ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST bestows the spiritual food of His Word on them that suffer hunger. The Voice of the Church concerning CHRIST, with praise. Of penitence with praise.

VEN. BEDE. His people praiseth the LORD, because freed from the destruction of the world, it knows not how to endure the slavery of sins. This is the first Psalm with the Hebrews which goes through the whole course of the Alphabet, although there are many persons who suppose that other previous ones are written in alphabetical order, for in them there are either some missing or some superfluous letters, and sometimes when one verse is short, another is extended to inordinate length.1 Whence I imagine that this arises rather from the observation of readers than the intention of the writer. And further, the Seventy translators, because some scruple arose in them, did not choose to insert the Hebrew letters in their version.

The nation of the blessed gathered from various parts of the world, at the first outset of the Psalm saith that it confesseth unto the LORD in the congregation of the righteous, where laud is everlasting, and praise without end: I will confess unto Thee, O Lord. Secondly, it says that the faithful have been satisfied with an abundant gift, promising at the same time the Advent of the LORD, that they may search after the promised inheritance with most eager intentness: He hath made a memorial of His marvels. Thirdly, it declares that Christians have been redeemed, in the New Testament hallowed by everlasting grace: He sent redemption unto His people. The first part contains six letters: the second ten: the third, six. And just as little children are taught by letters that they may advance to wisdom, so psalms of this kind are given to the uninstructed and beginners, that their first attempts may be guided, as though with certain rudiments.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Anonymous. Concerning the excellency of the works of GOD, and enjoining us to give thanks unto CHRIST. Spoken in the person of the Apostles.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. A thanksgiving to CHRIST.

S. ATHANASIUS. A psalm having a mingled confession, and a narrative with praise.