Psalm 104 (103):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

5:23), and similarly, we are encouraged to consider moderation for our own weaknesses, for the temptations that often accompany drunkenness. Wine is intended for joy, and as it is written, "wine... cheers the heart of man," yet you squander this delightful quality. Indeed, what enjoyment is there in losing your senses, in suffering countless miseries, in perceiving the world as a blur, engulfed by despair, much like those afflicted by fever, requiring oil to soothe their heads, turning day into night and light into shadow, and all the while not even seeing what lies at your feet, subjecting yourself to such distress? For those who live in the throes of intoxication, night falls not because the sun has set, but due to the darkness that drunkenness casts upon their minds. Ironically, the more they consume, the greater their thirst grows; each sip merely ignites an insatiable desire, stripping away pleasure and plunging them deeper into a cycle of thirst that leads to the abyss of drunkenness, binding them in chains. It is indeed astonishing to observe the folly of those enslaved by excess, who neglect even the caution shown to a bellows by its users. Wine merchants exercise restraint, limiting how much their customers consume to avoid harm, yet these individuals disregard their own well-being, filling themselves to excess and spilling over with shameful indulgence, suffocating that vital breath which sustains life. Was this the purpose of your throat, to stuff it with sour wine and other vile substances? No, it was created so that you might raise holy prayers to God, study the sacred scriptures, and offer wise counsel to your neighbors.

Who covers the upper regions with water? What are these upper regions? They represent the Divine Scriptures. The commandment of love stands above all, as expressed, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." But why is love likened to water? Because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. The Spirit is likened to water because Jesus declared, "Whoever believes in Me, out of his bosom will flow rivers of living water." The Evangelist clarifies, "But this He spoke of the Spirit, which those who believed in Him were to receive.” He rises above the winds, which symbolize the virtues of the soul. The virtue of the soul speaks to the love for self, but His love for us exceeds our love for Him.

He makes spirits His messengers and a fiery flame His ministers. Those who are spiritual are made His angels, sent to proclaim His gospel, while the flame serves Him. If a preacher does not ignite the hearts of others, he has failed in his mission.

He established the earth on its firm foundation, establishing the Church upon this solid ground. The foundation of the Church is none other than the Christ, for as the Apostle states, “No man can lay any other foundation than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus.” Thus, what does it deserve to hear from such a foundation? It shall not falter forever. He laid the earth upon its solidity. The Church stands firm if Christ remains unshaken, as He who created all things came to us in flesh and holds all by His Majesty, so the Church will endure.

The deep waters surround her, as she is clothed with the abyss. Whose garment is the abyss? It cannot belong to God, for we have spoken of Him as "clothed with light as with a garment." The great sea, which we call the abyss, signifies the multitude of waters and moist nature enveloping the earth, covering it, as expressed, "The abyss, like a garment, is its garment."

The waters loomed over the mountains, indicating a time when the engulfing pressures of the world covered even the highest of peaks. The flood represents the fierce waves of persecution against God's Church, when the forces of evil overshadowed even the mightiest. In such times, the cries of desperation echoed: “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my soul.” The disheartening state of the world, like the inundated mountains, becomes even more profound during such trials.

But listen to this: "At Thy rebuke they shall scatter." By the Lord's command, the waters receded from the mountains. The once oppressed are now honored. By God's directive, the authority of the Apostles flourishes. The voice of the Lord strikes fear in both sea and mountains, as His voice commands order amidst chaos.

"The mountains ascend, and the valleys descend to the place which Thou hast appointed for them." The waters signify tumultuous strife; we should recognize them not merely as earthly conditions but as challenges faced spiritually. The tumult and rapture in the heart of the sinner may resemble mountains, but they are calmed through God's intervention, thus establishing a channel of tranquility, where those who were once troubled now find peace.

The earth no longer bears them, for God has set a limit on the waves, which may rise but not overwhelm. The waters may now only murmur against the shores, and though outside influences remain, we need not fear the flood because God has seen fit to leave the land cleared.

He sends forth springs in the valleys, reassuring us that from these humble places flows refreshing water. Do not overlook the lowly; springs emerge from them. The Apostle himself, acknowledging his humble status, proclaimed, "Not I, but the grace of God with me." The paradox that mountains may also be valleys reminds us that those who seem elevated can also exhibit humility.

The waters flowing in the midst of the mountains signify the preaching of the Word. The common good is shared among believers, flowing freely as they partake in the fruits of the Spirit. Let the waters flow among you; let love and grace abound, that all may partake and not covet what belongs to another.

Hence, even the wild beasts find sustenance in these waters; the Gentiles, standing in need of grace, are welcomed to partake. Yet, they drink only fleetingly and must seek a deeper understanding, one that remains through the seeking of knowledge and revelation afforded to those who desire more than a surface-level experience.

What then of the fruition found in the earth? It is nourished by the work of God. The truth revealed is not meant to glorify human effort but the Lord alone. We must not be self-reliant, for it is the grace of God that fills the heart and spirit.

Godly provision exists: the earth yields grasses for both cattle and sustenance for humankind. These provisions illustrate God’s care for all creation, yet it also reflects the need for preachers to sustain themselves as they share spiritual truths. If they sow spiritual blessings, should they not receive earthly rewards as well?

And ultimately, the earth produces bread, likening it to Christ Himself, coming forth from the prophetic foundations laid by His chosen vessels. The Word made flesh springs forth from within, drawing nourishment from those who labor in faith.

Wine that brings joy to man's heart represents the intoxication of the Spirit. We should seek a holy exhilaration that transforms our lives. The grace of God, manifest in joyous deeds and acts of righteousness, reclaims our minds from earthly concerns to heavenly pursuits. The beauty of God's presence alone produces a radiance that enlivens the spirit.

