THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Beloved, as I prepare to explain this psalm, let us take heart through the grace of God, for our hope rests in the Lord Jesus Christ. He who has made promises is faithful to fulfill them, as He has done in the past. Our confidence does not arise from our own abilities but springs forth from His grace. The title of this psalm is attributed to Ethan the Israelite, symbolizing strength rooted in the understanding of God’s promises. In truth, no one can be strong without the hope derived from God’s assurances; we find our weakness in ourselves but draw strength from His mercy. Thus, the psalmist begins with: "I will sing of thy mercies, O Lord, for ever; with my mouth I will make known thy faithfulness to all generations" (Psalms 88:1).
The psalmist conveys, "Let my members serve the Lord," indicating that the truths I speak are not my own but Thine. If I speak independently of You, I cease to be Your servant and utter falsehood. To proclaim Your truth is a distinction I must recognize: Your truth flows through my speech. Let us consider the faithfulness He exhibits and the praises He utters.
For You have declared, "Grace shall be established forever" (Psalm 87:2). This is the essence of my song; this is the truth that my mouth proclaims. You affirm, "I build not to destroy." There are those whom You destroy but do not restore and others who, after destruction, You do rebuild. This is corroborated by Jeremiah's proclamation: "Behold, I have set you today over nations and kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" (Jeremiah 1:10). Those who previously worshipped idols could not stand firm in Christ without facing destruction due to their former ignorance. And if there were not some destroyed to pave the way for rebuilding, it wouldn't be written, "He will destroy them and not rebuild them."
These two concepts, mercy and faithfulness, intertwine. You have declared, "Mercy shall be established forever; Thy faithfulness is firm in the heavens," where mercy and truth coexist. All of the Lord's ways are rooted in mercy and truth. The fulfillment of promises cannot manifest without mercy, which precedes the pardon of sins. Many promises were made to Israel, descending from Abraham, as this people grew to fulfill God's promises. However, God's goodness also flows freely to the Gentiles, who were placed under the authority of angels, while Israel remained His chosen. The apostle underscores the Lord's mercy and truth, addressing both groups, confirming Christ as a minister to the circumcision for God's truth, validating the promises made to our forefathers (Romans 15:8).
Observe, God does not deceive; He has not turned away from His chosen people of foreknowledge. When speaking of the Jews' stumbling, the apostle clarifies that none should believe they have forsaken God, for God has not abandoned His people whom He foreknew, echoing, "For I am also an Israelite" (Romans 11:1-2). If this entire people were thorns, what then of the wheat? The truth of God has indeed been manifested among those Israelites who have faith, forming a wall of circumcision united to our cornerstone, which would not stand without the inclusion of the Gentiles. The first wall represents truth; the second, God’s grace. The apostle asserts that Jesus Christ serves as the minister of circumcision for the truth of God, to fulfill the promises made to the forefathers, so that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy (Romans 15:8-9).
Thus, it is rightly said, "Thy truth thou shalt establish in the heavens." All who were called to be apostles became like the heavens, declaring God's glory, akin to "The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament shows the works of His hands" (Psalm 19:1). Though they exited this world before the Church filled the earth, their words have reached to the ends of the earth—thus it is proper to believe that God’s truth is established among the heavens through them.
You have declared, "I have made a covenant with my chosen" (Psalm 88:3). This covenant refers to a new covenant, renewing us for a new inheritance, which stirs our longing and love, inspiring a new song. "I have sworn to David my servant." How confidently does he speak who understands and whose lips proclaim the truth! "If you have made me bold because of Your words, how much bolder am I because You have sworn!" For God’s oath guarantees the fulfillment of His promise. Humans are rightfully advised against swearing (Matthew 5:34); for in their habitual swearing, one can fall into perjury. Only God can swear securely, for He alone remains infallible.
Now, let us examine what God has sworn: "I have sworn to David my servant; I will establish thy seed forever" (Psalm 87:4). The seed of David alludes to the seed of Abraham. "And to thy seed," it is said, "which is Christ" (Galatians 3:16). This indicates that Christ, the Head of the Church and Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23), is that seed of Abraham and thus of David. Are we not also the seed of Abraham? Indeed, as the apostle states, “If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). Therefore, in this light, let us grasp the words, brethren: "I will establish your seed forever," not only through the flesh of Christ born of the Virgin Mary but also through all of us who believe in Him, as we are members of this Head. This body cannot lack its Head; if the Head reigns in glory eternally, so shall the members. "I will establish thy seed forever and thy throne from generation to generation." Since He spoke of establishing these things eternally, it is a proclamation for all generations, not needing endless repetition but rather indicating the passing of many generations.
