ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST may both arm and instruct us to defeat spiritual wickednesses. The Voice of CHRIST against the devil. The Voice of the Church exhorting [sic] that she may be delivered by the LORD out of the hand of the devil and all her enemies, especially heretics and hypocrites. The Voice of the Church against the devil and his ministers.

VEN. BEDE. This war of David’s was a type to signify the Loan’s conflict, that as the one overthrew with the blow of a stone weapon the glory of Goliath (which is by interpretation Revealed or else Migrating over1), so the devil’s power was conquered by the Rock, which is CHRIST the LORD.

After the slaughter of Goliath, the Prophet in the first part gives thanks unto the LORD, for deliverance in the conflict of the fight just ended, intreating that the LORD’S advent, whereby the devil is conquered, and the spiritual Israel delivered, may be quickly declared. Blessed be the Lord my strength. In the second part, the Prophet promises that he will sing unto the LORD both in the Old and New Testaments when he is delivered from his wicked foes, who have put all their happiness in the enjoyment of this world, laying down that they only are happy whose GOD is the LORD. I will sing a new Song unto Thee, O God.

It is to be observed that after the mention of Goliath’s slaughter, there is a kind of end put to worldly matters, for after this Psalm there is no more said about the toils of the Church, or the bitterness of the world, or the sorrows of penitents, or the wickedness of Antichrist, but the remaining seven Psalms, fitted in a great mystery to the praises of GOD, seem most full of heavenly gladness.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Of David, when Asaph slew the brother of Goliath. And a thanksgiving of him who hath achieved victory.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. A thanksgiving of him who hath achieved victory.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm of thanksgiving.

VARIOUS USES.

Gregorian. Saturday: Vespers.

Monastic. Friday: Vespers.

Ambrosian. Saturday: Vespers.

Parisian. Saturday: Vespers.

Lyons. Saturday: Vespers.

Quignon. Saturday: Vespers.