ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST, become the refuge of the people, satisfies us early with His mercy. The Voice of the Apostles to the FATHER. The Apostolic Voice to the LORD. Here the Prophet showeth that man can hope little from this life.

VEN. BEDE. There can be no doubt that such names are attached to the titles as serve to clear up the text of the Psalms by their interpretation. For this reason the name of Moses is fitly prefixed to show the force of this supplication, for he ofttimes appeased the LORD’S wrath by his prayer, and he was also a minister of the Old Testament, and a Prophet of the New. And because this Psalm united both these, it is entitled by his name: which is itself radiant with a twofold mystery. For Moses is interpreted Taken up, because he was lifted out of the waters by Pharaoh’s daughter; which thing, by reason of the Red Sea, denotes the Israelites, and by reason of Baptism, the Christians. Otherwise: Because the Psalmist was about to speak of GOD, eternal before the ages, Creator and Ruler of the world, and of mankind as subject to death by reason of sins; all which things he had learned from the sayings of Moses, he consecrated by his name, not undeservedly, what he had obtained knowledge of from him.

Moses in the first part begins with praise of the Judge: briefly commemorating His benefits and power: LORD, Thou hast been our refuge. Then he beseeches Him to help our infirmity, which he describes in many ways: Turn not man, &c. Thirdly: He asks that the Advent of the SAVIOUR may quickly appear; Who, as he knew, would bestow blessings on mankind: Make Thy right hand so known.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. The rejection of the Jews.

S.ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of narrative and prayer.