ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. First Section: That CHRIST delivers our souls from the perils of hell. It is the Voice of CHRIST. The Voice of CHRIST as King to be delivered out of trouble and pain by humility, and also of His members. He giveth thanks to GOD, Who always healeth them that ask in prayer. Second Section: That we shall especially pay our vows to CHRIST in the Heavenly Jerusalem. The Voice of Paul the Apostle. The Voice of the HOLY GHOST by the Prophet concerning the death of the Saints; or the Voice of Paul the Apostle and those like unto him. He shows, moreover that no payment can be made for divine benefits, save with the Cup of the LORD which is drunk in the precious death of His Saints. The fifth and sixth edition couple this Psalm with the preceding, but Symmachus and the Seventy interpreters divide it. The Voice of the Martyrs to CHRIST.

VEN. BEDE. First Section: A solemn and truthful warning rouses us from the sleep of this world. The Prophet, delivered from the deep pit of sins, and set, moreover, on that rock of mercy, in the first part gives thanks because he knows that he has been heard; and declares that he effectually called upon the LORD against all perils of death: I am well pleased that the Lord hath heard, &c. Secondly, he cries again unto the LORD, that being set free he may attain that everlasting rest which he promises to the faithful, as certain to be conferred by the LORD’S bounty: O Lord, deliver my soul. Second Section: Throughout the Psalm the words of the unconquered Martyrs are referred to. In the first portion they commemorate the benefits of the LORD, and when they feel doubt as to what worthy return can be made for these, there occurs truly that glorious cup of martyrdom, which however is bestowed by the LORD’S bounty: I believed, &c. The second choir confesses itself the LORD’S servant, and the son of the Catholic Church, lest thou shouldst suppose that the martyrdom of heretics is also pleasing unto the LORD: O Lord, how that I am Thy servant, &c.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Anonymous. The advance of the new people returning to the Christian religion like a child to understanding. And it is spoken, literally, of the time when Saul came and tarried at the mouth of the cave where David and his men lay hid.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. First portion: The improvement of the new people. Second portion: The perfection of the new people.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of thanksgiving.