Psalm 83:6-7, 11, 13
Blessed is the man whose help is from Thee: in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps in the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set. I have chosen to be abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners. He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence: O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.
Haydock
Verse 6. In his heart, he disposed to ascend by steps, &c. ascensiones in corde suo disposuit. As by steps men ascends toward the eternal temple by certain steps of virtue disposed or ordered within the heart. And this whilst he lives as yet in the body, in this vale of tears, the place which man hath set: that is, which he hath brought himself to: being cast out of paradise for his sin. Ch. — There is no standing still. “As the saint daily advances, so the sinner daily decreases.” S. Jer. C. — Heb. of these three following verses is variously rendered. The Sept. are the most ancient, and very exact. Bert. — Heart. “The more you love, the higher will you ascend.” S. Aug. — Heb. “the paths are in his heart. Passing in the vale of tears, they shall place (or deem) it a fountain. The teacher shall be clothed with benediction. They shall go from strength to strength: they shall appear before God in Sion.” S. Jer. H. — Three words occasion the difference: abri, “passing,” means also, “disposing.” Sept. have only used it as a singular, to agree with man, Main, “a fountain,” may have been read maun, “for the place.” — Al, means, “the God,” and “to.” Bert. — Amama says the points are different. But we have often shewn the futility of that objection; which might regulate the versions of the Masorets, but could have no influence on those who lived many ages before their invention. They are neglected here by the authors of Prin. disc. “the God almighty shall appear in Sion.” H.
Verse 7. Tears. Prot. “Baca.” Marg. “of mulberry-trees,” near Jerusalem. Judg. ii. 5. 1 K. v. 23. H. — It was perhaps used proverbially for any dry place. The Lord had promised to relieve the captives with water. Is. xxxv. 5. &c. C. — Place. The temple or tabernacle, (H.) which the Lord hath appointed. C.
Verse 11. Thousands elsewhere, (C.) among sinners. He is so much affected, as to leave the sentence imperfect, v. 4. But the meaning is clear. Temporal must yield to eternal happiness. Eternity is all as one point: it has no division of time, which has a thousand parts. H. — Heaven is represented as a palace, (Bert.) in which the blessed enjoy perpetual felicity. H. — With respect to future rewards, one day in the Church is better than thousands out of it. W. v. 4. — Abject. Prot. “door-keeper.” Marg. “on the threshold.” H. — This was the office of the Corites, (C.) and they prefer it before the finest occupations among sinners. Heb. “the tents of wickedness.” H. — The poorest condition in the Catholic Church, is better than the highest dignities which the wicked can bestow. W. — Indeed poverty, and attention to God’s service, is the most secure road to heaven, and gives even present content to those who are actuated by the divine spirit. H.
Verse 13. Innocence. After the remission of sin. W.