ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST was given bitter gall and sharp vinegar to drink for our salvation. The Voice of CHRIST at the time of the Passion. This Psalm is to be read at the reading of the Prophet Jonah, and at the Gospel of S. John. The Voice of CHRIST to the FATHER, when He was suffering. Of the Passion of CHRIST, and the rejection of the Jews. A prayer for the Church.

VEN. BEDE. To the end, every one knows, refers to CHRIST, “Who, by the very testimony of the Gospel, is about in this Psalm to narrate His Passion, by which believers shall he changed, putting off the old man, and putting on the new.

Throughout the Psalm CHRIST speaks in the form of a servant. In the first section He intreats that He may be saved by the FATHER, seeing that He is hated by the Jews without a cause. Save Me, O God, &c. In the second lie asks, on behalf of His members, that the hope of the faithful trusting in His Resurrection be not baulked, saying that He hath patiently borne whatever the ungodly laid on Him. God, Thou knowest My simpleness, &c. In the third place, He intreats that His prayer may be heard, so that His spotless conversation may be delivered from the mire of this world, saying that the LORD knoweth by what snares of the enemies He is beset, that He may arrive at the issue of His Passion, having overcome the peril. But, Lord, I make My prayer unto Thee. In the fourth place, through the power of His foreknowledge, He declares things to come, which may happen to His enemies. Let their table be made a snare to lake themselves withal, &c. Fifthly, in the form of a servant He calls Himself poor, whence He says that He will give thanks to His FATHER’S mercy, encouraging the faithful to trust in the LORD, Who hath delivered His Church from the adversity of this world, and hath provided therein for the eternal happiness of His Saints. When I am poor and in heaviness, Thy help, O God, shall lift Me up.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Of David. Literally, when Sheba son of Bichri sounded with a trumpet, and the people refrained from going after David. And it is said to be a prophecy of CHRIST’S sufferings, and the reprobation of the Jews.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. The sufferings of CHRIST, and the rejection of the Jews.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm in address alone.