ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST may bring us out of the corruption of this flesh by angelic freedom. The Voice of the Church. This Psalm shows how mankind, led captive into confusion by the ancient enemy out of the Jerusalem of Paradise, hung up its everlasting harps on the willows of this world, ceasing to sing the LORD’S song; and how the true Ezra, the Virgin’s offspring, brought man back to Jerusalem, to wit, the heavenly one. A prophecy of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. Concerning barbaric Babylon. The Babylonian captivity is prophesied. The Voice of the Church.

VEN. BEDE. This Psalm may be understood in three ways: Concerning the captivity which befell the Jewish nation, when they were carried away to Babylon, and there mocked in various fashions; and concerning sinners, who, cast out of the Church, were given over to the power of Satan; and concerning the former captivity, whereby we were cast down, in the persons of our first parents, from the joys of Paradise to the valley of weeping.

The Hebrew people in the first section describes the calamities which it was to suffer in Babylon, adding that it would never forget Jerusalem under any circumstances amidst the troubles of this world, although it was certain that the city would be destroyed. By the waters, &c. In the second part, it addresses its words to the LORD, that He may remember them who insult the Church, declaring that they are blessed who cast the beginnings of evil thoughts out of their heart. Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, &c.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Of David. The words of the Saints who were led captive to Babylon.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. The voices of the Saints in captivity.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of narration.