Truly, beloved, it is fitting that we should pay attention to our Brother and fellow servant present among us. He has not turned us down; rather, he has invited us to listen, on the condition that we also lend our ears to him, for in this mutual mercy we collectively hear from our singular Teacher in heaven. Let us draw our attention to the psalm titled ‘Song of Ascents’, which is notably longer than others of its kind. Therefore, let us not tarry longer than necessity demands, so that we may, with God's grace, provide a comprehensive understanding. It is crucial that you do not approach all matters as those who are uneducated; your past insights should assist us so we do not need to introduce every point as if it were unfamiliar.
"Lord, remember David and all his humility" (Psalm 131:1). According to the historical account, David, son of Jesse, was the sole king of Israel. Indeed, he embodied meekness, as the Holy Scriptures testify, being so humble that he refrained from retaliating against his adversary Saul. He upheld such lowliness towards Saul that he acknowledged him as king while portraying himself as insignificant. He spoke to Saul neither arrogantly nor disrespectfully, despite being stronger; he sought to appease Saul through his humility rather than provoke with pride. Even when Saul fell into his grasp—this was permitted by the Lord—David chose to extend grace rather than take vengeance. Thus, David’s humility and gentleness are extolled, and it is beseeched of God, "Remember David, O Lord, and all his meekness"—for what intent? To fulfill the oath he made to the Almighty God of Jacob (Psalm 130:2). David sought God's assistance to keep this vow, showcasing fidelity in the pledge and humility in his supplication. Let none consider their promises realized in their own strength; it is the one who summons you to vow who aids in its fulfillment. Let us reflect on the vow he made to grasp its meaning.
David is interpreted as "strong-handed" due to his prowess as a warrior. Trusting in the Lord, he quelled hostilities and subdued his foes through divine assistance, making him a type of the One who wields strength to vanquish His adversaries, the devil and his minions. Against these foes, the Church battles and prevails. What does he mean by swearing? To swear signifies to make a firm promise. Consider the intensity and affection behind his promise; nevertheless, he entreats God to aid him as he expressed his commitment: "I will not enter my house nor lie upon my bed" (Psalm 130:3). "I shall not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber" (Psalm 130:4). Not content with these declarations, he adds, "Nor will I give rest to the temples of my head until I find a dwelling for the Lord, a place for the God of Jacob" (Psalm 131:5).
Where did he seek a place for the Lord? In his meekness, he sought it within himself. For how can one discern a dwelling for the Lord? Listen to the prophet: "On whom shall My Spirit rest? On him who is poor and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2). Do you wish to become a dwelling for the Lord? Be humble in spirit, broken, and respectful before the word of God, and you shall embody what you seek. If what you search for does not materialize within yourself, how will it benefit you externally?
How many thousands of believers, dear brethren, laid their possessions at the feet of the apostles? But what does Scripture say of them? They became the temple of God—not just individually but collectively. Hence, they transformed into a dwelling for the Lord. To affirm this, the Scriptures declare they had "one heart and one soul" before God. Yet many, eager to protect their own interests, fail to provide space for the Lord by clinging to their own desires and power. One who longs to make space for the Lord must not rejoice in private gain but instead in the common good.
Let us, therefore, refrain from the ownership of personal property; however, if we find ourselves unable, let us do so out of love for others, to make room for the Lord. "It is too demanding for me," someone might exclaim. Yet, consider who you are in the endeavor to create space for the Lord. If a senator wished to be received into your abode—even more so a representative of a powerful figure—would you not remove obstacles to honor his presence? And what is human friendship worth? Aspire instead for the friendship of Christ without trepidation: He desires entry into your heart; ensure there is room for Him. What does it mean to make room for Him? Do not indulge in self-love but in love for Him. Should you love yourself, you will close the door to Him; but if you love Him, you will open your heart to Him. When you offer yourself to Him, His love will not diminish your well-being but will enrich you with the love of He who cherishes you.
Observe the psalm as it articulates the quest for a place for the Lord. We found it in "Ephrata" (Psalm 131:6). Did he discover it where he heard it, or is there a distinction between the two? Let us explore what "Ephrata" signifies and what the "forest plains" represent. Ephrata, translated from Hebrew to Latin, indicates "mirror" as conveyed by translators of the Holy Scriptures. If Ephrata signifies a mirror, the about-to-be-found dwelling in the wooded plains refers to the future church, as prophecy reflects images of what is to come.
What are the "forest plains"? They represent a realm of uncultivated and dense lands. Just as there were glades within the forest, these plains may symbolize unrefined peoples; although they were overgrown with the thorns of idolatry, the dwelling for the Lord can be found there. Thus, what was conveyed to the Jews through imagery has been realized in the faith of the Gentiles.
