THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
What sin is being referred to? Adultery, murder, disobeying God’s commandments. My intent is not to condemn the prophet but to highlight his swift repentance. The prophet accomplished what was foretold, ‘Remember me; let us plead together; declare thou, that thou mayest be justified’ (Isaiah 43:26). He found justification in his confession: ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Then the prophet Nathan approached him and declared: ‘The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die’ (2 Samuel 12:13). Sin may be committed swiftly, but repentance can occur even more rapidly. After sinning with Uriah's wife, he was troubled by his transgression and began to write a psalm, proclaiming: ‘Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great kindness’ (Psalm 51:3). Through complete repentance, he received full pardon for his sin.
Artists create representations of nature through their craft, blending colors to portray tangible objects, as well as humans, nature, and battles, depicting kings and commoners alike. By their artistry, they recreate the visible world and provide entertainment for their audience. In a parallel way, the prophets serve as artists portraying virtue and vice. They illustrate through their words the wicked, the righteous, the penitent, the fallen, and the restored. Just as artists paint images of conflict, the prophets portray sin confronting and being overcome, with demons battling, and the devil both prevailing and being vanquished. Therefore, let us carefully examine this craft of the prophets. Observing mere artworks yields no benefit; seeing a picture of a sovereign or a ruler does not change one's station in life, nor does it inspire one to rule. Witnessing someone gain wealth brings envy rather than comfort, whether one is poor, suffering under jealousy, or rich, inciting scorn. In these moments of frustration, I find myself sorrowful.
However, you should set aside such images and consider this particular portrayal. When I observe a servant to the king, what comes to mind? And when I see a sinner who has fallen and then risen again, this serves as a lesson. When I witness a righteous person standing firm, it inspires me to exercise wisdom. Through reflection, I learn of conflict and prepare myself for victory. If I see a just person faltering, I gain understanding. I do not share this simply or without purpose, for today's psalm directs us to this very lesson. The prophet proclaims, ‘Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy mercies, wash away my transgressions’ (Psalm 51:3). This psalm serves as a vivid representation; I refer to it as a picture because within it, I observe various aspects: sin is attacked and defeated, repentance confronts God, humanity shines, and from us flows abundant tears of remorse. These elements together form this illustration.
Before we delve into the psalm, let's explore its title. Just as artworks are labeled, so too are psalms inscribed. As with displays that bear captions indicating the artist and the event depicted, psalm inscriptions reveal their origins, moral messages, contents, and contexts. I urge you to pay close attention to these words; we are not discussing trivial matters. ‘A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah.’ This title prompts us to consider who Nathan is, who Bathsheba is—Uriah’s wife—and when and why the prophet approached her. Not every psalm pertains directly to David's own experience. Indeed, all psalms are written by him, but they do not all recount his personal trials. He captures not only his own sorrows but also the misfortunes of others. For example, ‘By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept’ (Psalm 137:1) is not about David's own experiences, as he had never visited Babylon nor witnessed their suffering firsthand; instead, he laments the plight of the Jewish captives.
Similarly, when he declares, ‘They pierced my hands and my feet; I may tell all my bones’ (Psalm 22:16-17), he does not reference his own pains but foretells the crucifixion and the universal sacrifice made for humanity's salvation. Thus, the psalms have diverse applications, sometimes reflecting the afflictions of the psalmist and at other times those of others. This particular psalm is directed toward collective experiences, denoted by the inscription of Nathan's entry. Its purpose is to remind us not to deflect our focus or entertain other thoughts; rather, we must recognize a psalm that instructs and uplifts us.
I urge both the righteous and the sinful to take heed! This psalm benefits both: it cautions the righteous against complacency and motivates the sinner not to despair in seeking forgiveness. Both are at risk; the righteous man may stumble through neglect, while the sinner, in hopelessness, may not rise again. To prevent either from stumbling or remaining fallen, our psalmist provides this healing psalm, beneficial in different ways for each case. I wish to reflect on the great and grievous sin of the prophet, so none of us may succumb to despair. Divine grace, which cares for all humanity, shows that not only the righteous deeds of saints but also their transgressions can be transformed into healing for others; the failings of one serve as guiding lessons for many. If a holy person has fallen, I need not despair for my own salvation; seeing their stumble serves as assurance of my own potential to rise again. Thus, the Spirit in grace acknowledges not only the accomplishments of the righteous but also their downfalls and their consequences.
Let me illustrate this noble warrior—wounded, fallen, restored, exalted, defeated, victorious, and crowned. He is not merely portrayed as fallen but also stands risen, so that you can glean wisdom from both his fall and his recovery—that when you sin, you might not plunge into despair, but quickly seek repentance and not say, ‘Woe is me, I am lost—an adulterer, fornicatress, murderer.’ You have a sanctuary of hope even amid sin's chains. When you witness such a great soul wounded and tormented, hasten to repentance and confidently shed tears of grief, for through his experience, you can find your own salvation.
