Psalm XX.562    Lat. XIX.

To the end, a psalm of David.

1. This is a well-known title; and it is not Christ who speaks; but the prophet speaks to Christ, under the form of wishing, foretelling things to come.563    [This and the next Psalm are a prelude to the great Psalm of the expiation which is to follow.—C.]

2. “The Lord hear Thee in the day of trouble” (ver. 1). The Lord hear Thee in the day in which Thou saidst, “Father glorify Thy Son.”564    John xvii. 5 and xii. 28. “The name of the God of Jacob protect Thee.” For to Thee belongeth the younger people. Since “the elder shall serve the younger.”565    Gen. xxv. 23; Rom. ix. 12.

3. “Send Thee help from the Holy, and from Sion defend Thee” (ver. 2). Making for Thee a sanctified Body, the Church, from watching566    “Sion,” “beholding,” p. 13, ver. 6. safe, which waiteth when Thou shalt come from the wedding.

4. “Be mindful of all Thy sacrifice” (ver. 3). Make us mindful of all Thy injuries and despiteful treatment, which Thou hast borne for us. “And be Thy whole burnt offering made fat.” And turn the cross, whereon Thou wast wholly offered up to God, into the joy of the resurrection.