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1. My dear friends, it is only fitting that we pay attention to our Brother, my fellow minister, while he is among us. He has not declined to engage with us but has instead sent us away, eagerly wishing to hear from me as I too desire to hear from him. For in this mutual attentiveness, we all listen to him, our sole Master above. Let us draw attention to the psalm entitled ‘Song of Degrees,’ which stands out due to its length compared to others of the same category. Therefore, let us not linger unnecessarily, except when required, so we might, if it pleases the Lord, provide a comprehensive explanation. You should not approach this as novices blind to all things; rather, your previous knowledge should support our discourse so that it is not necessary for us to recount everything as if it were entirely new.
2. "Lord, remember David and all his humility” (Psalm 131:1). David, as recorded in our historical texts, was the king of Israel, the son of Jesse. His humility is highlighted in the Divine Scriptures, which commend him for repaying neither evil for evil when persecuted by Saul. He displayed such deep humility that he regarded Saul as king and himself as a mere dog, responding not with pride or rudeness—even though he was stronger in faith—but sought rather to appease him through his humility. Saul was put into his hands by our Lord, giving David the power to act as he wished; yet he chose instead to embrace the favor bestowed upon him by God... Thus, David's humility is extolled, and it is said, “Remember David, O Lord, and all his meekness.” For what purpose? It was so he could fulfill the vow he made to the Lord and to the Almighty God of Jacob (Psalm 130:2). This serves as a reminder that while David made a solemn promise, he prayed to God for its fulfillment, displaying both fidelity in his vow and humility in his plea. No one should assume they fulfill their vows solely by their own means. The one who calls you to make such a vow also assists you in its fulfillment. Therefore, let us examine the vow he made and grasp how David symbolizes this.
3. How many thousands came to believe, my brothers, when they laid their possessions at the feet of the apostles! But what does Scripture say of them? Indeed, they became the temple of God; not just individually, but collectively they formed a singular temple for the Lord. To emphasize that the Lord had a dwelling place among them, Scripture notes they were of one heart and soul before God. Yet many, reluctant to make room for the Lord, seek only their own interests, already in love with their possessions, driven by desires for private gain. But the one who yearns to make space for the Lord must not delight in personal profit but in the welfare of all.
4. Consequently, let us refrain, dear brethren, from the ownership of private property, or if unable to do so out of love for it, let us create a space for the Lord. “It is too burdensome for me,” someone may say. But consider who you are in relation to the task of preparing a place for the Lord. If a dignitary sought entry into your home even a mere representative from this world, you would desire to accommodate him, removing anything that might offend him, and glimpse the magnitude of friendship you pursue. Seek the friendship of Christ without trepidation; He wishes to enter your home; clear a path for Him. What entails making room for Him? It means loving Him, not oneself. If you cherish yourself, you will keep the door shut against Him; but should you love Him, you will welcome Him. And if you open your heart to Him and He enters, you will not suffer in self-love; instead, you will find your true self alongside the One who loves you.
5. Look, we find the same sentiment echoed in Psalm Ephrata (131:6). From Ephrata, we heard of a place for the Lord and discovered it in the forest plains. Did he merely hear and discover it in different locations? Let us examine what Ephrata signifies regarding where he heard it; and ponder the meaning of the forest plains where he found it. Ephrata, a Hebrew term, translates as 'mirror' in Latin, as conveyed by the interpreters of the Holy Scriptures. If Ephrata represents a mirror, then the house located in the wooded plain was revealed in that reflection. A mirror holds an image; all prophecy embodies a glimpse of the future. The predicted future house of God was declared through prophetic imagery. Found in the forest plains—what do these signify? 'Saltus,' in its proper use, refers to land yet undisturbed and wooded. What, then, were the forest plains but uncultivated nations? Areas still veiled in the thorns of idolatry? So, although thorns of idolatry may be present, we find there the Lord's dwelling, the tabernacle of the God of Jacob. What was proclaimed figuratively to the Jews became evident in the faith of the Gentiles.
6. “We shall enter into His tabernacles” (Psalm 130:7). Whose? Those which belong to the Lord God of Jacob. The same individuals who dwell in them are those who enter to find a home. Just as you enter your shelter to reside within, so you enter the house of God to dwell therein. For the Lord is better, and when He takes residence in you, He will bring you joy. If He does not dwell within you, you will find discontent. The son who said, “Father, give me my inheritance” (Luke 15:12-20), sought to govern his own life. His father correctly preserved it, ensuring it was not squandered in waste. Once given his share, he journeyed afar and wasted it on reckless living. Ultimately, famished, he recalled his father and returned, longing to be fed from his hand. Therefore, let us enter in, not with a sense of ownership but in humility; let us worship at the site where His feet trod. Whose feet? The Lord’s, originating from His house. For it is the Lord's temple where He has made known His intent to be worshipped. Outside His house, one has no access to eternal life; for it is within the house of God, formed by grace from living stones. Conversely, he who shows no mercy falls, while the house remains steadfast.
