Canticle. David might compose it after his sin, though it might suit the captives, and all sinners, as well as the souls in purgatory. (Berthier) --- It has long been recited in their behalf. (Worthington) --- Depths of the prison of expiation, or from this vale of misery, (Berthier) captivity, (Calmet) and from the bottom of my heart. (St. Chrysostom)

Mark. Hebrew, "observe or keep." --- It. Hebrew, "who shall stand upright, (Calmet) or make opposition." (Haydock) --- We all stand in need of mercy, as none can stand before the rigours of divine justice. (Worthington)Si quoties homines peccant, sua fulmina mittat

Jupiter, exiguo tempore inermis erit. (Trist. ii. ) (Haydock)

Law. That promises of pardon contained therein. (Worthington) --- Hebrew is now different from what the ancient interpreters read. (Calmet) --- "Therefore shalt thou be feared." (Montanus) (Haydock) --- Symmachus and Theodotion agree with us.

Word. And promises that the captivity should end, (Calmet) and sin be remitted. (Haydock)

From. Or Hebrew, "more than the morning watch; yea, more than the morning watch." I expect my deliverance with greater eagerness than sentinels do the return of morning. All the day and night long I am filled with these sentiments. (Calmet) --- The hope of penitents resembles the watches of the day, which are more comfortable than those of the night. (Worthington)

Redemption. Our Saviour affords the greatest consolation. (Worthington) --- He will save the people, Matthew i. 21., and 1 John ii. 2. (Berthier)

PSALM CXXIX. (DE PROFUNDIS.)

A prayer of a sinner trusting in the mercies of God. The 6th penitential psalm.