ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST is the most High dweller over all the earth. The Voice of the Church to the LORD concerning the Jews, and of sons, and of all persecutors. The Voice of the Church to the LORD concerning the Jews and the sons of men. The Prophet, concerning CHRIST, showeth that He reigneth over all nations here and in the judgment to come. Concerning persecutors.

VEN. BEDE. A Song of a Psalm is when, after a prelude on an instrument, the sound of a singing voice is heard, following and keeping time with the instrument, imitating the strains of the psaltery with the tones of the voice. And because a Song mystically signifies contemplation of Divine wisdom; but a Psalm, which is produced by the hands, means the fulfilling of action, that is rightly called A Song of a Psalm wherein knowledge and instruction are united with effectiveness in good works, according to that saying, “If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the LORD shall give her unto thee;” a wonderful token whereof was manifest in Cornelius the centurion. As to what a Psalm of a Song is and means, has been already said in the twenty-ninth (30.) Psalm.

Asaph, inasmuch as he had already foretold many things touching the LORD’S Incarnation, is now in the first portion about to speak of His second Advent; beseeching Him, that as His enemies are to be greatly uplifted by means of Antichrist at the end of the world, His judgment ought to come quickly, lest the prolonged licence of that most grievous foe should avail to lay the whole Church waste. O God, who shall be like unto Thee? keep not still silence, &c. In the second portion he intreats, under the similitude of certain names, that vengeance may be taken upon them, through a desire for their correction, not with eagerness to curse them. Do Thou to them as unto the Madianites.

EUSEBIUS OP CÆSAREA. A supplication for the people which had suffered heavy things, and a prophecy touching the end of GOD’S enemies.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of address, and prayer, and supplication.