The title of this psalm is concise and straightforward, not demanding our prolonged attention. We know the likeness that David embodies, and in recognizing this, we also see ourselves, for we are all part of this divine Body. The full title reads, “To David himself.” However, let us focus on what unfolds for David himself. Typically, the title of a psalm conveys its message, but in this instance, it indicates the recipient of the song rather than its content, which is revealed in the first verse. The entirety of the Psalm includes a heartfelt confession to Thee. Let us listen intently to this confession. First, it is important to note that the term confession in Scripture possesses dual meanings: acknowledgment of sin and worshipful praise. While the confession of sin is widely recognized, the acknowledgment of praise is less commonly addressed. The confession of sin is so familiar that when we hear the phrases I confess unto Thee, O Lord, or We confess unto Thee, people instinctively react by beating their breasts, forgetting that confession can signify something beyond sin. Yet Christ Himself proclaimed, I confess to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, illustrating that His confession was one of praise rather than sin. He declared, I confess to You, Father, for You have concealed these truths from the wise and revealed them to little children. In doing so, He magnified the Father, expressing His appreciation for the humble while rejecting pride. This is the confession we are about to engage in—one of praise and gratitude. With all my being, I offer my heart as a sacrifice of praise; I confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have attended to the words I have uttered. What mouth, save from the depths of my heart? For we possess a voice that reaches God, yet eludes human understanding. Thus, we communicate inwardly, seeking, pleading; if we have prepared a dwelling for God, we converse there and are heard. For He is not far from any one of us, for it is by Him that we live, move, and exist. Nothing stands between you and God except sin. Eliminate that barrier, and you shall find Him whom you seek.
And before the angels, I will sing praises to You. I will not sing for men, but for the celestial beings. My song reflects my joy; however, my earthly joy appeals to men, while my joy in higher realms resonates with angels. The wicked do not comprehend the joy of the righteous: ‘There is no joy, says my God, for the wicked.’ The wicked may find joy in taverns, but the martyr finds joy in her chains. What did St. Crispina, whom we commemorate today, find joy in? She rejoiced at her capture, before the judge, during her imprisonment, as she was led away bound, as she ascended the scaffold, throughout her trial, and even in her condemnation. She rejoiced in all these moments, while others deemed her unfortunate, all the while she sang in joy before the angels.
I will worship Your holy Temple. What is this holy Temple? It is that where we shall dwell, where we shall worship. Our hearts are filled and nearing the moment of delivery, yearning to give birth. What is the place designated for God’s worship...? The Apostle states, “The temple of God is holy; you are that temple.” Truly, as is evident, God resides in the angels. Therefore, when our joy rests in spiritual matters and not in worldly temptations, singing to God in the presence of angels, the very assembly of angels is the Temple of God, and thus we worship the Temple of God. There exists a Church below, comprised of the faithful, and a Church above, composed of the angels. Yet, the God of angels descended to the Church below, serving on earth while He was served by the angels; for He declared, "I came not to be served, but to serve." The Lord of angels died for humanity. Therefore, I will worship Your holy Temple, not one constructed by human hands, but that which You have fashioned for Yourself.
And I will confess Your Name, in Your mercy and truth... What I have received from You, I will repay according to my abilities: mercy in aiding others; truth in discernment. By these means, God aids us, and through these, we attain His favor. Thus it is affirmed: all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth. There exists no other method by which He can approach us or we can approach Him. For You have exalted Your holy Name above all things. What does this thanksgiving signify, dear brothers? He has magnified His holy Name over Abraham. From Abraham came Isaac; God was glorified in that household; likewise with Jacob; He proclaimed, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Next, He magnified His Name over Israel, and then over the Virgin Mary. Ultimately, Christ our Lord died for our transgressions, rising again for our justification, filling the faithful with His Holy Spirit, sending forth men to proclaim to the Gentiles, “Repent,” etc. Behold, He has magnified His Name above all.
When I call upon You, You will soon hear me. Why will You hear swiftly? Because You said, “While you are still speaking, I will say, Here I am.” Why quickly? Because I do not seek earthly satisfaction; I have learned spiritual aspirations through the New Testament. I seek no land, no earthly abundance, no temporary health, no victory over my foes, no wealth, nor status; none of these things are my pursuit. Therefore, hear me swiftly. Since You have instructed me in my objectives, grant me what I seek...
