THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Let us examine the meaning behind the phrase: "Take away their spirit, and they shall vanish, and return to their flesh. After thy spirit, and they shall be created, and shall renew the face of the earth." This statement appears to support the view that both souls and bodies are derived from their parents if we interpret it to mean that the spirit is referred to as their spirit because it is received from them. However, when they pass away, this spirit cannot be restored to them by human means for resurrection; it is no longer taken from parents as in birth, but is returned by God, who resurrects the dead (2 Mac. 7:23). Consequently, the spirit is identified as both their spirit at death and God’s spirit upon resurrection.
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Those who believe that souls originate from God rather than parents may interpret this in line with their understanding—that the spirit is referred to as their spirit in death because it was within them and departs from them, while it is God’s spirit upon resurrection as it is dispatched by Him. This interpretation harmonizes with both views.
Personally, I find it more enlightening to view this saying as referring to the grace that inwardly transforms us. Indeed, the spirit of the arrogant, who indulge in worldly desires and boast of their vanity, is lifted in a sense when they abandon their old selves, overcoming pride and enhancing their journey toward perfection. They utter to the Lord, "I will remember that we are like feathers" (Psalm 102:14), for it has been said to them, "Why are the earth and ashes proud?" (Sir 10:9). By focusing their faith on the truth of God, they reject their own righteousness (Romans 10:3) and, as noted by Job, they turn their gaze inward, humbling themselves and recognizing their mortality, symbolized by earth and ashes, which signifies their inevitable return to nothingness. Yet, upon receiving the Spirit of God, they proclaim, "I live not, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Thus, the face of the earth is renewed through the grace of the new covenant, brought about by the multitude of saints.
Bless the Lord, my soul; let the unity we share in Christ inspire this declaration. O Lord my God, You are tremendously exalted! Where is Your magnificence manifested? You have donned splendor and acknowledge that to adorn yourself, you must recognize Him who provides that adornment. Clothe yourself in light as if participating in a grand garment. You are embraced by His Church, for it has become light through Him, which was once darkness itself, as the Apostle reminds us: "Ye were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord." You spread the heavens effortlessly, like a vast covering. Just as a skin signifies mortality, the authority of the Holy Scriptures has been communicated to us through those who were mortal.
You envelop the heights with waters. What are the heights of which we speak? They refer metaphorically to the heavenly realms, and the uppermost parts of the Scriptures are the commandment of love, which transcends all. Why is love likened to water? Because the love of God is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us. So where does the Spirit emerge as water? Recall Jesus, who stated: "Whoever believes in Me, out of his bosom will flow rivers of living water." The evangelist clarifies this by saying: "But this He spoke of the Spirit, which those who believed in Him were to receive." He transcends the virtues of the soul, signifying love of self. How does He triumph over it? Because God’s love for us surpasses our love for God.
He makes His spirits into angels and a flaming fire His ministers; these are beings of spirit who serve Him by preaching His Gospel. If the minister cannot ignite passion in others, he cannot stir the audience to fervor. He has set the earth on its firm foundation and likewise established His Church upon the same steadiness. The foundation of the Church is Christ, as proclaimed by the Apostle: "No man can lay any other foundation than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus." Therefore, what is appropriate for such a foundation? It cannot be uprooted now or forever. He established the earth upon its steadfastness, which is Christ Himself. The Church will falter only if its foundation falters; however, how could Christ, through whom all creation came into being, ever falter?
The abyss is like a garment for her. Whose garment could this be if God has already been described as "Clothed with light as a garment"? His divine light shall encompass us if we desire it. If we long for it, we must abandon our darkness. Since God wears light, then what could be the abyss that surrounds us? It signifies the vast waters that are known collectively as the Abyss, a term encapsulating all fluids that course through seas, rivers, and caverns. This indicates the earth of which He stated: "He founded the earth." Indeed, it seems to express that "The Abyss, like a garment, is its garment." The water encircles and covers the earth.
The floods rise up to the mountains, illustrating that the garment of the earth, which is the abyss, has surged so greatly that it covers even the mountains. We are reminded of the account during the deluge. The prophet’s intention was to forewarn us, suggesting that the Church would endure a deluge of persecution. There was a time when torrents of opponents engulfed God's Church, obscuring even the highest peaks, the most revered individuals, until the lengths of persecution embroiled them all. Perhaps these very waters whisper, "Save me, O God, for the waters have reached even to my soul," especially those that render the sea tumultuous and desolate. Wherever the sea spreads, it fails to render it fruitful; instead, it renders it barren. Among the submerged mountains, the waters prevailed.
