deceive others: but they cannot impose on God. W. --- Grace preserves the soul from the most imminent dangers of temptation, sin, &c. Bert. --- We must therefore fly; but who will give us wings except God? S. Amb.
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| 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. | |
