THEOSISGregory the Great
He does not remove His gaze from the righteous; rather, He establishes kings upon thrones eternally, where they shall be lifted high (Job 36:7). It is often assumed that God diverts His attention from the righteous due to their suffering at the hands of the unjust without retribution. However, He focuses more closely on His servants when they are unjustly harmed by their oppressors. Observing their humble endurance, He undoubtedly seeks to reward them graciously, demonstrating that His eyes remain fixed upon the righteous. One person groans under the weight of humility, while another revels in pride and prosperity despite their wickedness. One’s heart swells with anguish, while the other is puffed up with pride from their sinful actions.
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Who, then, is truly distant from God’s sight—the one who endures injustice or the one perpetrating it? Is it the one who maintains Divine grace amidst profound sorrow or the one who, amidst external pleasures, has lost the illumination of truth within?
Holy individuals are rightfully referred to as ‘kings’ in Scripture; having risen above the temptations of the flesh, they govern their desires for lust, temper their greed, rebuff the impulses of pride, and stifle the instigations of envy. In essence, they extinguish the fires of their passions at all times. They are designated ‘kings’ because they have learned to master their passions rather than submit to them, gaining the strength to govern. Consequently, since they transition from this governing power to the authority of retribution, it is justly stated that He has established kings on thrones for eternity. They experienced suffering while they exercised self-control, yet they have been exalted eternally in the heights of the heavenly kingdom, where they are granted the capability to judge others righteously, just as they judge themselves righteously in this life. Thus, it is written, "For judgment shall return to righteousness" (Psalms 93:15). Paul expresses about himself and his companions: “that we may be made righteous before God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). Hence, righteousness transforms into judgment, enabling those who presently live righteously and blamelessly to be endowed with the authority to judge others. The Lord tells the church of Laodicea, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev. 3:21). The Lord’s declaration of sitting victoriously with His Father indicates that after His Passion and His resurrection from the dead, He clearly demonstrates His equality in power with the Father, revealing His superiority by conquering the power of death. This is why He tells Mary, who was uncertain of His divine nature, “Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father” (Jn. 20:17). Thus, to sit on the throne of the Son signifies judging with the authority of the Son Himself. As we receive from Him the power and authority to judge, we are considered to be seated on the throne. This is not in contradiction to His assertion that His disciples will occupy twelve thrones, for He still states that they shall sit on the throne (Matthew 19:28). The twelve thrones signify universal judgment, while the throne of the Son denotes His specific authority to judge. Both the twelve thrones and the single throne of the Son signify the same reality, as it is through the mediation of our Savior that the universal judgment is administered. Therefore, it can be said that He has established kings on thrones eternally.
By emphasizing ‘for ever,’ the text clarifies its focus. If it referred to an earthly kingdom, the addition of ‘for ever’ would be unnecessary, for those who seek earthly thrones do not endure upon them eternally, but only temporarily. The addition “and there they shall be exalted” suggests to the listener’s mind that although they may presently suffer humiliation here, they will be raised up there. For the holy ones, this existence is characterized by humility, with another awaiting them that is marked by exaltation. It is further written, “Thou hast humbled them in the place of affliction” (Psalms 43:19). Indeed, this present life serves as a realm of sorrow. Those journeying towards their eternal home regard themselves with humility amid their afflictions, knowing that a time will come when they shall be genuinely exalted in the realm of everlasting joy.