7. Yet, should you wish to consider it from the very house borne by the feet of that house, stand firm in Christ. Only then will you be grounded, provided you persevere in Him. For what is said of the devil? He was a murderer from the beginning and stood not in truth (John 8:44)—thus, his feet were unsteady. And what is declared of the proud? “Let not the foot of pride tread upon me” nor let the hand of the wicked cast me down. Behold, all who engage in wicked deeds have fallen and cannot rise. Hence, this is God’s house, whose feet stand firm. John, filled with joy, proclaims, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom” and the friend of the bridegroom rejoices greatly to hear the bridegroom’s voice. If he does not stand firm, he cannot listen. He stands justly, delighting in the voice of the bridegroom. Now you understand why those who rejoice in their own voices falter. The friend of the bridegroom remarked, “That One who baptizes” (John 1:33). Some may claim, “We baptize,” by delighting in their own fame; they could not stand and thus do not belong to the house where His feet are established.
8. “Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place” (Psalm 130:8). Here, one calls upon the Lord, “Awake! You know well who slumbered and who has arisen... You alongside the ark of Your sanctification.” That is, arise so that the ark of Your holiness may also arise. He stands as our Head; His ark is His Church: He rose first, and likewise, the Church shall arise. The body would not dare hope for resurrection had the Head not first risen. Some understand the body of Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, as the ark of sanctification, thus meaning the command: “Arise with Your body,” allowing believers to contend against doubts.
9. “Your priests shall be clothed in righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy” (Psalm 130:9). When You rise from the dead and approach Your Father, it is this royal priesthood clothed in faith, for “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Having received the Holy Spirit’s imprint, the members rejoice in the hope of resurrection, as seen first in the Head: the Apostle urges, “Rejoice in hope” (Romans 12:12).
10. “For the sake of David, Your servant, do not turn away the face of Your anointed” (Psalm 130:10). These words are spoken unto God the Father. For the merit of David, your servant, do not forsake Your anointed one. The Lord was crucified in Judea, executed by the Jews; having endured persecution, He entered into slumber. He arose to judge those who caused Him to sleep; in another passage, He declares, “Raise Me up, and I shall reward them.” As He rewarded, so shall He reward. The Jewish people understand well the immense trials they faced post the Lord’s death. They were driven out of the very city where He was slaughtered. Did all perish from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah? No; some from the tribe believed—indeed, countless thousands from the tribe believed, particularly after the Lord’s resurrection. Anger led them to crucify Him; yet, after witnessing the miraculous works performed in the name of the crucified One, they trembled at His Name’s might—previously seen as weak in their grasp, but now perceiving some hidden divinity within Him. They sought the counsel of the Apostles, who responded, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38). Since Christ arose to judge those who crucified Him, turning His attention from the Jews to the Gentiles; therefore, we pray for the remnant of Israel, as it is said unto Him, “For the sake of Your servant David, do not turn away the presence of Your anointed.” If the tares are condemned, let the wheat be collected. Let the remnant be saved, just as Isaiah proclaims: “And the remnant shall surely be saved” (Isaiah 10:21-22). This population includes the twelve Apostles, along with more than five hundred brethren to whom the Lord appeared following His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6). Among them were thousands baptized (Acts 2:41), who laid their fortune at the Apostles’ feet. Thus, the prayer made here to God is fulfilled: “For the sake of Your servant David, do not turn away the presence of Your anointed.”
11. The Lord made a faithful oath to David, and He shall not change it (Psalm 131:11). What does it mean to have sworn an oath? To secure a promise through Himself. What does it signify that He will not change? That He does not deviate. God does not experience repentance like man nor is He misled into wishing to amend what is flawed. As when a man repents, he desires to amend his actions; thus when one hears God has repented, anticipate genuine change. God operates differently; though He refers to it as repentance, He acts not out of error but rather in delivering justice. He altered the kingdom of Saul when He repented, as stated; and despite Scripture mentioning His repentance, it concurrently affirms His consistency, as He is not like man to change His mind. Therefore, while He alters His actions through His unchanging purpose, it is relayed that He repents due to changes in conduct, but not in intention. He promised so that change would not occur. Here it states, “The Lord swore an oath, and will not repent: you are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” It is unwavering because it was vowed to be immutable. As it states, “The Lord granted David a faithful oath, and He shall not change it: the fruit of your womb will be established on your throne.” He could have said, “of your loins,” yet chose to articulate “of your body,” as Christ was born of a woman without a human father.
THEOSIS