ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST may deliver us from the poison of new (novellarum) tongues. The Voice of CHRIST in the Passion, or the Voice of the Church against unclean spirits, evil thoughts, and persecuting men. The Voice of CHRIST on behalf of the negligent people.

VEN. BEDE. CHRIST is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth; and in this Psalm as with a herald’s voice He is proclaimed as the coming Judge, terrible, Almighty, gentle and altogether lovely.

Throughout the whole Psalm Holy Church speaks. In the first part she prays that He may vouchsafe to deliver her from the impious devil, who strives by many wiles to overthrow the devotion of the faithful people. Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man. In the second part she asks that she may not be given up to the wicked tempter, seeing that she has already been delivered, by CHRIST’S help, from bitter perils. I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God. Thirdly, she declares that vengeance will come in the future judgment upon them who persecute His poor with wild fury. As for the head of them that compass me about.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Spoken by David, when Saul cast a javelin at him to slay him, but smote the wall. Spiritually, the words of one who clingeth to GOD, and contends with them that hate Him.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. The Voice of him who contendeth as GOD wills.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of address, and prayer, and supplication.