The blessed David also refers to this mountain, proclaiming, ‘The mountain of God is a mountain of abundance: a mountain of acceptance, a mountain of plenty’ (Psalm 67:16). He then addresses the mountains of Israel, which envy this mountain, with the question, ‘Why do you not recognize the mountain of acceptance?’ (Psalm 67:17). This suggests that their envy is in vain; it is the good pleasure of God to dwell in it, and indeed, the Lord will reside there forever. Thus, commentators have guided our understanding: Aquila stating, Why do you dispute over the mountain of acceptance; and Theodotion, Why do you judge concerning this mountain? Likewise, Isaiah and Micah proclaim that the mountain of the Lord will be made known in the latter days, and the house of the Lord will stand above all mountains, with all nations coming to it (Isaiah 2:2, Micah 4:1). In the holy Gospel, the Lord declares, A city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:14). Hence, the height and clarity of Gospel teaching is portrayed as a mountain, where, as He promised, the flock will experience glory. Furthermore, He adds: And their enclosures shall be established there. This pertains to us directly, not to the Jews, who had a singular enclosure—the temple of Jerusalem—while we possess countless churches throughout the world. They shall find rest and nourishment, lying down in rich pastures on the mountains of Israel (15). I will shepherd my flock. The rich and nourishing food refers to the words of God; as it is written, ‘Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart’ (Psalm 36:4). The mountains of Israel represent the prophetic scriptures, which have fed us and provided a means to ascend to a high mountain; these prophetic messages elevate us to the Gospel truths they affirm. The Lord Himself, our Shepherd, declares, ‘I am the good shepherd’ (John 10:11). He has also foreshadowed this by stating, ‘And I will shepherd my flock. I will grant them rest, and they shall know that I am the Lord.’ As His shepherds, we find in His teachings a verdant pasture where we recognize His sovereignty.
THEOSIS