Let us explore what exactly he seeks and why he claims, Hear me more. What does he desire, that he might be heard more? You will increase me. Growth can be understood in various ways. Men are often overwhelmed by their cares, leading to a multiplication of sorrow; a man appears to be expanded in his soul, even when it is filled with vices. This is not true growth but rather a burden of need, not abundance. What do you desire, who assert, Hear me more, and have distanced yourself entirely from worldly pursuits and desires, to say to God: You will increase me in my soul? Elaborate on your desire. You will increase me, he states, in my soul through virtue...
Let all the kings of the earth confess to You, O Lord. So it shall be, and it is so, and it occurs daily; it is clear that this was not declared in vain, unless it pertains to the future. However, let them, when they confess and praise You, not seek earthly treasures from You. What would the kings of the earth desire? Do they not possess sovereignty already? Whatever further ambition may exist for a man on earth, attaining sovereignty marks the pinnacle of worldly desire. What more could they pursue? It must be something loftier. Yet, the higher the position, the more perilous the journey. Therefore, the more elevated the kings, the more they must humble themselves before God. What do they do? They acknowledge all that has emanated from Your mouth. It is within one nation alone that the Law and the Prophets were concealed—within the nation of the Jews, the nation praised by the Apostle, who asked, “What advantage is there to the Jew?” Much, in many ways, chiefly because they were entrusted with the very words of God. These were indeed the words of God... What does the fleece of Gideon signify? It symbolically represents the Jewish people amidst the world, bearers of the ordinances, which were not openly revealed but were veiled, like the dew on a fleece. The moment has arrived for the dew to manifest; it is no longer hidden. Christ alone embodies the sweetness of that dew: He whose identity may not be recognized in Scripture, for whom the Scriptures were penned. Nonetheless, they have received all the words of Your mouth.
And let them sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. Let all the kings of the earth sing of His ways. What ways? Those previously mentioned, in accordance with Your mercy and truth. Therefore, let not the kings be haughty; they must be humble. Then the ways of the Lord shall indeed resonate—if they are humble, let them love, and they will sing. Travelers are known to sing as they journey, eager to reach their destination. There exist songs of wickedness belonging to the old self; a new song belongs to the new man. Let the kings of the earth also walk in Your ways, singing as they tread. What is there to sing? Great is the glory of the Lord—not that of kings.
See how he desires that kings sing of their humble ways, not rebelling against the Lord. What occurs if they rise in pride? The Lord is high and attentive to the humble. Do kings seek His honor? They must be humble. What then? If they rise in pride, can they escape His perception? Beware of attempting to take pride in the notion, “He respects the humble.” The high stand at a distance; who gives recognition to the proud? Do not assume that you can feel safe because of this; for the One who sees from a distance is not to be underestimated. While you may not encounter a clearer vision from afar, God, though He observes you, sees you perfectly from afar, yet is not with you. Do not presume that safety arises from merely being less seen, but rather from the absence of the One who sees you. However, what does the humble receive? The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. The proud may exalt themselves endlessly, for God is high, dwelling in heaven: do you wish for Him to approach you? Then humble yourselves. The loftier He stands above you, the more you shall be exalted.
If I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. It is true: whatever tribulations you face, acknowledge them and call upon Him; He will deliver you and restore you... Embrace a different existence, and you will perceive that this life is fraught with tribulation, despite how prosperous or pleasurable it may appear; for we have yet to attain that joy, which is free from all temptation, that God preserves for us in the end. This existence, without a doubt, is tribulation. Let us clarify the type of tribulation he refers to, dear brethren. He does not merely say, “If tribulation ensues, You will rescue me.” Instead, he articulates, If I go, etc.; implying that You will not revive me unless I traverse tribulation.
You have stretched out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand has saved me. Let my enemies rage; what power do they hold? They may strip me of my wealth, disgrace me, outcast me, banish me; inflict pain and torment upon me; ultimately, if permitted, they may end my life—what more can they do? But over what they can do, You have reached out Your hand. For my adversaries cannot sever me from You: the more they delay, the more vengeance You enact... But this is not to drive me to despair; Your right hand has likewise saved me.
THEOSIS