ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST will exterminate and excommunicate every man that thirsteth after impiety from the riches of His goodness. The voice of CHRIST concerning Judas. The voice of the Prophet through the HOLY GHOST, against the devil, and Judas the traitor, and the insanity of all the companions that cannot be called back from his fellowship. The voice of CHRIST to Judas the traitor.

VEN. BEDE. Let CHRIST, as ever, be represented by David; let Saul be the persecuting Jews; let Doeg the Edomite, which by interpretation is the motion of blood, be Judas the traitor; let Abimelech the Priest be the elect disciples, in the midst of whom he hath both beheld and betrayed the LORD. Some say that Doeg is Antichrist, of whom Judas was a member; because, as the same Doeg slew eighty1 priests, so will Antichrist destroy all those who hold the faith of CHRIST. In the first part the Prophet inveighs against Judas, or against Antichrist; warning them not to be puffed up because of their sins, seeing that so heavy a retribution awaits them: “Why boastest thou thyself,” &c. In the second part he prophesies his speedy destruction, “Wherefore GOD shall destroy,” &c. In the third he saith that the saints who now marvel at the rage of the ministers of Satan, shall then wonder at their utter destruction. “The righteous shall see it,” &c. In the fourth, the Prophet looketh for himself, in common with the saints, for the fruition of the Beatific Vision: “As for me, I am like a green olive tree,” &c.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSARÆA. A reproval of evil habits and the end to which they lead.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm accusatory of the wicked and evil doers. When it is sung, it may be taken against the words of Rabshakeh, otherwise the voice of CHRIST against Judas Iscariot.