ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST, sitting upon the Cherubim, extends and protects the Vineyard of the Church. The Voice of the Priests of GOD for the Church and CHRIST. The Voice of the Apostles to the FATHER concerning CHRIST and the Church. Then, the Voice of the Priests of GOD concerning the Church and CHRIST. The Voice of the Prophets concerning the Advent of CHRIST, and the extension of the Vineyard, that is, the Church.

VEN. BEDE. As the first words of the title are already explained, it remains for us to inquire what the Testimony of Asaph means. This Asaph, aforetime fearful and disquieted, who in the previous Psalm made prayer for the offences of the synagogue, is now filled with such confidence, that, changed for the better, he gives testimony of his change. For he speaks of the first Advent of the SAVIOUR, Who brought back corrupted man to the gifts of salvation, and stablished with the root of His power the vine which He brought out of Egypt. This is what he means by saying, A testimony for them who shall be changed.

This Asaph, of whom the title sings as changed, in the first section, prays for the Coming of the LORD: Hear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel. Secondly, he testifies how that Vine, which is the Church, is spread over the whole world. Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt. Thirdly, He prays Him to visit His Church, under the parable of a Vine, with the bounty of His Incarnation, and beseeches that he may cling to the LORD. Turn Thee again, O God of hosts, &c.

CHALDEE TARGUM. For Praise, for the ordinary sitting Judges, who apply themselves to the testimony of the Law.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. A prophecy of the siege by the Assyrians, and a prayer for the appearance of CHRIST.