ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST may fill us with the joy of eternal gladness. The Voice of the Apostles to the LORD concerning the ungodly Jews. This, the seventh step, contains the consolation of the Martyrs, who bearing tears here for a time, shall reap and eat of eternal joys.

VEN. BEDE. After captivity to all sins, how sweetly are the voices of the blessed offered as they go up to the heavenly Jerusalem; that engaged as they are in a toilsome journey, they may solace themselves with holy song. These most holy men, delivered by divine pity, in the first part of the Psalm give thanks, because they have been received with so much grace after most painful exposure to sin, so that they are accounted praiseworthy among the Gentiles. When the Lord turned. In the second part they make their prayer that their captivity may be turned into joy, adding that true and wonderful saying: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

SYRIAC PSALTER. One of the Psalms of Degrees. Anonymous. It is spoken of Haggai and Zechariah who went up from Babylon along with the Captivity. Spiritually it is the expectation of good things to come.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. Concerning expectation of things to come.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of thanksgiving.