Siméon Marotte de Muis (1587–1644) was a French Catholic churchman, renowned Hebraist, and biblical commentator who served as a professor of Hebrew at the Collège du roi
starting in 1614. As a canon and archdeacon of Soissons, he was highly
regarded for his scholarship in sacred history and language. The following was translated using Gemini.
Commentary on Psalm 112
Introduction
The end of the previous Psalm [Ps 111:10] leads into this one. This Psalm is alphabetical, like the preceding one, and seems to be nothing other than an explanation of the verse: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I say this because the beginning of this Psalm clearly responds to that verse. This song explains how blessed that man is who reveres God and executes His commands with the greatest will.
The text says his posterity will flourish on earth, for God favors the generation of the righteous. His house will abound in riches, yet he will never allow himself to be corrupted by them, but will remain perpetually just. To him, in the darkness of calamities, a grateful light will shine—that God who is just and merciful. It also describes how happily and cheerfully he lives who pities the poor, gives to the needy, and manages his affairs with judgment. For such a man will never be overturned in his prosperity, and the memory of his benefits will be everlasting among mortals. No rumor of adversity can drive him from his tranquility; secure in the Lord and with a composed mind, he waits for what will happen to his enemies. He shares his family property liberally with the indigent and never ceases from that duty; therefore, his glory and dignity will increase day by day. Meanwhile, the wicked man pines away miserably with envy, his every hope deluded. Indeed, the hope of the wicked vanishes. The summary of this Psalm, therefore, is: Blessed is he who fears God, miserable is he who does not.
112:1: "Blessed is the man..."
The Proposition: He says he is blessed who fears and reveres the Lord. When he says, "He who fears the Lord," he means one who fears God alone—not men, not infamy, not contempt, nor punishments; one who is just and good in secret as well as in public.
Ezra, Kimhi, and other Hebrews restrict this "fear" to the negative precepts (prohibitions), while the following part refers to the affirmative ones. In His commandments... This explains what it means to fear the Lord. As Ecclesiastes 12:13 says: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. By saying "greatly," he means the man keeps the commandments driven by the love of God alone, not for the sake of fame or reward.
Ps 112:2: "Mighty on the earth..."
This describes the happiness of the pious man. First, it says his descendants will be powerful on earth. Lest anyone think this happens by chance, he adds: The generation of the upright will be blessed. This makes it understood that whatever happens to the pious man’s posterity comes from God’s blessing, not blind fortune. Thus, the pious man earns merit not only for himself but for his children. Even the goods of this life are promised, as the Apostle says in 1 Timothy 4: Piety is useful for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and that which is to come. Objection: You might say the outcome does not always match these promises, as almost everyone who wants to live piously suffers persecution.
Response: The afflictions of this age always result in good for the pious. They are often persecuted but not forsaken; humbled but not confounded. These momentary tribulations work an eternal weight of glory in them. Therefore, promises of temporal goods are always understood with the exception of "the cross and chastisement," which are a greater good than any temporal wealth.
Ps 112:3: "Wealth and riches..."
The commentator explains how the generation of the upright is blessed. This relates to Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the Lord makes one rich. "Wealth and riches" are synonyms used together to signify an abundance of resources.
And his justice remains forever: This means his wealth was acquired justly, not through violence or rapine. Or, it means he will transmit both his wealth and his justice (the faithful guardian of wealth) to his posterity. Some interpret "justice" here as almsgiving (from the Hebrew Tzedakah), meaning he does not abuse his riches but uses them for eternal kindness.
Ps 112:4: "Light rises in the darkness..."
"Darkness" refers to anguish and distress. Just as Job 15:22 says the wicked man does not believe he can return from darkness, the light (salvation) rises for the righteous. This light is God Himself—merciful, compassionate, and just.
Ps 112:5: "A good man deals graciously..."
He is pronounced happy who is merciful in giving and lending to the needy. He uses judgment and prudence in his affairs, neither being a prodigal nor a miser. He manages his household and external business wisely.
Ps 112:7-8: "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings..."
The pious man fears nothing because his hope and trust are in God. He knows he is under God’s care and that whatever evil happens will be converted to his salvation. In contrast, the wicked man, who thinks all things happen by chance, is terrified by the sound of a falling leaf. The heart of the righteous is established; he waits bravely until he sees the punishment of his enemies.
Ps 112:9: "He has dispersed, he has given to the poor..."
This emphasizes liberal giving. "Dispersing" denotes the bounty of kindness, but it is a "diligent and moderated" dispersal. It is not rational to pour out one's goods thoughtlessly. One should give according to their means, as 2 Corinthians 8 says. His "horn" (strength/dignity) shall be exalted in glory, just as Hannah said in 1 Samuel 2: My horn is exalted in the Lord.
Ps 112:10: "The wicked shall see it and be grieved..."
The wicked man will see the happiness of the pious and gnash his teeth in pain and envy. The Psalm concludes with a general sentiment: the desire of the wicked (their ill-will toward the pious or their own selfish cravings) shall perish. While the desire of the righteous is granted, what the wicked man fears shall come upon him.
CONTINUE
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