Psalm 138. 18, 5-6
I arose and am still with Thee, alleluia: Thou hast laid Thine hand upon me, alleluia: Thy knowledge is become wonderful, alleluia, alleluia. Ps. Lord, Thou has searched me and known Me: Thou knowest my sitting down and my rising up. V. Glory be to the Father.
Haydock
Verse 18. I rose up, &c. I have taken a resolution to rise up from sloth and sleep; and to be still with thee, whose friends are so honourable and so happy. Ch. — I hope to persevere in thy service. W. — With thee. At my rising, I am still employed in the same manner, and cannot find out the number of thy servants or thoughts. H.
Verse 5. Last. Heb. “what are behind and before:” or, joining it with the sequel, “thou hast formed behind,” &c. which seems not so noble. Bert. — See Job x. 18. — Chal. “thou hast afflicted me before and behind, and hast stricken me with thy hand.” Hence the Rabbins have ridiculously inferred that God reduced the extraordinary size of Adam after his sin to 100 cubits! The sense of the Chal. may be adopted, though the hand upon me, in Heb. may also signify the divine protection Ps. lxxix. 18. C.
Verse 6. To me. Lit. “from me,” ex me. Heb. “above me,” (H.) or “more than I,” (Houbig.) which seems little. “The knowledge which thou hast of me is admirable.” Bert. — To consider attentively the workmanship of man, we shall be filled with astonishment, (M.) as the Jews explain this passage, (C.) and as the Vulg. seems to intimate. H. — The formation of the body, and its union with the soul, are truly astonishing. This gives the highest idea of the divine wisdom. H. — By experience we are convinced that his knowledge surpasses our comprehension. W.