Consider, for instance: many, both men and women, regularly battle severe and often terminal illness. They expend tears and resources, while the art of medicine proves powerless, and life begins to fade. A woman may despair, asking, ‘Where to turn? What can I do? I have invested all I could, consulted doctors, and exhausted remedies, yet the sickness remains.’ But often a visitor reveals, ‘I endured a similar affliction, and someone referred me to a remedy that healed me.’ Then she implores, ‘Introduce me to her. Send me to such a place (to find such assistance).’
Similarly, when a person falls into adultery and murder—what a grievous malady!—I will guide you to the journey of healing and the remedy employed by the one wounded. I do not mean to send you to a particular location or person; rather, it is directly within your reach even while you remain at home, accessible without any effort or labor. So, it is crucial to elaborate on the sin, the timing, the location, and the individuals involved so that upon leaving here, you will grasp the entirety of the matter comprehensively.
Young David, son of an uninformed father and busy with pastoral care, distanced himself from the tumult of city life and found tranquility in the wilderness. Though young in age, he was wise beyond his years, his virtues unhampered by any youthful follies. As a young boy, he achieved tremendous victories—not through brute strength, but by the power of faith. Listen to this tale: It became necessary to appoint a king for the Israelites, for the reigning monarch was unfit. Therefore, God sent Samuel to David's father. Upon arriving, young David was out in the fields tending sheep. I emphasize his youth, so none may despise the young or unduly praise the aged, as virtue and vice stem not from years but from the disposition of the soul. Vigilance in youth can lead to righteousness, while negligence can manifest at any age.
Consider three young men who stood firm against flames (Daniel 3:24) and Daniel, only twelve years old, with a faith so potent he quelled the beasts (Daniel 6:22). Young Stephen, full of grace, preached to the Jews (Acts 6:5); while Paul, aged not in wisdom, was a fierce persecutor of the Church until he later received the crown of faith (Acts 9:20). Thus, do not disdain the youth, nor overly glorify old age. True wisdom is not measured by age but by the temperance of spirit: if alert, youth holds no detriment; if careless, even age offers no benefit. David, though young, earned the ripe fruits of virtue. Samuel, unaccompanied by a crowd, arrived with a horn of holy oil (1 Samuel 16:4).
He declared that God had sent him to appoint one of Jesse's sons as king. Jesse, presuming the eldest was to be chosen, presented him, but God rejected him. He paraded forth the second, the third, and so on, until all sons were presented yet none were chosen. Finally, Samuel inquired, ‘Is there not yet another son?’ Jesse, sheepish, admitted he had another—David, the youngest. Would God want to anoint a mere shepherd? Yet where man humiliates, God elevates. ‘For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7). So, are we in pursuit of earthly nobility? Rather, we seek a noble spirit.
Delve into this story. God did not say, ‘Go anoint David by name,’ but rather, ‘Go anoint one of Jesse’s sons.’ Why was David concealed initially? To prevent a repeat of Joseph’s ordeal, where suspicion and jealousy led to betrayal. The prophet thus approached with subtlety: ‘Present me one of your sons.’ David alone remained out tending the sheep. God’s vision does not rest upon aesthetic appeal. Consider the cases: what proves better, a beautiful body devoid of virtue, or a virtuous spirit? Beauty without character is like a decorated tomb, enticing yet hollow; the allure of physicality may fade, yet the true beauty of the soul remains eternal and unblemished.
If you notice a striking person, let it not disturb your faith. Giant oaks reach high but yield inedible fruit; the humble vine spreads low yet bears rich harvests. What seems insignificant, like a bee, can hold more value than the ostentatious peacock. David was anointed, as the holy oil poured over him: a spiritual vestment of royalty devoid of worldly armor. When battle commenced and confusion reigned, David approached the army and viewed the formidable opponent challenging them to single combat.
Seeing no warrior willing to step forward, David challenged, saying: ‘Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that defies the armies of the living God?’ (1 Samuel 17:36). When asked about his audacity, he responded, ‘It is not madness—it is faith. I do not glory in stature but in the might of God! Even if he seems powerful, he is nothing before the Almighty.’ Faith endowed David with courage, recognizing in that foe a hollow creature despite his imposing presence. The weapons of our warfare are not physical but potent through God (2 Corinthians 10:4).
When making inquiries, David asked what reward awaited the man who vanquished the enemy. His question was not for his own gain but to stir belief among his peers. However, his brothers veiled their envy. They reproached him, questioning his intentions, highlighting their suspicion over his heart. What was their grievance? They were unable to bear the eloquence of his speech and thus resented him.
To not agitate the wound inflicted by their jealousy, David shifted his inquiries, seeking answers about the reward again. Eventually, he found himself before the king. Seeing Saul's countenance, filled with fear and anxiety, he queried, ‘Why are you downcast? What affliction rests upon you? Who is this foreign warrior challenging us? May I not confront him?’