Lecture 19

^3:55^ Coph. I have called upon your name, O Lord, from the lowest pit.

^3:56^ Coph. You have heard my voice: turn not away your ear from my sighs, and cries.

^3:57^ Coph. You drew near in the day, when I called upon you; you said: fear not.

63. Here he seeks to capture goodwill from the person of the judge.

And first, he shows his mercy towards the unfortunate;

second, he shows his justice, at you have judged, O Lord, the cause of my soul (Lam 3:58).

Concerning the first, he sets forth three things.

First, the prayer of the unfortunate: I have called upon your name, others being in distress; from the lowest pit, from the greatest tribulations, as in Egypt and often in the book of Judges. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me (Sir 51:14).

Second, he presents the merciful hearing of the prayer: you have heard my voice, so too, now, turn not away. The Lord has heard my supplication: he has received my prayer (Ps 6:10).

Third, he recalls comfort after the prayer has been heard: you drew near in the day, strengthening me by your help; so too now. Set me beside you (Job 17:3). Fear not, my servant, for I am with you: turn not aside (Isa 41:10).