ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST, returning from the prison of the flesh, hath satisfied the expectation of the righteous. The Voice of CHRIST to the FATHER, considering and seeing that there was no helper to acknowledge Him in the Passion. The Voice of CHRIST to the FATHER touching the Jews.

VEN. BEDE. David, a refugee because of Saul’s plots, when he lay hid in the cave, prayed, whereby he signified that the LORD CHRIST in the body would do so before His Passion. For as for understanding is prefixed to this prayer, it is meant that David understood amidst the straits and hidings of his flight what the LORD would suffer from the Jews, and how He would beseech the FATHER.

In the first part, the LORD cries to the FATHER, declaring the wicked craft of the Jewish persecution. I cried unto the Lord with My voice. In the second, He prays that He may be delivered out of the prison of the grave, because the faith of all the Saints hung upon His Resurrection. I cried unto Thee, O Lord, and said, Thou art My hope.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Of David, concerning the famine which lasted three years because of Saul’s guilt. Spiritually, the words of them that contend, and the supplication and prayer that bringeth us near to GOD.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. The voice of him who contendeth according to GOD.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm in prayer.