THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
The text is called “A Hymn of Thanksgiving to David on the Eve of the Sabbath, when the world was established.” Reflecting on God's work during the creation days, from the first to the sixth (for He sanctified the seventh, resting after His good works), we see that on the sixth day all land creatures were created, culminating in man being made in His image. This order of creation was purposeful, as it symbolizes the passing of ages before we find our rest in God. We achieve this rest through good deeds.
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God rested on the seventh day after His remarkably good creation, not out of fatigue, but as a testament to completion; our Lord Christ declares, "My Father worketh until now" (John 5:17), addressing Jews who understood God’s work in a limited, earthly sense, failing to see His continuous, quiet activity. Thus, we, whom God wished to embody, too shall find peace after performing good works.
As these good works are temporal, the sixth day—representative of those deeds—approaches its end; yet, the Sabbath knows no evening, signifying our uninterrupted rest. Just as humanity was shaped in God's likeness on the sixth day, so our Lord Jesus Christ entered the world during the sixth age to breathe new life into mankind, fashioned in God's image again. The first era, akin to the first day, spans from Adam to Noah; the second, the second day, stretches from Noah to Abraham; the third marks the time from Abraham to David; the fourth, from David to the Babylonian exile; and the fifth, from the exile to John the Baptist's ministry. The sixth day, starting with John’s preaching, reaches fulfillment in rest at its conclusion.
As we delve into the Psalm, we inquire how the earth was established. Perhaps the earth was founded at the time described by the Apostle when he exhorts, “If, saith he, ye be steadfast, immovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58). When all believers stand firm in faith, then the earth will be solidified, and man shall again reflect God's image. The sixth day in Genesis embodies this truth.
“The Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty; the Lord is girded with strength” (Psalm 91:1). Here, He adorns Himself in beauty and might, preparing for the creation of the world, imbuing it with strength that cannot be shaken. Had He only robed Himself in beauty, its stability would falter. Why is beauty coupled with strength? It reflects His dual nature. As our Lord took on flesh and preached, some were edified while others rejected Him. The Jewish crowd was divided; some proclaimed, "He is a good man," while others protested, "No, but He deceives the people" (John 7:12). Those He favored were thus adorned with beauty, while His detractors were fortified against Him. Let us follow our Lord's example, so that we may embody His glory, being esteemed by those who appreciate our virtuous deeds, while also demonstrating strength against naysayers.
Next, we may ponder the phrase “He girded Himself.” To gird implies readiness for action; everyone girds themselves when preparing for work. But why did He choose the term "girded" over "gird?" In another Psalm, it states, “Thou shalt gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Thou Mighty One” (a reference to the strength embodied in God’s truth). The sword of the Lord symbolizes divine authority to conquer sin, wielded through the Spirit and the truth of the Word. He girded His sword around His thigh, referencing the flesh, for the Lord’s victory over the world has been realized through His truth manifest in human form. Why is it noted that He girded Himself from the front? It suggests that when girding is initiated, something important is placed before Him. Thus, “He girded Himself to wash the disciples' feet,” reflecting His humility. The act of washing was an expression of His strength, as true might dwells in humility.
He who claimed, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), transcends time, existing before the foundation of the world. By Him all things were created. This reminder comes to you so that you recognize His eternal kingship, established far before His incarnation.
“The floods have lifted up their voice” (Psalm 91:3)—what are these floods? We did not hear them at His birth, nor at His baptism, nor in His suffering. Yet they lifted their voices assertively. The Holy Spirit, a mighty river, birthed many others (as referenced in another Psalm, “The rivers of its overflow make glad the city of God”). When the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, they transformed into rivers, empowered to declare His message boldly after previously denying Him out of fear. Upon receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter and the others expressed their newfound courage and unitedly proclaimed God, declaring His sovereignty over the heavens and the earth (Acts 4:24), enhancing their voices into powerful streams proclaiming the Gospel.
Out of this outpouring of voices, we see the creation of waves that represent challenges and persecutions faced; yet notwithstanding the tumult, “the Lord that dwells on high is mightier” than these threats.
“Thy testimonies, O Lord, are greatly believed” (Psalm 92:5). The Lord, who reigns high above the tumult, assures us that His words ring true. He warns of tribulation while promising, do not lose heart, for He has conquered the world (John 16:33). Hold fast to Him, the Victor over trials. Take joy, for the Lord on high prevails, and His testimonies are cherished.
Everything culminates in His holiness dwelling in His house. Not confined to any single place but enveloping the world, His house encompasses the steadfast. His unity breeds strength, ensuring His followers stand resolute amid adversity. Though the world may shift, His house shall remain unmovable. Holiness adorns Your dwelling, O Lord, now and forever, in accordance with the passage of time.