Gradual of Saint Benedict

Psalm 20:4-5

O Lord, Thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness; Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. He asked life of Thee, and Thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.

Haydock

Verse 4. Sweetness. Heb. “of goodness,” the effects of thy mercy. H. — Thou hast made David a king according to thy own heart, and granted him victory, and many favours, even before he had asked for them. The humanity of Jesus Christ was still more glorified, (C.) by a gratuitous predestination." S. Aug. Prædest. 30. Persev. 24. &c. — Stones. Heb. “fine gold or the topaz.” Ps. xviii. 11. Bert. — David took the crown of Melchom, weighing a talent. 2 K. xii. 30. C. — God gave him the victory on every occasion. Eccli. xlvii. 7. H. — He crowned Jesus Christ, the martyrs, and all those who have been ready to suffer for him. W.

Verse 5. And ever. David was much favoured, and reigned a long time, as well as his posterity. 2 K. vii. 12. 29. But this was literally verified only in the Messias, (C.) who was his son; (H.) and founded his Church on a rock, to endure unto the end. C. — What do we ask for on earth? All will be lost if we have not life; and this we cannot obtain for ever, without rising again. Therefore Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. Jo. xi. 25. — We must live in him by faith, (Bert.) and suffer before we can expect a crown.

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