Gradual of Saints Perpetua and Felicity

Psalm 44:8

Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.

Haydock

Verse 3. Beautiful. The corporal beauty of Christ may be problematical. H. — But justice is the truest beauty. S. Aug. — All admired his eloquence, (Lu. iv. 22. and Jo. vii. 46.) and innumerable converts were made, by the preaching of his word. S. Jer. — The young women here address the spouse. — Therefore, I say, (Rabbins) or “because” God hath chosen thee freely. Solomon was styled the beloved, (2 K. xii. 25.) and was highly favoured. Wisd. viii. 20. and 3 K. iv. 29. &c. But this was only a figure of Jesus Christ, (C.) whose hypostatical union was an effect of gratuitous predestination, (S. Aug. præd. xv.) though his other graces were merited. S. Chrys. Sa. C. — He was most excellent in all sorts of gifts. W.

Verse 5. Reign. Devise, execute, and perfect the establishment of thy spiritual kingdom. W. — Solomon was no warrior; but he only wanted enemies to be so. The sword of Christ is his word, (Heb. iv. 12.) anger, (Apoc. xix. 15. C.) or human nature. S. Jer. — Some translate, “and ride,” because kings were mounted on chariots, and governed their people with the reins of justice, &c. Robertson. — Justice. These titles are eagerly desired by monarchs; as martial prowess, clemency, and justice, (C.) render them objects of terror, and of love. H. — Christ conquered by his miracles, mildness, &c. (C.) propagating the truth, and punishing the rebellious. W. Ps. ii. 8.

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