ARGUMENT

CASSIODORUS. In the number of the present Psalm, and of those which follow, we have in no wise been able to discover any sufficient reason: which, for example, was fitted to be the 26th, the 27th, or the 28th. But we leave this point to the studious,—that, in the examples, for instance, to which we have alluded, when they find no mystical signification in the number as it stands, then they should divide it into its component parts, whether two or three. For instance: they should divide twenty-six into the separate numbers of twenty, and six; twenty-seven into thrice nine. For it may be that by this method of division the reason of the Psalm may more easily be discovered. What does it matter whether the vessels of the Psalms contain two or three firkins apiece?* If not even so can you discover any likely signification, it befits you to believe that the Creator of the earth and heaven hath distributed His works and His sayings, without any doubt, by mystical excellencies,—He Who doth all things in weight, number, and measure.

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST, assisted by the FATHER, arose from the sepulchre with a glorious Body. CHRIST speaketh concerning the Jews. The voice of the martyrs. The voice of the Church against them that are treacherous. This Psalm is to be read with the lection of Daniel the Prophet.1

VEN. BEDE. It is well known that David, in the title of the Psalms, always signifieth CHRIST; as mighty in hand in the contest of His Passion, desirable in the glory of His Resurrection: but it applieth to Him sometimes in Himself, sometimes in His members. But when the word himself is added (Venerable Bede refers to the title, Psalmus ipsi David,) we must understand no other than the Mediator of GOD and Man in and by Himself. And He it is that speaketh through all this Psalm, praying on account of the humility of the flesh which He hath assumed, threatening the punishment of His adversaries, not through any desire of revenge, but for the vindication of the truth. In the first section the LORD CHRIST prayeth by His humanity that His prayer may be heard in the time of His future Passion: Unto Thee will I cry. Next He rendereth thanks, for that He hath been heard in those things for the which He made request: Praised be the Lord, for He hath heard. In the end of the Psalm He addeth His desire, that, as He Himself hath been raised up by the power of His Resurrection, so the people that shall believe in His Name may obtain salvation: O save Thy people.

SYRIAC PSALTER. A supplication and prayer, and an encouragement to ask for help.

S. JEROME. This Psalm hath the voice of the Mediator Himself speaking in the conflict of His Passion to the FATHER. And the ills which He desires for His enemies He willeth not of malice, but predicteth as a Prophet that which certainly will be the punishment of their sins.