Why did the apostles flee? Because of the overwhelming force of those waters. But for how long could this last? Listen to what follows: "From Thy rebuke they shall scatter." And it came to pass, brethren; by the Word of God’s power, the waters receded from the mountains. Look at how the mountains, represented by Peter and Paul, have been elevated! Those once diminished by persecution are now honored like emperors, for the waters have retreated. The heart of kings is in the hands of God; He has inclined it toward where He wills, commanding peace for Christians; thus, the authority of the Apostles has flourished. The waters recede from the rebuke of God, trembling at His thunderous voice. Who could stand unafraid when the voice of God is proclaimed through the apostles, through the Scriptures, through His clouds? The sea grew tranquil, the tumultuous waters withdrew, and the mountains stood bare, all by divine decree. Henceforth, let no one take credit for any of this.
The mountains rise, and the valleys sink to the place He has established for them. The term "mountains" here should not be construed literally as just earth; neither should "plains" merely relate to terrestrial flatlands; rather, they symbolize tumultuous waves comparable to mountains. The sea once surged, its waves towering high enough to obliterate the mountains of the Apostles. But how long do these mountains rise, and the valleys subside? In their rage, they took on the form of mountains; now, they are tranquil like low plains, for He has created a designated resting place for them. A profound depth exists where the tumultuous hearts of mortals retreat.
While once they were mountains, now they lay low as plains. However, even this calm denotes the state of the sea. Meanwhile, why do they not act with malice now? Why have they lost their fury? Why do they not attempt to cover us, even if they cannot overthrow us? Listen to this: "Thou hast set a limit, which they shall not pass over, nor turn back, to cover the earth." What now? The most bitter waves have received a measure, thus allowing us the liberty to declare these truths. They are bound by limits that they cannot cross, assuring us that they shall not return to inundate the earth. Despite the gentle murmurs of the waters, though the Gentiles still cause unrest, I fear not the flood's return.
What unfolds on the earth in this exposed state? The Lord sends springs into the valleys. You witness the small valleys, lowlands between elevated areas. Mountains and hills represent the high ground, while valleys symbolize the low. Do not disdain the humble places; from them flow the springs. You send forth waters to the small valleys. Hear the mountain voice: the apostle claims he labored more than all, yet he humbles himself to be a channel for flowing waters.
What does it signify that "In the midst of the mountains the waters shall pass through"? We recognize that mountains refer to the great preachers of the Word, exalted messengers of God yet dwelling within mortal flesh. Elevated by divine grace, they themselves are also valleys as they pour forth springs from their humility. Thus, in the midst, between the mountains, the waters flow, suggesting that the preaching of the Word of Truth would occur among the apostles. That which is in the center symbolizes common property; it belongs to everyone equally and does not belong individually to any one person.
If it were merely private, it would only serve one or another, where each holds tightly to what belongs to them, not allowed to share. This is not the true preaching of peace. So, brethren, may what we've spoken serve your love concerning the springs: let them flow from among you, as valleys, so that you may commune with all you possess of God. Let the waters flow in the community, be envious of none, receive, be filled, and let the common waters of God be glorified everywhere, not the private lies of men.
Thus, all the beasts of the forest shall drink. We observe how in creation, animals quench their thirst from springs and streams that flow between the mountains, but God has concealed wisdom within this imagery. He desires that those who seek diligently uncover it, while others receive it not. God intends to guide you through us, prompting us to recognize spiritually hidden truths in the visible creation, and therein find our joy—by beasts of the forest, we symbolize the Gentiles, as the Scriptures confirm in many places.
These creatures drink from these waters briefly and do not establish permanence, for teachings passed are temporary. If you believe, ponder this city to which it is said, "Praise the Lord, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion; for He has strengthened the bars of your gates." Today these bars fortify the city shut tight, where no friend can exit and no enemy enter; it is here that we find a book to read or a speech to interpret far more than what is understandable now. This is why the scriptures highlight the necessity of preserving knowledge for reflection. Abundance of God's Word will reign there, harmonizing everyone and elevating their understanding beyond mere letters and sounds.
Upon completion of our pilgrimage, this essence shall be revealed, permitting us to encounter what invokes our perpetual praise. Those who partake will never grow weary, nor will they exhaust in satisfaction when feasting on this truth. The marvel of this contemplation indeed overshadows all else.
The wild beasts will drink of the flowing waters. In this instance, onagras refers to the wild asses, which exemplify untamed men without the yoke of the Law. They exhibit the characteristics of nations living according to their own customs in their arrogance. In their wildness, they find sustenance; varying creatures quench their thirst but differ by nature. The timid hare drinks at one spot while the fierce ass drinks at another. Each quenches their thirst just as they may choose; thus, the water compassionately meets each need without frightening those who are timid.