THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
I believe that Psalm CVIII-i does not require further elucidation, as I have previously interpreted it in Psalm LVII-i and LX-i, which comprise its latter sections. The concluding segment of LVII is the initial part, particularly the verse: Thy glory is above all the earth. From this point to the end aligns with the final portion of LX-go, which corresponds to the latter part of CXXXV-go, identified in the verse: The idols of the nations are merely gold and silver. Likewise, XIV and LIIId share similar content from start to finish, despite minor variations in the middle. Thus, any minor differences observed in this CVIII Psalm compared to its two constituent parts are easily comprehensible.
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For example, in LVIId, we find the phrase I will sing and praise; awake, my glory: here it is expressed as I will sing and praise my glory. In the former, it encourages awakening for the purpose of singing and praising, while the latter states thy mercy is great (or, as some interpret, exalted) unto heaven; here, thy mercy is great above the heavens. It signifies greatness extending to the heavens, which is encapsulated in the phrase ‘above the heavens.’ Furthermore, in LX, it states I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem: here it is rephrased to I will exalt, and divide Shechem. This indicates what is meant by the partitioning of Shechem foretold to occur after the Lord's exaltation, emphasizing that this rejoicing pertains to that exaltation; He rejoices precisely because He is lifted high. Consequently, He proclaims in another context, Thou hast transformed my mourning into joy; Thou hast removed my garments of sorrow and clothed me with joy. The scripture speaks of Ephraim as the strength of my head, and here it presents Ephraim as the lifting up of my head. Yet strength is derived from acceptance, meaning He grants us strength through acceptance, empowering us by producing fruit within us, as the interpretation of Ephraim denotes ‘bringing forth fruit.’ Acceptance is understood as we receive Christ or, in another sense, as Christ, the Head of the Church, elevates us. The words in the previous psalm that challenge our understanding remain consistent here, as do the references to our adversaries.
This psalm demonstrates that titles which may seem to pertain solely to historical contexts are to be more accurately interpreted in a prophetic sense, reflecting the intent behind the psalm's composition. Indeed, this psalm encompasses the concluding elements of two distinct psalms, each with varying titles. However, it signifies that both converge on a singular aim, not merely in the realm of history but in the profound depths of prophecy, uniting their themes under one title: the Song or Psalm of David, distinct from previous titles except for the reference to David. For as articulated in various ways in many scriptures, as noted in the Epistle to the Hebrews, God communicated in former times to our ancestors through the prophets; yet, He spoke of the one He would send later, so the prophetic words would be fulfilled, for all of God’s promises find their affirmation in Him.