Gradual of Transfiguration

Psalm 44:3, 2

Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in Thy lips. My heart hath uttered a good word. I speak my works to the King.

Haydock

Verse 3. Beautiful. The corporal beauty of Christ may be problematical. H. — But justice is the truest beauty. S. Aug. — All admired his eloquence, (Lu. iv. 22. and Jo. vii. 46.) and innumerable converts were made, by the preaching of his word. S. Jer. — The young women here address the spouse. — Therefore, I say, (Rabbins) or “because” God hath chosen thee freely. Solomon was styled the beloved, (2 K. xii. 25.) and was highly favoured. Wisd. viii. 20. and 3 K. iv. 29. &c. But this was only a figure of Jesus Christ, (C.) whose hypostatical union was an effect of gratuitous predestination, (S. Aug. præd. xv.) though his other graces were merited. S. Chrys. Sa. C. — He was most excellent in all sorts of gifts. W.

Verse 2. Uttered. Heb. rachash, “boileth,” as one unable to contain himself. Bert. — Speak, or “dedicate,” dico, (H.) though here it only means to speak. C. — He addresses the object of his praise, instead of invoking the muses. S. Jer. — Swiftly. I have not to meditate. C. — The Holy Ghost moves my tongue, (2 Pet. i. 21.) as fast as my hands can write. Jer. xxxvi. 18. and 4 Esdras xiv. 39. H. — High mysteries, in honour of the great king, occupy my thoughts, and to him I refer this canticle. W.

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