Thus, let us reflect on the divine truths found in the Psalms, recognizing the encouragement to seek Him as we joyously partake in His goodness. May the spiritual food we strive for fill us with joy and empower us to cultivate love and strength in our faith.

Chrysostom noted that while the body may be nourished by wine, its primary role is to bring joy to the heart. Isidore explained that when used in moderation, wine acts as a remedy and can offer solace, but when consumed excessively or without necessity, it is deemed extravagant, offensive, and unrestrained, as drunkenness is considered disreputable (Proverbs 20:1). Thus, one’s lack of moderation can render wine harmful.

Isychias indicated that, specifically regarding sacramental wine, its joy is directed at the heart rather than the body, as it brings about forgiveness of sins, which especially enlivens the spirit. Anointing the face with oil is another aspect to consider. The earth is nourished by rain, which allows olives to absorb moisture and subsequently produces oil. This oil softens and adds luster to the hardened face of those who use it for nourishment or anointing. Bread fortifies the heart; while wine brings happiness and joy, bread revitalizes those who labor and experience hunger. As a creation of God, bread is also a product of the earth, which the Creator sustains for all beings, both sentient and insentient. Thus, He waters the earth, allowing it to yield sustenance necessary for all living creatures.

Chrysostom emphasized that these essential provisions support human life and prepare a bountiful table for nourishment: bread offers life, wine comforts during sorrow, and oil maintains health and fortifies strength when applied. Eusebius shared that the oil nourishes the inner man, illuminating him with divine light while alleviating mental afflictions and fatigue, which differ fundamentally from the character of wine. The Word of God parallels the vine and the olive tree. He declared, “I am like a fruitful olive tree in the house of God,” indicating that His teachings manifest as wine, oil, and bread in various forms. Isychias further noted that through the gift of the Spirit, bestowed upon believers, their countenance is enlightened, and the fruit of the Spirit encompasses love and joy, as Paul expressed. Moreover, the sacramental bread fortifies the heart, assuring us that we become the body of Christ through partaking in this holy bread.

The fortification of the human heart is achieved through the ‘bread that descended from heaven’, referred to as ‘the bread of life’ (John 6:58, John 6:48). This sustenance is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. He proclaimed: ‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven; he that eateth this bread shall live forever; but the bread which I shall give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.’ The Jews then began to dispute among themselves, saying, ‘How can he give us his flesh to eat?’ Jesus responded to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is truly food, and My blood is truly drink. He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood abides in Me, and I in him’ (John 6:51-56).

The repeated mention of bread is purposeful, serving to exalt the grace of our benevolent God, who, as a loving father, nurtures His children.

For our education, we should observe three key points: First, God is the sole source of all blessings vital to our physical existence. Regardless of the efforts made by humanity—cultivating the land, sowing seeds, nurturing trees, tending to orchards, or tending to vines—without God's command for the sun to shine, the rain to fall, and the earth to yield fruit, we would be without sustenance. God, who can accomplish everything without intermediary causes—as theologians assert and as was evident in the creation of the world—shows that these second causes accomplish nothing without Him. Thus, the Apostle rightly stated: "neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase" (1 Cor. 3:7). Furthermore, "God has not left Himself without witness, in that he gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17). Similarly, the Psalmist aptly noted, "He giveth grass for the cattle, and herb for the service of man."

Second, as a loving father, God does not merely provide the essentials for life, such as bread and water; He also endows us with those things that enhance our food and drink, bringing comfort to our toil. He gives wine to bring joy to the heart, as articulated by the Chronicler: “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts” (Proverbs 31:6). Additionally, oil is given for the nourishment of the skin, for culinary use, and for healing. This clearly demonstrates the ingratitude of those who, despite receiving countless blessings from God, fail to lift their eyes to heaven and recognize God as the most caring Father who nourishes and sustains them like children through His gracious gifts.

Third, the Prophet does not equate God's fatherly provision with indulgence or excess. His words suggest that it is acceptable to enjoy wine for not only sustenance but also for merriment; however, such enjoyment must be tempered with moderation, ensuring that individuals do not lose their self-control or clarity of thought, allowing them to rejoice before the Lord their God, as commanded to the Levites in Leviticus 23:40. Embracing joy in this manner prepares one to endure sorrow should God will it, in accordance with Paul’s guidance: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry” (Philippians 4:12).

The Holy Church serves as the vestment of Christ, in which His praises are sung. The Robe of the God of Light represents the incomprehensible radiance. God is inherently unseen and unfathomable, residing in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16), and is adorned with light as a covering for the majesty of His Divinity; the Evangelist John often refers to Him simply as Light. Scripture serves as a window to the heavens, revealing celestial mysteries inscribed on papyrus and animal skins. The deep mysteries within Holy Scripture are veiled by God with waters, meant to be understood by those to whom the Son desires to reveal them. The clouds bore Christ God upward as He ascended to heaven. The wind signifies the swiftness of the Divine: He is omnipresent and fulfills all things. The term "Dusi" refers to the natural essence of angels, who are incorporeal beings. An angel is described as a messenger dispatched from God. Like fire, angels are fueled by a fervent love for God, and, similarly, like a scorching flame, they swiftly execute His will. The prophet refers to angels and spirits interchangeably. By nature, they are sentient and immaterial flames. The stability of the earth represents its stronghold, which exists solely by God's power; humanity, formed from the earth, stands firm through holy baptism and the grace of the Holy Spirit. The abyss encompasses the vast waters that, before and during the flood, cloaked the earth like a veil. Mountains symbolize the teachings of prophets, apostles, and the fathers of holy traditions, embodying the strength of the waters sanctified through holy baptism. By the authority of holy baptism, demons flee, and the proclamation of the Gospel instills fear in the wicked.