THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Following this, there is a reference to the transgressions of his offspring, which can be found in the book of Kings, and which appears to pertain most directly to Solomon. In this text, God declares, “If he sins, I will chastise him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men; but I will not withdraw My mercy from him,” indicating that the blows refer to corrective discipline. This relates to the statement, “Touch not My anointed ones” (Psalms 104:15), suggesting that one should not bring offense.
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However, in the Psalm, speaking of David, God conveys a similar message with regard to his descendants: “If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My commandments; if they fail to keep My statutes and do not follow My commandments, I will visit their iniquity with a rod and their transgressions with blows; but My lovingkindness I will not take from him” (Psalms 88:31-34). Notably, He did not say “from them,” although He was addressing his sons, but rather “from him,” which carries significant theological weight. For no sins could be found in Christ Himself, who is the Head of the Church, that would necessitate human discipline while upholding divine mercy; rather, such sins could be found in His body and members, that is, His people. The reference to “his sons” in the Psalm serves to indicate that what is stated about Him also pertains to His body. Thus, when Saul persecuted His body—that is, His faithful followers—Christ spoke from heaven, asking, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” (Acts 9:4).