Commentary on Psalms Volume 3 John Calvin (continued)
JOHN CALVIN
abstain from wine by sickness, if another has only vapid wine, and a third nothing but water, let each be content with his own lot, and willingly and submissively wean himself from those gratifications which God denies him.
The same remarks apply to oil. We see from this passage that ointments were much in use among the Jews, as well as among the other eastern nations. At the present day, it is different with us, who rather keep ointments for medicinal purposes, than use them as articles of luxury. The prophet, however, says, that oil also is given to men, that they may anoint themselves therewith. But as men are too prone to pleasure, it is to be observed, that the law of temperance ought not to be separated from the beneficence of God, lest they abuse their liberty by indulging in luxurious excess. This exception must always be added, that no person may take encouragement from this doctrine to licentiousness.
Moreover, when men have been carefully taught to bridle their lust, it is important for them to know, that God permits them to enjoy pleasures in moderation, where there is the ability to provide them; else they will never partake even of bread and wine with a tranquil conscience; yea, they will begin to scruple about the tasting of water, at least they will never come to the table but in fearfulness. Meanwhile, the greater part of the world will wallow in pleasures without discrimination, because they do not consider what God permits them; for his fatherly kindness should be to us the best mistress to teach us moderation.
Psalm 104:16-18
16. The trees of Jehovah 188 shall be satiated; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; 17. For there the birds build their nests: the stork, 189 whose dwelling is the fir trees. 18. The high mountains are
"In the Septuagint it is, ξύλα του πεδίου, 'trees of the field;' they, therefore, read ;שדי עציandשדיbeing a name of the Almighty, when differently pointed, thus,,שדיwas afterwards changed to' ,יהוהJehovah,' as the text now is. Theodoret notices in his time, that the Hebrew, and other Greek interpreters of it, had ξύλα του κυρίου, 'trees of the Lord.' So was the Hebrew in Jerome's time, who has it ligna Domini." — Reeves' Collation, etc.