ARGUMENT

The second of the penitential Psalms.

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST speedily grants remission of sins, if we make a pure confession of our offences. The voice of penitents. The voice of the sinners. The voice of penitents after Baptism; and the answer of the LORD surrounding with mercy them that call upon Him.

VEN. BEDE. This being a Psalm of penitence, in the first place it mentions David in the title, because of the LORD CHRIST, since to Him whatever this penitent is about to say hath respect. Then followeth an instruction, because none can truly lament his sins save he that understands them. And the Psalm is rightly marked with such a title, when the sinner understands too late that he has fallen into wickedness, because sins which he ought at once to have confessed to the LORD he finds that he has concealed too long, and therefore the LORD saith to him, “I will inform thee and teach thee in the way wherein thou shalt go.” In the first part of the Psalm the penitent speaketh manifestly confessing his sin, acknowledging the punishment that he hath deserved for believing that his iniquities could be concealed. In the second part, since he hath condemned himself by his own confession, he pleads for forgiveness from the LORD. In the third, after commending the advantages of penitence, he shows that the saints in this world make their supplications to GOD, and that in them is His trust. In the fourth, the LORD, answering his words, promises to surround with His mercy them that put their trust in Him.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. A prophecy of those who are to be saved by CHRIST.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Of the fault of Adam, who dared to commit sin; and a prophecy of CHRIST, that by Him we are to be delivered from Gehenna.