ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. The Voice of the Apostles with the Jews, rebuking idols. The Voice of the Apostles to the Jews, rebuking idols, and narrating the wonders wrought for the Jews. The Voice of them that praise GOD. It forbiddeth idols.

VEN. BEDE. As the praise of GOD is gathered from His various doings, so also Alleluia is applied to different suitable narratives and matters. The design of this Psalm is to declare that fulfilling of the Law (which is CHRIST the LORD) vouchsafed to the world by mighty miracles from the beginning of the Hebrew people; by which similitudes it proves that to-day also every Christian is set free. Throughout the Psalm the Prophet speaks. In the first part he commemorates the miracles which the LORD wrought for the Hebrews and the Christian people: When Israel came out. Secondly; he saith, with a question, why the sea fled, why Jordan stayed his course, adding the joyous answer that the earth was moved at the face of the LORD: What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? Thirdly; he shows that the idols of the Gentiles are useless to their worshippers, and explains thereupon how quickening and healthful is the religion of the LORD to its disciples: Their idols are silver, &c.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Anonymous. From the old Scriptures, concerning Moses, who uttered praise by the sea. For us, the calling of the Gospel, by which we, aforetime barbarians, were made a new people, spiritual unto GOD Incarnate, JESUS CHRIST, Who redeemed us by His Blood from the curse of Scripture, and cleansed us from sin by His SPIRIT.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. An instruction of the new people.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of narration. Also; Hortatory, and, as it were, commanding.