Perhaps we perceive two generations: the current generation of flesh and blood, and the future generation arising from the resurrection of the dead. In both instances, Christ is proclaimed; here He is believed in, and there He will be welcomed to be seen. "I will establish your throne from generation to generation." Christ currently holds His throne among us; if He does not occupy a throne within us, He does not govern us; if we are not governed by Him, we risk our downfall. Therefore, He reigns within us, overseeing us, while also awaiting another generation to emerge from the resurrection. Christ will reign over His saints forever. God has promised it; He has declared it—and if that were not sufficient, He has sworn it. Thus, since the promise stands on the foundation of His mercy rather than our merit, no one should hesitate to declare what is beyond doubt. Let this assurance embolden our hearts, enabling us to declare God’s truths, His promises, and His oaths. Strengthened by these assurances, let us glorify God, transforming into vessels of His presence.
"Lord, even the heavens will declare Thy marvelous works" (Psalm 88:5). Heaven does not praise based on its merits but exalts You for Your marvelous deeds, O Lord. In every act of mercy towards the lost and justification of the unrighteous, what do we celebrate but the wonders of God? Praise Him because the dead are resurrected; praise Him even more for the redemption of the lost. What grace and mercy of God! You see a man who was once caught in vice now standing as a model of virtue; once he sought indulgence, now he embodies temperance; once a blasphemer, now a worshiper; once a slave to creation, now a servant of the Creator. Such transformations result from divine intervention; let them not seek their own merits but rather praise the marvelous works of Him who transformed them.
"For who is he that is among the clouds that is like unto Thee, O Lord?" (Psalm 88:6). Will heaven’s praise compare with the rain? Are preachers so certain that none among the clouds measures up to the Lord? Does it strike you, brethren, that the clouds cannot surpass their Creator? Can the stars above the clouds compare to Him? What of the sun, moon, angels, and the heavens themselves? Why then does it say, "For who is He among the clouds"? Understand, brethren, these clouds are akin to the heavens: they symbolize preachers who convey truth; they serve as prophets and apostles, announcing the Word of God.
Let us reflect on the reasons these clouds are called such. The same figures are heaven and clouds; heaven signifying the radiance of truth while clouds reflect the obscurities of the flesh. Indeed, all clouds bear shadows, being temporary and transient. The apostle captures the essence of this concept, stating: "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who shall bring to light the hidden things of darkness" (1 Corinthians 4:5). What is visible from a man lies outside of him; the outward expressions of a cloud can be seen, but the internal aspects remain mysterious. Who can pierce the cloud’s exterior? Thus, clouds, representing our flesh, become truth-bearers. The Creator took on flesh, signifying our human experience, yet He did so uniquely.
We, too, are called sons of God, yet He stands as the Son of God in a distinct manner. His origin stems from the Virgin, while He is the eternal Son, consubstantial with the Father. Who among the clouds is comparable to the Lord? Who among the sons of God shares His likeness? Let the Lord Himself reveal if He finds anyone worthy of comparison. What do people call Me, the Son of Man? They see Me because I dwell among you, perhaps fitting into a familiar role. Tell me, for whom do men identify as the Son of Man? They might claim, "Some say you are John the Baptist; others, Elijah; or perhaps Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." Here, many clouds and sons of God are named—Jeremiah, Elijah, and John—designating them as sons of God due to their righteous lives and calling as God’s messengers.
Yet, as He describes the clouds through which men perceive Me, I invite you to reflect: "Who do you say that I am?" Peter speaks for all, declaring, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:13-16). This confession transcends those sons of God who do not share His equality. You came in the flesh, yet not as clouds, who do not hold equal stature.
"O God of hosts, who is like unto Thee? Thy faithfulness, Almighty God, surrounds us!" (Psalm 88:7). God is everywhere. He fills every corner; thus, who could be around Him if He is omnipresent? If He appears to have an entourage, He would then be perceived as limited. Yet, His greatness knows no bounds; He chooses to incarnate in one place, residing among a particular people, enduring crucifixion in one spot, rising again in that same location, and ascending into Heaven. There, He drew Gentiles close to Him. Had He not accomplished these acts, He would not command the depth of reverence or fear surrounding Him. Yet, through His preaching and the miracles performed by His disciples among all nations, He has become exalted and elicited awe.
"Your truth, O Lord, is evident on all sides. Great is Thy power; You made heaven and earth, and everything within," (Psalm 88:8). But more significant is Your mercy, which has unveiled Your truth to all around You. If You had only been proclaimed within the confines where You chose to be born, to suffer, to rise, and to ascend, then the promises would have only affirmed those made to our fathers. However, the promise that the Gentiles would glorify You for Your mercy (Romans 15:9) would remain unfulfilled if this truth were not communicated effectively to those in proximity to where You revealed Yourself. In that place, You thundered from Your cloud, delivering rain to the nearby Gentiles by dispatching other clouds, fully exerting Your power to fulfill Your words: "You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64).