We will enter His tabernacles (Psalm 130:7). Whose tabernacles? Those belonging to the God of Jacob. Those who enter to dwell therein find joy. When the Lord resides within, He brings fulfillment; if He does not dwell in you, you will know desolation. The son who asked his father, "Give me my share of the property" (Luke 15:12-20), wished to control his own life, whereas his father kept it securely, preventing wastefulness. He received what was his own only to squander everything in reckless living. Eventually, he found himself in need, recalling his father and returning for sustenance.
Thus, come and dwell in the house of the Lord. Even if that space does not belong to you in a worldly sense, let us enter His sanctuary, to worship in the very place where His feet trod. To whom do those feet belong? To the Lord, who identifies the appropriate setting for worship. Outside His dwelling, no one can attain eternal life; for it is within the house made of lively stones by His grace that belonging is secured. Those devoid of compassion stumble, while the house of the faithful stands firm.
If you are inclined to consider this in reference to the very house where the feet of that house stood, let your own feet find stability in Christ. They will stand, provided you abide in Him. For it is stated of the devil: "He was a murderer from the beginning and did not stand in the truth" (John 8:44). Thus, the devil's feet cannot stand. The proud too are admonished: "Let not the foot of pride come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked cast me down." Clearly, all who practice evil have fallen and cannot rise, whereas the house of God remains steadfast.
John proclaimed joyfully, "What? He who has the bride is the bridegroom, and the friend of the bridegroom stands and hears him." If he does not stand, he cannot hear Him. He stands rightly, rejoicing in the voice of the bridegroom. Hence those who take delight in their own voices fall away. The friend of the bridegroom affirmed Baptism; some claimed, "We baptize," and, rejoicing in their own words, they fell, no longer belonging to the house of which it is said, "where His feet stood."
"Arise, O Lord, to Thy resting place" (Psalm 130:8). Addressing the Lord, "Awake! You know Who slept and Who has risen." This pertains to the ark of Your sanctification, for the ark is symbolic of His Church. He arose first, and so shall the Church rise. The body would not dare expect resurrection without the Head rising before it. The body of Christ, born of Mary, signifies that He is the ark of sanctification so that the words mean: "Arise with His body," allowing believers to confront disbelief.
"Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness, and Thy saints shall rejoice and sing" (Psalm 130:9). Upon rising from the dead and approaching the Father, let this royal priesthood be enveloped in faith, for "the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17). Having received the fullness of the Holy Spirit, let the faithful rejoice in the hope of resurrection which began in the Head; thus the Apostle encourages: “Rejoice in hope” (Romans 12:12).
"For the sake of David, Thy servant, turn not away the face of Thy anointed" (Psalm 130:10). These words address God the Father. For David's sake, do not turn away from Thy anointed. The Lord faced crucifixion in Judea, at the hands of the Jews. He lay asleep, but upon rising, He judges those who had once mistreated Him. In a different context, it is said: "Raise Me, and I will reward them." The Jews themselves acknowledge their immense suffering following the Lord’s death; they faced expulsion from the city that was their home. Yet did all descend from the root of David perish? No, for a remnant believed, with multitudes embracing faith post-resurrection. They who were once angered sought to bring Him harm, yet they were gripped by awe as they witnessed His miracles performed in His name; apprehensive of His divine power, they sought counsel from the Apostles who instructed: "Repent and be baptized every one 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, it seems that God is implored for the remnant of Israel: "For the sake of Thy servant David, turn not away the presence of Thy anointed." If the tares are condemned, let the wheat be gathered; let the remnant be saved, as Isaiah proclaimed: "And the remnant shall return" (Isaiah 10:21-22). From them arose the twelve Apostles and over five hundred brethren who witnessed the risen Lord (1 Corinthians 15:6). Countless thousands of them were baptized, having laid their possessions at the feet of the Apostles. Thus, the plea directed towards God—"For the sake of Thy servant David, do not turn away the presence of Thy anointed"—was fulfilled.
"The Lord gave David a faithful oath, and He will not relent" (Psalm 131:11). What does it mean to make an oath? It signifies an established promise through Himself. What does it mean that He will not relent? He will not change. God does not experience regret like man nor is He misled. Hence, if He expresses remorse, expect an actual change; but remember that God's ways differ from ours, named within the context of vengeance or deliverance. He transitioned the kingdom from Saul when He "repented," and while it may be stated differently—"For He is not a man that He should repent"—it proves He acts according to His unchanging purposes.
The Lord swore an oath, declaring you are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. It was promised so that it must come to pass and remain so; thus it is said: "The Lord gave David a faithful oath, and He will not relent: 'The fruit of your body will I set upon your throne.'" If He had stated, "Of the fruit of your loins," it would have been true; but calling it "the fruit of your body" holds additional significance, for Christ was born of a woman without a man.
THEOSIS