122:4. For our soul is greatly filled: we are a reproach to the rich, and contempt to the proud.
Psalms Chapter 123
Nisi quia Domini.
The church giveth glory to G.o.d for her deliverance, from the hands of her enemies.
123:1. A gradual canticle. If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say:
123:2. If it had not been that the Lord was with us, When men rose up against us,
123:3. Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive. When their fury was enkindled against us,
123:4. Perhaps the waters had swallowed us up.
123:5. Our soul hath pa.s.sed through a torrent: perhaps our soul had pa.s.sed through a water insupportable.
123:6. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us to be a prey to their teeth.
123:7. Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken, and we are delivered.
123:8. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalms Chapter 124
Qui confidunt.
The just are always under G.o.d"s protection.
124:1. A gradual canticle. They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion: he shall not be moved for ever that dwelleth
124:2. In Jerusalem. Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth now and for ever.
124:3. For the Lord will not leave the rod of sinners upon the lot of the just: that the just may not stretch forth their hands to iniquity.
124:4. Do good, O Lord, to those that are good, and to the upright of heart.
124:5. But such as turn aside into bonds, the Lord shall lead out with the workers of iniquity: peace upon Israel.
Psalms Chapter 125
In convertendo.
The people of G.o.d rejoice at their delivery from captivity.
125:1. A gradual canticle. When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted.
125:2. Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy.
Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath done great things for them.
125:3. The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful.
125:4. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south.
125:5. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
125:6. Going they went and wept, casting their seeds.
125:7. But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.
Psalms Chapter 126
Nisi Dominus.
Nothing can be done without G.o.d"s grace and blessing.
126:1. A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.
126:2. It is vain for you to rise before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sleep to his beloved,
It is vain for you to rise before light... That is, your early rising, your labour and worldly solicitude, will be vain, that is, will avail you nothing, without the light, grace, and blessing of G.o.d.
126:3. Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.
126:4. As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.
126:5. Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
Psalms Chapter 127
Beati omnes.
The fear of G.o.d is the way to happiness.
127:1. A gradual canticle. Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: that walk in his ways.
127:2. For thou shalt eat the labours of thy hands: blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee.
127:3. Thy wife as a fruitful vine, on the sides of thy house. Thy children as olive plants, round about thy table.
127:4. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.
127:5. May the Lord bless thee out of Sion: and mayst thou see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
127:6. And mayst thou see thy children"s children, peace upon Israel.
Psalms Chapter 128
Saepe expugnaverunt.