Glorious things are said of thee, O city of God.
נִ֭כְבָּדוֹת מְדֻבָּ֣ר בָּ֑ךְ עִ֖יר הָאֱלֹהִ֣ים סֶֽלָה׃
14 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 16 commentaries
the sacred city, spiritual Zion, which the blessed Psalmist noted, declaring, ‘glorious things have been spoken of thee, O city of God’; for Christ resides within the Church, as if He has established it as a city of His own, despite His divine essence encompassing all creation. Thus, it is regarded as the city of God, akin to a designated land, the homeland of those who are sanctified and spiritually enriched through their communion with God.
Since immortal and blessed beings, residing in heavenly realms and united in fellowship with their Creator, who sustains them in eternal truth and holiness, show mercy to us, the mortal and suffering, desiring that we, too, may attain everlasting joy, they do not wish for us to offer sacrifices to them instead of to the One to whom they, alongside us, direct their offerings. United with them, we form one assembly of God, to which the psalmist refers, saying, "Glorious things are proclaimed of thee, O assembly of God!" One part of this assembly, which exists among us, is in a state of wandering, while the part that is with them provides support.
We refer to this assembly of God as noted by Scripture, which, through divine providence, transcends the writings of all nations with its unmatched authority, shaping human minds rather than being a mere reflection of them. This Scripture declares, "Glorious things are proclaimed of thee, O assembly of God!" Additionally, another psalm states, "Great is the Lord and all-valiant in the assembly of our God, in His holy mountain" (Psalm 47:2). Further in the same psalm, it is written, "As we have heard, so have we seen in the assembly of the Lord of Hosts, in the assembly of our God; God will establish it forever" (Psalm 47:9). Also in another psalm, it says, "The streams of rivers cheer the assembly of God; the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of it; it shall not be shaken" (Psalm 45:5-6). Through these and similar testimonies, which could take too long to enumerate in full, we understand that there is a heavenly assembly of God of which we aspire to be citizens, motivated by the love that its Founder has instilled within us. The citizens of the earthly assembly prefer their own deities over this holy Founder, unaware that He is the God of gods. These so-called gods are not false, meaning they are not ungodly or prideful; rather, they, deprived of His eternal light and constrained by limited power, construct for themselves private domains and seek divine honors from their misguided followers. In contrast, the truly pious and holy beings find greater joy in serving God alone rather than subjecting many to themselves, desiring to honor God rather than being honored in His place.
Since immortal and blessed spirits, who reside in the heavenly realms and find solace in their union with the Creator, the One whose eternal nature grounds them in unwavering truth and holiness, extend their love towards us, the mortal and distressed, out of compassion, desiring our transformation into the eternal and blessed, they do not seek for us to offer sacrifices to them instead of to Him with whom they themselves worship alongside us. Together, we constitute one assembly of God, to whom the words of the psalm speak, ‘Glorious things are proclaimed of thee, O hail of God!’ (Psalm 86:3). One aspect of this assembly, which is among us, is lost; the other aspect, which exists in them, provides assistance.
The recently sung psalm is succinct yet rich in its message. The theme revolves around the celebration and adoration of the city that represents our citizenship as Christians—a place from which we are presently distant in our mortal existence and to which we aspire to return. This city, amid thorny paths, is reached through Christ, who has become our guide. As we traverse our journey in Him, longing for a sublime rest that exists in this city—the kind of rest that has eluded human experience—let us express our yearning through songs of praise. Those who sincerely desire this city resonate with its melodies in their souls, even when their voices remain silent. The composers of these poignant words exhibited deep love and yearning for this city, a love kindled by the Holy Spirit.
As Paul reminds us, “the love of God is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.” Let us immerse ourselves in the truths conveyed about this city.
The psalm begins by proclaiming, “Her foundations are upon the holy hills.” This opening line indicates a city anchored on sacred ground. The mention of foundations suggests a significant city, and with the Holy Spirit's inspiration and deep reflections on this city, the speaker cannot help but announce, “Her foundations are on the holy hills.” How could he refrain from discussing something that had been ever-present in his soul? It is through contemplation and prayer that he boldly exclaims these foundations as existing upon hallowed heights, introducing an audience likely curious about which city he means when he immediately follows with, “The Lord loves the gates of Zion.” Here, we discover a city built on holy hills, specifically Zion, cherished by God more than any of Jacob’s abodes.
