Psalm 68 (67):17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These mountains, which bear the Mountain of Christ, express a glorious reality, yet one declares, “But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). The glory belonging to Him must not be found in self but in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).

Therefore, why envision mountains filled with abundance, the mountain where God chose to reside? It's not that He doesn’t inhabit others, but rather, His presence is active in them through Christ. In Him resides all the fullness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9), not as mere shadows like the temple constructed by King Solomon (1 Kings 8:27), but in a substantial and true manner. There is One God and One Mediator between God and humankind, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5), representing the Mountain above all mountains, the Holy One among the saints. This is why He declares, “I in them and You in Me” (John 17:23).

Why then do you envision mountains rich with abundance, the mountain where God finds His delight? These mountains of abundance signify the place of His continual dwelling, affirming to them that apart from Him, they can accomplish nothing (John 15:5).

Athanasius presents the Church as akin to a mountain seen as cheese, reflecting its richness and simplicity, echoing the sentiment, I have given you milk to drink, not solid food. Furthermore, he describes that cheese-like quality as something solidified, incapable of reverting to the substance of milk, as noted in the ancient text. Look at the mountain where God has chosen to dwell. He points to the mountain or Church in which God delights to reside, declaring this to be His eternal rest (Psalms 131:14). For the Lord will abide in her until the end. The Lord has promised to remain in this mountain of Christ's Church forever, for behold, He assures you, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). What then can the Jews respond to this? For it is evident that the Lord did not remain on Mount Zion indefinitely, but only for a certain period.

The term "spachum," as understood by the seventy interpreters, was linked to "mashpachim" from Genesis 49:14, leading to its interpretation as 'boundaries.' However, in Ezekiel, "shapach" refers to the act of setting the konob (Ezekiel 24:3), while "spachum" signifies the two rows of stones used for the konob (Ezekiel 40:43). The word "yonah," typically meaning dove, is interpreted by Tirin as a symbol of the Babylonian kingdom, recalling Semiramis, deriving its meaning from references in Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:38; Jeremiah 46:16; Jeremiah 50:16). Others suggest it denotes bitterness, as seen in Zephaniah (Zeph. 3:1).

The interpretation of "Ketzalmon," or ‘in the shadow,’ is proposed by Theodotion, yet many translators regard it as the proper name of Mount Selmon, located in the heart of the promised land, near Shechem (Judges 9:48). Aben-Ezra describes it as white with snow and surrounded by trees. Bashan, situated to the east of the Jordan and conquered by the Israelites from King Og (Numbers 21:33-35), is rich in livestock (Numbers 32:5, 33), which is why the young men of Bashan (Psalm 21:13, 14) refer to it as a land of might.

The term "benachim" has been misconstrued by the seventy as "venach," meaning cheese (Job 10:10), while some modern interpreters assert that it signifies ridges. From these varying meanings, different interpretations can be derived, and comparing these can help confirm the most accurate understanding.

Eusebius and other ancient theologians suggest: “If we examine the two covenants, the Old and the New, we will discover the 'shrieks of the dove,' indicating the words of the Holy Spirit, which, in their basic literal sense, are portrayed in silver (Isaiah 11:7), yet in spiritual depth are unveiled in golden hues. When the Heavenly King distributes these dove-like utterances to His earthly subjects—the prophets, apostles, and disciples—they too shine as white as the snow atop Mount Selmon. The Church of Christ is likened to this mountain, the mountain of God, signifying His presence, a place of lush pastures for the flock of the word, bearing the bountiful fruits of strength and dedication, as fertile as Bashan.

Why do you seek to possess many mountains of abundance? Why do you Jews aspire to lift Moses above Christ? Why do you heretical thinkers attempt to establish multiple churches? There exists but one mountain where God desires to dwell (Isaiah 2:2, 3; 2 Corinthians 6:6), with one Head of this mountain, in whom the Divine essence will abide eternally (Colossians 1:18).”

Tirin's interpretation states: “If you are the descendants of the now triumphant Church and shall eventually find rest amidst foreign lands, as members of the dove's cry covered in silver and adorned with golden plumage—symbolizing subjects of the opulent kingdom of Semiramis, when the Most High disperses kings over this realm, judges the kings of Babylon, and hands over their dominion to the kings of Persia, then you shall emerge pure and radiant, like the dove bedecked in silver with golden feathers, shining bright upon the dark Mount Selmon, elevated from the shadows of captivity, cleansed from the corruption of the nations, imbued with the joy of salvation. Mount Zion shall once more be recognized as the mountain of God."

The interpretation aligned with the original Hebrew signs and the thoughtful arrangement of the prophetic poem reveals: “It is not solely visible prosperity or victories against visible foes that ought to inspire Israel to extol God, but also the trials and triumphs over unseen adversaries. Gratitude for past divine acts should not be the sole focus of praise, but rather faith in the future, eternal safeguarding, establishment, and growth of the Church. Even if there comes a time when you, children of victorious Israel, find yourselves in the midst of crucibles, cast into the fires of temptation amidst calamity and sorrow, you shall ultimately rise in purity and brilliance, like the dove adorned with silver and shimmering gold. When the Almighty scatters rulers from His inheritance, refuting the kings of Judah and Israel as unfruitful seeds, and diminishes the kings of the Gentiles who oppress His heritage, He will create kings and priests (Revelation 1:6) from fishermen and tax collectors. Then, O Church, you shall rise above the earthly storms and shadows in heavenly brilliance and untarnished form, as white as snow upon the darkened Selmon.

You shall emerge as the exalted city of God, exhibiting the height of God's sanctuary and the strength of Bashan by the vigor of your inhabitants. You will manifest the city of Bashan, composed of numerous mountains and diverse kingdoms of the earth. Your borders shall extend beyond the Jordan, giving rise to a new Zion amid pagan lands.”

“Therefore, why do you, mighty mountains, gaze upon the Lord’s mountain with envy and bitterness? (Jeremiah 51:24, 25). The Church, despite its transition across lands, remains the singular mountain chosen by God to reside in. The Lord, the Sustainer of all that is unseen, who revealed His glory on Mount Horeb and Sinai, shall come to reign on Mount Zion and will inhabit the mysterious mountain of His Church until the end of time, ensuring its preservation, affirmation, and expansion amidst all hostile endeavors aimed to destroy it.”

The Prophet's message resonates even more strongly as human arrogance and pride increase. Nevertheless, regardless of the prideful disposition of this generation, the faithful can find solace in the singular blessing that God chooses to reside among them. As long as they remain connected to God, in whom their true fulfillment is found, they will have no cause for remorse or dissatisfaction with their state.

The name of God represents the East, for He is the inapproachable Light and the eternal Godhead, while the ascent towards the West symbolizes communion with the sorrows of humanity, a place akin to night when contrasted with the mountain light. This illustrates that God is omnipresent. Thus, regardless of whether you are sitting, walking, attending to daily needs, eating, or engaged in any other activity, whether facing east or west, do not hesitate to pray, as we are instructed to do so continually and in every location. Even when your head is covered, maintain a spirit of prayer, ensuring that it is done with attentiveness.