The title of this psalm is succinct and straightforward, not requiring lengthy explanation; we recognize that David reflects the image of Christ, and in him, we also see ourselves as part of this Body. The complete title reads, “To David himself.” However, let us focus on the experiences of David himself. While psalm titles typically reveal their messages, this one directs us to whom it is addressed; thus, the first verse clarifies the psalm’s message: I confess to Thee. Let us pay attention to this confession. It is important to note that in Scripture, the term confession has two meanings: one referring to sin and the other to praise. The recognition of sin is widely understood, while the acknowledgment of praise is less common. It is so ingrained that when we hear the phrase, I confess unto Thee, O Lord, we instinctively associate it with sin, as our hands move to strike our breasts. Yet, wasn’t our Lord Jesus Christ Himself in a state of sin when He declared, I confess to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth? He expresses His acknowledgment, allowing us to interpret it as a declaration of praise rather than sin: I confess to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have concealed these truths from the wise and knowledgeable and revealed them to infants. He honored the Father, glorifying God, for He does not disregard the humble but opposes the arrogant. This confession, therefore, is one of praise and gratitude. With all my heart, I dedicate my being to Your praise, offering a burnt offering of gratitude... I confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have heeded the words of my mouth. What mouth, but my heart? For we possess a voice that resonates with God, which human ears may not perceive at all. Thus, we have an inner voice, where we make our requests and plead with Him. If we have prepared a dwelling for God within us, it is there that we communicate and are heard. For He is not far from any of us; in Him, we live and move and have our being. Nothing separates you from God except sin. Remove this barrier, and you shall be in communion with Him whom you seek.
And before the angels, I will sing to you. I will not sing in the presence of men, but before angels. My song brings me joy; yet my joy is for earthly matters before men, while my joy for heavenly realities is directed toward angels. The wicked do not know the joy of the righteous: ‘There is no joy, says my God, for the wicked.’ The wicked find delight in their indulgences, while martyrs rejoice even in their chains. What did St. Crispina, honored today, celebrate? She found joy in being seized, brought before the judge, imprisoned, bound, led to the scaffold, being heard, and ultimately condemned. In all these situations, she rejoiced, while the wicked viewed her as unfortunate, though she rejoiced before the angels.
I will worship Your holy Temple. What does it mean to worship the holy Temple? It signifies the place where we will abide and offer our worship. We are eager to worship. Our hearts are filled with longing, seeking a place to give birth to this desire. Where is the sanctuary where God should be honored...? The temple of God is holy, states the Apostle; what a temple you are. But truly, as is evident, God dwells among the angels. Therefore, when our joy, rooted in spiritual matters rather than earthly pursuits, sings to God before the angels, the very assembly of angels becomes the Temple of God, and we bestow our worship upon it. There exists a Church on earth and a Church in heaven; the Church on earth comprises all believers, and the Church in heaven consists of all the angels. Yet the God of angels descended to the Church on earth, and the angels ministered to Him while He served us, for He declared, I came not to be served, but to serve. The Lord of angels laid down His life for mankind. Hence, I will worship Your holy Temple; I refer not to a temple made by human hands, but to that which You have created for Yourself.
And I will declare Your Name for Your mercy and truth... And what You have given to me, I will repay You according to my capacity: mercy by assisting others; truth in fair judgment. This is how God aids us, and through this we earn His favor. Indeed, all the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth. There exists no other path through which He can approach us or we can reach Him. For You have exalted Your holy Name above all things. What does this thanksgiving signify, brethren? He magnified His holy Name over Abraham. From Abraham came Isaac; God was magnified over that lineage; then Jacob; and God proclaimed, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then came his twelve sons; the Name of the Lord was magnified over Israel. Then the Virgin Mary, and then Christ our Lord died for our sins, rising again for our justification, filling the faithful with His Holy Spirit, sending men to proclaim to the Gentiles, ‘Repent ye,’ etc. Behold, He has exalted His holy Name above all.
On the day I call upon You, You shall swiftly hear me. Why swiftly? Because You stated, ‘While you are yet speaking, I will say, Behold, I am here.’ Why quickly? Because now I seek not earthly happiness; I have learned divine aspirations from the New Testament. I seek not land, earthly wealth, temporary health, overcoming my enemies, nor status; none of these are my pursuits. Thus, I ask You to hear me soon. Since You have taught me what to desire, grant me what I seek...