But what do these foundations represent? The Apostle Paul clarifies this, revealing that both the Prophets and he stand as citizens of this city and aim to inspire fellow believers. In his letters, Paul describes the faithful as an edifice erected on the foundations laid by the Apostles and Prophets—with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Therefore, the Gentiles cannot be excluded from the significance of Zion, as it merely serves as a shadow of the true heavenly Jerusalem of which Paul speaks—a mother figure for all believers. Paul assured them, “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints,” as they are joined together with the household of God, thus portraying the solid structure of this great city.
Continuing with the imagery of the city, the Apostle explains that the foundation lies upon the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the supreme support. He underscores that no one can lay a superior foundation other than that which is Christ Jesus. The Apostles and Prophets serve as vital components of this foundation, establishing themselves as pillars that contribute to the city’s strength. The limitations of earthly buildings illustrate how Christ is the spiritual Foundation of the highest order, supporting the entirety of the city with a divine presence that transcends physical boundaries. Where the earthly construction has foundational constraints, spiritual edifices find their everlasting stability in Christ, who is also depicted as the Good Shepherd and the Door.
As believers enter the city, they discover all leading back to Christ, who indwells them. The apostolic testimonies also reveal that through their faith, they too function as living stones in the spiritual house being constructed within this divine city. The psalmist notes that “the Lord loves the gates of Zion above all the dwellings of Jacob,” illustrating the entryway into the Kingdom of God provided through Christ—who embodies the access point to this ultimate joy.
The psalmist reflects on the beauty of the city of God, addressing it as Jerusalem, which physically has suffered but holds symbolic significance that transcends its present state. The mention of Raab and Babylon signifies the inclusion of all peoples—not limited to Israel—highlighting the redemptive nature of God who welcomes even those once deemed outsiders. Raab, representing a Gentile subject, points to the embrace of faith, as she bore the crimson thread symbolizing Christ’s blood for redemption. Notably, the psalmist expresses that God acknowledges such a wide-ranging community of faith that includes all nations and their kinship to the city of God, as indicated by the Prophet’s words.
In this divine mystery, we see juxtaposed the holy against the unholy, where all are called into relationship with the eternal God. Zion is personified, with the reminder that a man was born there and who holds the power to extend grace to the estranged. The psalm further reinforces that those who dwell in God's house are blessed, not because of material wealth, but because they find fulfillment in eternal praise. In the anticipated city, joy shall accompany souls who abandon earthly struggles, transitioning to a state free from want and hardship.
This promise unveils a place that empowers those who rejoice. Their labor transforms into unending hymns of praise, and the trials of the mortal realm vanish in the face of divine glory. As the heart longs for encounters with God, we are reminded that in the heavenly abode, satisfaction lies in pure connection with the Creator. This anticipation urges believers to prepare themselves for joys that far exceed earthly pleasures—a space dedicated solely to worship and the presence of the Almighty, ensuring that in Him all shall find completeness, unfiltered by secular distractions.
Let us then strive towards purity of heart, turning away from worldly entanglements to bask in the essence of divine joy that transcends understanding. This longing sets the stage for a reality where our spiritual sustenance brings continual renewal and vitality, preparing a place for blessedness as we dwell eternally in communion with our Lord. Now, let us turn to prayer.
The 'city' refers to the Church. What magnificent declaration is made regarding it, that the Only-begotten will reside within it, as expressed in the words, 'I will dwell there, as I have willed and willed' (Ps. 131:14)? For another interpretation, consider Psalms 100:8.
The Heavenly Jerusalem is the nurturing mother of the firstborn, resembling a beautifully adorned bride who welcomes those who have obeyed the Lord’s commandments. In that sacred realm of the humble, where tranquility and peace reign, where all is illuminated and pleasing to God, there exists neither the transgressor nor the afflicted, nor is there sin or sorrow. It is a place of indescribable light and unfathomable joy, devoid of toil or tears, worry or grief, where lamentation is absent, where ‘there is neither male nor female’ (Gal. 3:28). In this divine environment, there is no evil, death, fasting, suffering, hostility, or envy, but instead, there is an abundance of joy, peace, and happiness.
