ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST prepares tabernacles for us who are clad in priestly righteousness. The Prophet speaks to the FATHER concerning CHRIST. And the Voice of the FATHER saying unto David, Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy seat. The thirteenth step commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments by the Trinity of One Godhead.

VEN. BEDE. This step describes the system of the LORD’S Incarnation; for it was fitting that after the twelvefold number of the Apostles, He, as Head of them all, should come as the thirteenth; for it is not possible that the lowly person who had been crying hitherto from the deep could suddenly rise to such praise of himself. But David in this place is to be understood as CHRIST.

In the first part the Prophet gives us the words of CHRIST, wherein He promised the FATHER never to take any rest till He had poured love for true religion into the hearts of men. Lord, remember David. In the second part, he says that it is known that this promise given by CHRIST was true; adding his own prayer that He may come as soon as possible to save the world. Lo, we heard of the same. In the third part he mentions that the promise made by the FATHER to Him is to be fulfilled, that the fruit of the Virgin’s womb may sit on the throne of the Kingdom for evermore, in order to bless His Church, feed the poor, glorify the priests; extend His own power; and cover His enemies with confusion; and then upon Him the hallowing of everlasting righteousness may flourish.

SYRIAC PSALTER. One of the Songs of Degrees. Anonymous. When they desired to build a house for the LORD of Hosts. And a prayer of David. And a revelation of CHRIST.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. A prayer of David, and the appearing of CHRIST.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm or prayer.