Let us reflect on what he seeks and the grounds on which he implores, Hear me rather. What desires lead one to be heard more readily? You will multiply me. Multiplication can be understood in various contexts... While earthly pleasures can multiply cares, leading a person to feel burdened, this is a multiplication of need rather than abundance. What do you yearn for when you plead, Hear me rather, and withdraw from the body and all earthly desires, to express to God, You will enrich my soul? Clarify what you desire. You will multiply me, he asserts, in my soul through virtue...
Let all the kings of the earth confess to You, O Lord. It will happen, it is happening daily, and it is evident that this proclamation is not made in vain, except in its future fulfilment. However, let them, in their confessing to You and praising You, not ask for earthly things. What do the kings of the earth desire? Do they not already possess power? Whatever else one might seek among earthly achievements, sovereignty is the pinnacle of human desire. What else could they seek? Must it not be an even higher station? Yet the higher the station, the greater the risk that accompanies it. Thus, the more exalted these earthly kings are, the more they must humble themselves before God. What is their predicament? Because they have heard all the words from Your mouth. In one nation alone were the Law and the Prophets concealed, all the words of Your mouth were entrusted to the Jewish nation, a nation the Apostle praises, saying, What profit is there in Judea? Much in every way; chiefly because they were entrusted with the oracles of God. What was signified by the fleece of Gideon? It represents the Jewish people among the nations, holding the grace of the ordinances, even when not openly revealed, but veiled as dew on the fleece. The time had arrived for the dew to be revealed, manifestly displayed. Christ alone embodies the sweetness of this dew, yet He remains unrecognized in Scriptures, even though Scriptures point to Him. Still, they have heard all the words of Your mouth.
Let them sing in the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. Let all the kings of the earth walk in the ways of the Lord. In what ways? As previously mentioned, according to Your mercy and truth. Therefore, let not the kings of the earth be haughty, but let them be humbled. Then let the ways of the Lord resound if they are humble; let them love, and they will sing. We know of travelers who sing while they hasten toward their destination. There exist songs of wickedness, associated with the old self; the new self belongs to a new song. Let the kings of the earth also walk in Your ways, let them walk and sing in Your paths. What should they proclaim in song? Great is the glory of the Lord, not that of kings.
Observe how he desires kings to sing along in humility while enduring with the Lord, not rebelling against Him. For if they rise in pride, what will follow? For the Lord is exalted and regards the humble. Do kings hope for His honor? They must humble themselves. But if they become arrogant, can they evade His gaze? If you hear, ‘He regards the humble,’ and think to be proud, wishing in your heart, ‘God regards the humble,’ you may conclude, ‘He does not regard me,’ and you indulge in your desires. Oh, foolish one! Would you speak thus if you truly understood what you should cherish? Behold, even if God chooses not to see you, should you not fear that very fact? He does not seem to acknowledge the proud, for He honors the humble. What does being high mean? It means to be seen from a distance. Yet what do the proud receive? Even if their status is visible, it is only from afar, not in closeness. Do not think you are secure because He sees you at a distance; for one who sees you from afar does not see you with clarity. God, though perceiving you from afar, sees you entirely, but He is not near you. This detachment does not stem from a less perfect gaze, but from lacking presence with the One who sees. However, what does the humble receive? The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. Let the proud exalt themselves as much as they wish, for God reigns on high, in heaven: do you desire Him to come near? Humble yourselves. For the higher He resides, the more you shall be exalted.
If I walk amidst tribulation, You will revive me. This is true: whatever tribulation you face, acknowledge it, call upon Him; He will deliver and revive you. Embrace a higher life, and you will perceive that this life is fraught with tribulations, despite outward appearances of prosperity and overflowing pleasures. Without having attained that joy which God preserves for us at the end—free from all temptation—life is undeniably one of tribulation. Let us grasp the nature of the tribulation he refers to here, dear friends. He did not say: ‘If tribulation comes upon me, You will rescue me.’ Instead, he proclaims: If I walk... that is, You shall not revive me unless I traverse the path of tribulation.
You have stretched forth Your hand against the outrage of my enemies, and Your right hand has saved me. What can my enemies do? They may seize my possessions, strip me down, persecute me, exile me, afflict me with grief and anguish; ultimately, if permitted, they might even kill me. But beyond these actions, what can they accomplish? Yet on that which my enemies can execute, You have extended Your hand. For my enemies cannot sever my connection to You: but You avenge me more effectively the longer You delay... not to incite despair; hence, it follows, Your right hand has also saved me.
THEOSIS