The title of this psalm is concise, not requiring much deliberation, as we understand the likeness that David embodies, and in it, we see our own reflection as members of the same Body. The full title reads “To David himself.” Yet, let us examine what occurs with David himself. Generally, a psalm's title conveys its message; however, in this instance, the title indicates to whom it is sung rather than its content. Therefore, the first verse reveals the essence of the psalm: "I confess to Thee." Let us listen to this confession. It is essential to note that the term "confession" in Scripture carries two meanings: acknowledgment of sin and expression of praise. The acknowledgment of sin is universally recognized, but the acknowledgment of praise is not as well understood. It is so ingrained that when we hear “I confess unto Thee, O Lord,” we instinctively react with contrition, interpreting confession solely in the context of sin. Yet, our Lord Jesus Christ also confessed, saying in the Gospel, "I confess to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth." He elucidates His confession, allowing us to understand it as an expression of praise rather than sin: "I confess to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes." In doing so, He glorifies God, affirming that He values the humble while rejecting the prideful. This is the type of confession we are about to hear—a melody of praise and gratitude. With my whole heart, I lay myself upon the altar of Your adoration; I present to You a burnt offering of praise. "I confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have heard the words of my mouth” (Psalm 137:1). What mouth is this but my heart? We possess a voice that reaches God's ears, which is unknown to the human ear. Thus, we have an inner voice where we ask and plead; and if we have prepared a dwelling for God within us, there we speak and are heard. For "He is not far from each one of us, for by Him we live, and move, and exist" (Acts 17:27-28). Sin is the only barrier separating us from God. Eliminate the division of sin, and you will be united with Him whom you seek.
Before the angels, I will sing praises to You. I will not sing before men but before heavenly beings. My song brings me joy, yet the pleasures I share with mankind are inferior to that which brings joy before the angels, for "the wicked knoweth not the joy of the righteous." God declares, "There is no joy, saith my God, to the wicked." The wicked delight in taverns, while the martyr finds joy in chains. Take St. Crispina, whose feast we celebrate today. She rejoiced not only when seized or brought before the judge but even within the confines of imprisonment and while bound on the scaffold. Despite her circumstances, she found joy, while others saw her as pitiable, recognizing her joy in the presence of angels.
"I will worship Thy holy Temple" (Psalm 136:2). What is this holy Temple? It is where we will dwell and worship. Our hearts are burdened, anticipating the moment of spiritual birth and searching for a place to give it life. Where will God be worshipped? “The temple of God is holy," as the Apostle says, "What a temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:17). Indeed, God resides in the angels. When our joy, rooted in spiritual matters rather than earthly concerns, rises as a melody towards God in harmony with the angels, we find that the assembly of angels itself constitutes the Temple of God. There exists a Church on earth and a Church above; the Church below comprises all the faithful, while the Church above consists of the angels. Yet, God descended to the Church below, and the angels ministered to Him on earth (Matthew 4:11), while He served humanity, professing "I came, not to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). The Lord of angels laid down His life for humanity. Therefore, I will worship Thy holy Temple, not one crafted by human hands, but that which You have established for Yourself.
"And I will confess Thy Name in Thy mercy and Thy truth." What has been given to me, I will repay according to my abilities: mercy through aiding others and truth through discernment. With these virtues, God assists us, and it is by them that we find favor in His eyes. Indeed, "all the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth." There is no other manner for Him to approach us, nor for us to approach Him. "For You have exalted Your holy Name above all things." What does this thanksgiving signify, dear friends? He magnified His holy Name over Abraham, through whom Isaac was born, thereby glorifying His Name over that lineage. Then came Jacob, and God affirmed, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Then the twelve sons of Jacob came along, with the Name of the Lord magnified over Israel. The Virgin Mary arose next, and through Christ our Lord who died for our transgressions and rose again for our justification (Romans 4:25), He filled the faithful with His Holy Spirit, sending forth men to declare to the nations, "Repent ye" (Matthew 3:2). Indeed, He has magnified His holy Name above all.
"When I call upon Thee, Thou shalt soon hear me" (Psalm 136:3). Why soon? Because You have proclaimed, "While thou art still speaking, I will say, Behold, I am here" (Isaiah 58:9). Why quickly? Because my focus is not on earthly desires; I have learned holy aspirations from the New Testament. I am in search of no land, nor earthly abundance, nor temporary health, nor triumph over my adversaries, nor wealth, nor status. None of these things do I pursue; therefore, hear me quickly. Since You have guided me on what to seek, grant me what I thirst for.
Let us consider what he desires, for what reason he claims, “Hear me quickly.” What transpired that caused him to want to be heard with such urgency? You will multiply me. Multiplication can manifest in various interpretations. Men become filled within by earthly concerns: one may appear to be multiplied by vices where even misdeeds seem to increase. This is a multiplication of need, not abundance. But what do you seek in declaring “Hear me quickly,” removing yourself from carnal distractions to present to God, "You will multiply me within my spirit"? Define in clearer terms what you seek. "You will multiply me," he states, "in my spirit through virtue."
