ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST, who vouchsafed to die for us, may be glorified by early Resurrection. The Voice of CHRIST to the FATHER touching the Passion, or of His sons to Him. The Prophet, touching the death of CHRIST and His Resurrection.

VEN. BEDE. Maheleth is interpreted a choir singing Divine words; and that which is added, responsively, denotes that the musical instruments came first, and that the choir responded solemnly: mystically implying that the Church should harmoniously imitate the LORD’S Passion, which is sung of in the Psalm. For Eman the Israelite which is interpreted His brother, and the man that seeth God, denotes the same faithful people, whereof is said, “Go, tell My brethren.” Eman, moreover, is the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel, of the family of Kohath, son of Levi, one of the singers whom David set over the others for the singing when he brought up the Ark. Jerome hath explained this title thus: This Psalm refers to faith, and the whole choir responds in unison to the sons of Korah who precent, and it is composed by the understanding and prudence of Eman the Israelite or Ezrahite. Arnobius, in this wise: In the title of this Psalm certain sons of Korah are named; but the Psalm directs its song for Amalech, and ascribes understanding to Eman the Israelite. The Hebrews call Amalech the “destitute,” and Eman the “poor.”1 Therefore the discourse is addressed to the destitute and poor, I believe, Him whom the disciples forsook alone and fled: Who, when He was rich, became poor for us.

Throughout the Psalm the LORD speaketh. In the first part He maketh petition for help; describing by various similes the contempt which He was to suffer at the hands of the Jews. O Lord God of My salvation, &c. In the second part He counts up what He was to suffer, declaring that the dead cannot be raised up by physicians so as to give thanks to GOD. Thou hast put away Mine acquaintance far from Me. Thirdly, He saith that the buried cannot proclaim the mercy of GOD, nor the land sound His praises, and therefore He prayeth that His Resurrection may come very swiftly. Persevering in this prayer, He speaketh on behalf of His members, mentioning the various sufferings which as well He as His devout people hath endured, Shall Thy lovingkindness be shown in the grave?

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. He prophesieth the death of CHRIST.

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