THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
The text titled 'A Psalm of end to the sons of Korea' invites us to recognize the singular direction of which the apostle speaks: that Christ is the culmination of the law, as noted in Romans 10:4. By placing these words at the start of the psalm’s title, the focus is directed towards Christ. When we concentrate on Him, we remain anchored, for He is the Truth we aim to reach and the Way outlined in John 14:6.
Read more (1601 words)
The prophet articulates a vision of the future, employing language that reflects a time already in the past. He portrays future events as though they have already transpired because, for God, the future exists beyond time. He proclaims, “Lord, Thou hast done favour to Thy land” (Psalm 83:1), indicating a divine action already realized. He speaks of the rejection of Jacob's captivity, referring to the ancient nation of Israel, offspring of Abraham, under the covenant that they would become God’s people. This was a distinct nation, given the Old Testament scriptures, within which the New Covenant foreshadowed itself, introducing a promised land associated with the Jewish people, specifically Jerusalem, a name familiar to us all.
During their claim to this land, the Israelites faced numerous hardships from neighboring adversaries. When they turned away from God, they fell into captivity—not for total destruction, but for correction; their Father corrected rather than condemned. Following their capture, they frequently experienced cycles of bondage and liberation, and now they find themselves captive due to their grave sin, namely their act of crucifying their Lord. So, what should we comprehend from the expression, “Thou hast rejected the captivity of Jacob”? It is a prophetic proclamation. “Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob”—who does this refer to? To Christ, as it notes, "the end of the children of Koreth," for He indeed has liberated Jacob's captivity.
Paul's reflection aligns with this sentiment: "I am a wretched man! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24), whereupon he immediately recognizes it is "the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:25). The prophet relays to our Lord Jesus Christ, “You have turned away the captivity of Jacob.” The true captivity of Jacob is not merely from external foes but from the bondage of sin, which rendered them subject to Satan’s power. Deliverance from sin signifies dominion over such a prince, for if one is liberated from their sins, the ruler of all wrongdoing loses his influence.
How, then, did He liberate Jacob from captivity? This deliverance is profoundly spiritual, occurring internally: “Thou hast forgiven the iniquities of Thy people; Thou hast covered all their sins” (Psalm 83:2). By removing sin, which was the source of their bondage, He assures that iniquity, being forgiven, leads to freedom. In acknowledging your captivity, you become suitable for deliverance; for without recognizing one's enemy, how can one call for a rescuer? “Thou hast covered all their sins”—what does that imply? It suggests that God chooses not to see our transgressions in a way that would invoke vengeance. Despite their reality, He has chosen not to hold them against us.
As Scripture conveys, “Thou hast appeased all Thy anger; Thou hast turned Thyself away from Thy wrath” (Psalm 84:3). In speaking prophetically but now calling for God’s action, He says, “Turn us, O God of our salvation” (Psalm 83:4). The prophet prays as if addressing a fulfillment that is both present and future. How can he beseech something as if it has already come to pass? He desires its realization because he can foresee its certainty: “Turn us, O God of our salvation, and turn away Thy wrath from us.” But if You have already quelled Thy anger, why plead for its removal? The prophet implies that, while he speaks of fulfillment, he recognizes what is yet to come and desires that it manifests: there lies his prayer for the future.
“Be not angry with us forever” (Psalm 84:5), for God’s wrath brings forth death. Through His wrath, we labor and experience want, as stated in Genesis 3:19, which was the sentence upon Adam’s sin, reflecting that “in Adam all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22). This judgment affects not only Adam but all humanity because we were all in him. Thus, the consequences of his sin reverberate through time. Yet, sin from our father does not bind us if we undergo transformation. The ailments of this mortal existence—physical afflictions, poverty, the chains of death—are manifestations of divine displeasure. Yet it was decreed that we would be renewed through faith, freed from mortality at the resurrection, becoming one whole anew; for as “in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Thus, the prophet entreats, "Do not be angry with us forever," for the plight of the first generation arose from divine wrath; the second, however, will experience immortality through grace. “O God, You will turn us again and revive us” (Psalm 84:6). This revival is not by our own power but through His grace—both in reviving us and converting us to vitality. “Thy people shall rejoice over Thee,” as their joy derives from recognizing their struggles for good and evil; for once they sought pleasure in themselves, they encountered sorrow. Upon turning to God, they now rejoice securely in Him, the eternal source of joy. What is the notion of finding delight in worldly treasures, which ultimately perish? “Rejoice in that light,” as proclaimed: “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). This light invites you to see and recognize your Savior, whom we implore, “Show us Thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation” (Psalm 84:7).
