Deuteronomy 5:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Sinners typically lie down while the righteous remain upright. Moses declares, "But thou shalt stand here with Me" (Deuteronomy 5:31). In the one hundred thirty-third Psalm, the psalmist invites those who take their stand in the house of the Lord to offer praise: "Behold, now bless the Lord, all the servants of the Lord, who stand in the temple of the Lord."

Blessed is the heart that transcends mere images and the earthly struggles, worthy of hearing the words spoken to Moses during his time of separation from the people: But thou shalt remain with Me.

For anyone seeking understanding, it is essential to lay the foundational truths of the soul before the Lord, as God instructed Moses, "You shall stand with Me here." It is important to recognize that even among those who present themselves before the Lord, there exists a distinction, unless one carelessly interprets the scriptures: "There are some from among those who stand here, who cannot taste death, until they see the kingdom of God come in power." The Lord does not reveal His glory to everyone in the same manner; to those who are newcomers to His presence, He appears as a servant, but to those who are prepared to follow Him up the exalted mountain of His transfiguration, He manifests as God, in the state He held before the world began. The Lord may reveal Himself in varied ways to all who are around Him, approaching some in one manner and others in another, according to the depth of each individual’s faith, allowing them to experience different insights.