"Let all the kings of the earth confess to You, O Lord" (Psalm 137:4). This prophesy will be fulfilled, and it is continuously realized; it exemplifies that it was not spoken in vain. However, let them, when they confess to You and sing Your praises, refrain from seeking temporal gains. What do the kings of the earth wish for? Do they not already hold dominion? What higher pursuit could one have but sovereignty? The lofty position can become perilous; therefore, the more elevated their status, the more they must submit before God. These kings have heard all the words that proceeded from Your mouth. The Law and the Prophets were entrusted to one nation alone—the Jewish nation, which the Apostle extolls, saying, "What profit is there in Judea? Much in every respect; chiefly because they were entrusted with the words of God" (Romans 3:1-2). The fleece of Gideon symbolizes the Jewish people, possessing grace despite it being concealed, like dew on a fleece (Judges 6:37, 39). The time has come for the dew to be revealed—it is manifested through Christ, who embodies the essence of that dew. While the Scriptures testify of Him, many fail to recognize this truth, yet they have heard all that You have proclaimed.
"And let them sing in the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord" (Psalm 136:5). All the kings of the earth are invited to sing according to the ways of the Lord. Which ways are these? They are those aligned with Thy mercy and truth. Thus, let not the kings of the earth indulge in pride, but humbly offer their devotion. Then, if they embrace humility, the ways of the Lord shall resound with song; let them love, and they will find their voices raised in praise. Just as travelers sing while hastening towards their destination, let the kings also tread in Thy ways and rejoice with song. What, then, shall they sing? "Great is the glory of the Lord," not that of earthly kings.
Observe how he longs for kings to vocalize their praise while humbly yielding to the Lord, avoiding any rebellion against Him. For should they rise up against Him, what will follow? "For the Lord is high and will look to the humble" (Psalm 137:6). Do kings assert that He should honor them? Then let them be humble. What if, in their pride, they attempt to elude His gaze? Take heed: those who aspire to be revered as high become distant in His sight. The humble draw near to Him, while the arrogant are relegated to being viewed from afar. Remember that while you may desire recognition from afar, it does not safeguard you; the One who sees you from a distance knows your heart perfectly. What do the humble receive? "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." Let the proud exalt themselves as they wish; for God, enthroned above, is in heaven. Do you wish for Him to approach you? Humble yourselves, for the higher He is above you, the more you will be exalted.
"If I walk in the midst of tribulation, You will revive me" (Psalm 137:7). Indeed, whatever tribulation you endure, acknowledge it and call upon Him; He will deliver you and bring you to life again. Love an existence beyond this life, and you will perceive this life as filled with tribulation, regardless of its apparent splendor or abundance, as we have not yet obtained that ultimate joy free from temptation which God reserves for us. Therefore, we must grasp what type of tribulation he refers to, dear friends. He does not say, "If any tribulation assails me, Thou wilt save me from it." He states how: "If I go … then Thou wilt revive me." In other words, God will not grant rejuvenation without my traversing through tribulation.
"You have stretched out Your hand against the fury of my enemies, and Your right hand has saved me." Let my adversaries rage; what are they able to do? They may seize my wealth, remove my comforts, expel me, displace me, afflict me with sorrow, and ultimately, should they be allowed, even take my life. What more can they accomplish? Yet, despite their actions, Your powerful hand remains over me. They cannot sever me from you; rather, each delay in their malice serves to amplify Your defense of me. However, Your intervention does not lead me to despair, for "Thy right hand has also saved me."
"You, O Lord, will recompense me" (Psalm 136:8). I will not seek vengeance; You will repay. Let my adversaries run amok; You will settle what I cannot. Beloved, do not seek revenge, as the Apostle reminds us, but yield to divine wrath, for it is written, "I will avenge; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19). Another dimension of meaning exists here that warrants consideration: Lord Christ, You will compensate on my behalf. For if I seek repayment, I am essentially in possession of that which belongs to me; yet You, in sacrificial love, have accounting for my debts, having paid for what was never Yours to claim. Lord, You will cover my debts. Observe how You did so. They approached Him seeking tribute—a didrachma, two drachmas per individual—asking whether their Master paid His dues. When informed, He directed Peter to the sea to catch a fish that would yield a stater, sufficient for both of them. The first fish was the Firstborn from the dead; within its mouth, we find two didrachmas, equivalent to four drachmas. In those four drachmas, we encounter the four Gospels. Through these four, we are liberated from worldly claims; through the four Gospels, we are no longer debtors, as the price for all our sins has been settled. He repaid for us according to His mercy, burdened by no debt of His own, but having given for our sake.
THEOSIS