Those blessed by God’s mercy recognize their dependence on Him for all goodness. Upon acknowledging that goodness comes from God alone, arrogance is dispelled, allowing them to stand firm in faith, enjoying the joy that arises from their relationship with God. “Beloved, we are now sons of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be” (1 John 3:2). Imagine the rejoicing if one, lost and seeking an identity, is told, "You are a son of a senator. Your father holds a vast inheritance." Likewise, the Apostle of Christ assures us of our divine heritage, our status as sons of God.
In contemplating His beauty, all that we admire stems from Him, the Creator. How much greater is He than the creations we cherish? Thus, we must strive for Him, focusing our affections beyond transient delights to the eternal joy found in Him, seeking to purify our hearts through love, so that we may perceive Him rightly when He reveals Himself.
The prophet declares, “I will hear what the Lord God speaks within me” (Psalm 84:8), recognizing that amidst life’s distraction, he must still himself to discern the sacred voice. Enveloped in divine tranquility, he offers a plea for God to speak His peace to His people. The voice of God embodies peace, urging those in turmoil to seek it.
In this worldly struggle for peace, remember that true tranquility stems from holiness. As we wrestle against unseen adversaries, our desires often entice us into conflict. To embrace peace, we must combat these internal struggles. Everything in this life eventually brings fatigue—from earthly sustenance to physical exertion; nothing offers enduring peace. True peace awaits a future whereby death is swallowed in victory, and we find ourselves in the City of God, where friendships are eternal, and no adversary can enter. In that City, all shall manifest love and unity, seeing God as all in all (1 Corinthians 15:28).
Therefore, God assures His people by saying, “His salvation is near to them that fear Him” (Psalm 84:9). During the time of the Old Testament, there remained those among the Jews who held reverence for God, unlike the surrounding nations captivated by idols. Their fear was born not of true faith but of the threat of punishment, a superficial grasp of His power. Yet, God’s nearness was to His people, as the Apostle illustrates: “He came and preached peace to you who were afar off” (Ephesians 2:17).
The distinction lies not in physical proximity but in spiritual affection. Those who love God are close to Him; those who reject Him stand distant, regardless of location. The prophet acknowledges God’s favor extended to all but recognizes a particular grace bestowed upon the Jewish people. “Nevertheless, I will listen to what the Lord God says to me: For He shall speak peace unto His people” (Psalm 84:10). His salvation is promised to all who fear Him, resulting in divine glory in our land, symbolizing the place of Christ’s manifestation, His miracles, and divine presence.
In reflecting on this, the psalm states, “Mercy and truth have met together” (Psalm 84:10), emphasizing the mingling of divine attributes. Where God’s truth resides, mercy is present, extending even to those who have strayed far from Him. The essence of peace lies in harmony attained through truth; a community striving for righteousness is where peace flourishes.
Ultimately, the realization of God’s promises hinges on confession. “If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). When one’s heart is earnest in seeking truth, righteousness shall bloom, and they shall find peace.
As indicated, “The Lord will give sweetness, and our land will yield its harvest” (Psalm 84:12). Herein lies the sweetness of righteousness actively practiced—transforming indulgences into longings for virtuous living. The sweetness of doing good comes from God; for it is through His grace that we are enabled to find joy in serving Him and others. Let the seed of God’s word take root in prepared hearts, resulting in a fruitful witness of faith. As we cultivate this goodness, righteousness will go before Him, guiding our paths towards Him (Psalm 84:14).
Thus, make a way for the Lord through sincere confession, allowing His righteousness to open our hearts, inviting His presence to dwell within us. “Prepare the way of the Lord” in your hearts, and He will direct His response to you.