It is a realm filled with the waters of refreshment, away from all evil, a source of the fourfold division, and the vineyard cultivated by the Creator of all. On this blessed land, magnificent fruit flourishes, producing the tree of life, sustained by springs of spiritual gifts, yielding true grapes crafted by the Spirit. Here lies indescribable beauty, true illumination, and the Source of all goodness, a power that exceeds all, the one thing worthy of desire, everlasting joy, eternal delight, endless light, and the sun that never sets. This is the city of the King, concerning which ‘the glorious things were spoken.’ It is the place where the voices of the celebrants resound, where the treasures of wisdom and understanding are hidden.
The phrase "His foundations are on the mountains of the saints" can certainly be attributed to God. Additionally, it is proclaimed that "Gloriously they say of thee, O city of God." What city is being referenced here, and who is it that speaks of it with such glory? This is affirmed throughout the prophecies. Isaiah declares, "Arise, arise, Jerusalem, receive the strength of thy hand" (Isaiah 52:1). In another instance, Isaiah refers to it as, "I am a strong city, a besieged city" (Isaiah 29:1). David expresses, "A swift stream rejoiceth the hail of God" (Psalms 45:5). Furthermore, he states, "Lord, in Thy hail Thou wilt scatter their images" (Psalms 72:20). The Savior highlights its significance by saying, "A city standing on a mountain cannot hide" (Matthew 5:14).
What is prophesied about You is truly wondrous and remarkable; it surpasses all human anticipation. Furthermore, the statement made in the Psalm clearly does not align with the earthly Zion, as demonstrated by the additional context provided.
“‘The memory of the just is blessed’ (Proverbs 10:7), proclaims the wise Solomon. ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints’ (Psalm 115:6), declared the God-father David in earlier times. Thus, since the remembrance of the righteous is celebrated with honor, who would not exalt the source of righteousness and the treasury of holiness, not merely for praise, but to share in everlasting glory? For God’s dwelling, the heavenly city adorned with honor, as the divine David describes, ‘Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God!’ requires no glorification from us.
Who can we represent when we speak of the praise of the invisible and ineffable God, who holds all things within His grasp, but the one and only indescribably containing the incarnate Word of God, through whom the divine proclamations are made? And what could be more magnificent than the revelation of the eternal and true counsel of God (Isaiah 25:1)?”
When David felt a profound voice within, prompted by the Holy Spirit, realizing that God would manifest His presence in Jerusalem and interact with the people, he was filled with awe and proclaimed to Jerusalem, "Great and marvelous revelations have been shared with me regarding you, O city of God, through the Spirit. This city belongs to God, both because it was consecrated to Him in ancient times and because it was appointed for Christ, who would suffer there, along with His tomb and resurrection. As stated by Athanasius, the city of God symbolizes the church, which reflects the heavenly realm, and the entrances to these divine beginnings are present among us, referred to in Scripture as gates.
What God declares about it is not merely astonishing but transcends all human expectations; it is proclaimed that the Only Begotten must dwell there, aligning with these words: I will dwell here, for I have chosen him. In accordance with the teachings of St. John Damascene, we understand the city of God to signify the venerated Mother of God, deserving of all honor, of whom it is gloriously stated that her virginity and childbirth unite through the union of the divine with human nature; that He who comes from her is both Creator and created; and her pure virgin gates were cherished by the creating Word: upon entering and exiting these gates, He left them closed.
Walk in the path of the Virgin Mary. Return to the living city about which the prophet declared, "Glorious things are proclaimed about you, O city of God." Journey to my rational paradise. Make your way to the eastern gates. Proceed to the dwelling that honors My Word. Ascend to the second heaven on earth. Approach the luminous cloud to bring forth the downpour of My arrival. Enter the sanctuary that has been prepared for Me. Visit the temple of My Incarnation. Go to the sacred chamber of My earthly birth.
Oh, if we had turned to you, we would have abandoned the heretical practices we previously encountered, found peace from their chaotic influence, and taken refuge in you, our sacred mother Church, in your holy teachings and the one true faith of God! Now, I shall begin to share marvelous truths about this divine city of God; for splendid things have been proclaimed about it, as the prophet declares, ‘glorious things have been spoken of thee, O city of God.’ This is beyond the grasp of all people and foreign to the unbelievers, but it is partially accessible to those who are faithful and embrac
e the truth, based on the promise that it will be bestowed upon them by their Master in the kingdom of heaven, where the holy Virgin herself, as an heir alongside her Bridegroom in heaven, has obtained her share and inheritance.
Zion is exalted, not solely due to Christ's entrance with the doors shut, but also because, having entered without the barriers as divine, He, in His humanity, permitted you to reach out and touch Him. The prophet shifts his tone for good reason; he begins discussing the Church among the Gentiles and transitions from speaking personally to speaking on behalf of God.
The prophet and King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, conveyed this to us. This is how the true City of the Great King has become manifest, the subject of numerous beautiful expressions and hymns. So, who is this Grad? It appears that Divine David clearly and unmistakably speaks of the One who is truly chosen and exalted far above not only the tallest dwellings but also above the highest mountains and peaks on earth. The Most Pure and Immaculate Theotokos surpasses them all due to her profound divine virtues and purity. The King of kings and Lord of lords resided within her, and as the holy Apostle puts it, in her dwelt "all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." The Virgin Theotokos is indeed the glorious City of God. She embodies spiritual Zion.
I believe it is of her that David spoke prophetically. It would not be far from reality to refer to her as the Sanctuary of the glorious Grad. If we consider how the names inscribed on tombstones often stay in the memories of many over time, and if there are still pillars and monuments honoring individuals whose names we are not permitted to utter—even though their glory shines among the purest—what can we say of the God-honored and All-Spiritual Daughter, the All-Pure and All-Merciful Mother of God? If she has become the Soulful City of the King of Christ, then it is fitting that the holy temple we dedicate today on the Feast of the Presentation of Her Most Honorable Belt is recognized as a city glorified by God. It is a city that does not record the names of its subjects, who serve not a mortal earthly king but the King of Heaven, guiding them toward eternal life and bestowing His kingdom upon all who follow Him.
It is important to examine the intentions behind the prophet's message, as inspired by the Holy Spirit speaking through him. We previously noted the dire situation of the Jewish people, who found themselves in a state of great despondency. They were encircled by formidable foes, lacking both the strength and will to resist them; each day presented new and unforeseen challenges, with impending threats foreshadowing their eventual destruction. Given this bleak reality, the prospects for the restoration of the holy city appeared grim. To prevent the faithful from succumbing to despair, the Prophet provided a firm assurance, indicating that the Lord had a different plan for their future.
He directed their focus away from their current plight toward the promises of hope that foretold immense glory. While joy was not yet visible, the Prophet urged God's people to draw strength from His words, to remain vigilant, and to patiently await the fulfillment of these promises. Thus, the faithful were encouraged to attend to the ancient prophecies and to keep them alive in their hearts, particularly considering what Isaiah proclaimed throughout chapter 40, where the splendor of God's city is beautifully described. Furthermore, they were reminded to heed the messages from God's ministers, who spoke of the anticipated Messiah and His kingdom.
Mountains symbolize the prophets and apostles, serving as the foundation for the Holy Church, which is built upon the cornerstone that is Jesus Christ Himself. The entry points of the Church are the Old and New Testaments, through which the followers of Christ gain access to the Kingdom of Heaven. These mountains include Sinai, Zion, Tabor, and Golgotha. The mountain represents the Holy Mother of God, while the soul, likened to a village of God, embodies the great Church. The Divine Mysteries occurring in Jerusalem are paralleled in the Holy Church. It is said of them that the only begotten Son of God will reside within. The Virgin Mary also stands as the living city of God, as attested by Athanasius, Epiphanius, and Chrysostom.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS