THE AMAZING CHOIR OF PRAISE OF THE WHOLE CREATION Psalms 148, 149 and 150 occupy a special place in the Coptic church, being the fourth ‘Hos’ (praise) in the daily vespers and the midnight prayers. This psalm has no title; and is referred to the two prophets Haggai and Zechariah, according to the Septuagint, Syrian, and Ethiopian versions. It is considered by some as the most magnificent of all psalms, as it calls upon the heavenly hosts, humans, and all creatures to praise God. All mankind care for making singing choirs, whether in the world, or in the religious congregations. But we never heard of a choir, called to praise, like the one mentioned in this psalm; which includes incalculable rows of the rational creation that fears God, the irrational creation, and even the lifeless one. … All feel indebted to the Creator who takes care of them; … And all proclaim their admiration and love for this amazing Creator. This psalm reveals to us the commitment of all beings to glorify God; each according to its possibilities, capabilities, and talents. The heavenly hosts testify to Him by their exultant holy life; The sun, by the splendor of its rays of light, as well as by its heat, important for the plants, the animals, man, etc; The moon, by its splendid light that serves us during the night; The stars, by their beauty, testify to the work of God, the Supreme Artist. … That is concerning what is manifest; while what is hidden is far greater. Being familiar with the sweet taste of praise, the psalmist calls upon all the heavenly and the earthly creations to partake of praising their Creator: 1- The heavenly creation (1 to 6). Starting with the angels, followed by the celestial bodies, then the clouds. 2- The earthly creation (7 to 10). Whether in the depths of the seas and oceans, or on the high mountains, the winds, and the fruitful trees. 3- Humanity: Having been created in the image of God; men and women are committed to praise God more than all. Enjoying salvation, and having more perception of God’s exalted love, they praise Him more and more. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 277 We are committed, to have the object of our meditation, in this present life, to praise God; because the perpetual exaltation of our life to come, is His praise. … No one would be prepared for the life to come, unless he practices it now! Our praise should be characterized by joy; and our prayers by sighs. The later to be practiced during temptations and afflictions in the present life; while the former concerns the life to come, in the eternal comfort in heaven1. (St. Augustine) Nature praises the Lord: Nature would never cease to praise God, as, by Him, they all move to praise. It is easy for the stones and wood to praise Him; because His hidden symbol moves nature to praise Him. All kinds of creatures sing His praise: both the uttering and the silent. By its light and heat, the sun sings praise, moving in its orbit (Psalm 148: 3). By its shining, and changing phases, the moon praises the unchangeable Lord of all times (Psalm 148: 3). The outer space with all its stars of light, praise their Maker day and night (psalm 148: 3). The earth, the seas, the high mountains, and all things that move in them, partake of praising God (Psalm 69: 34). All the forests with their fruitful trees, and all the cedars, praise Him daily with amazing admiration (Psalm 148: 9). Heaven and earth, as is written, are full of His glory (Isaiah 6: 3). Everything created, sing praise to its Creator2. Behold, all creatures of different kinds, sing Your praise, I, as well, open my mouth to praise Your might. Behold, the days and nights, open and close to proclaim Your news to the whole earth. The mornings wake men up from their sleep to praise you. The summers and winters, proclaim to earth, that You are the One who changes their phases. 1 On Ps. 148. المیمر 18 على أحد الشعانین (راجع نص بول بیجان والدكتور بھنام سوني) 2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 278 The cold and hot weather that come and go in due time, proclaim how You are particulate in Your works. The hours of the day, and the four phases of the night, all raise up high praises for Your Might. The sea with all its ships, storms, and waves, preach in amazement, how fearful are Your working might. The mighty waves, together with the high winds, sing Your praise, saying how amazing is Your might. Leviathan and all the dragons, trust in You within their borders in the depths of the seas. The whole earth, with all its hills and mountains praise You, while You carry them lest they fall. Behold, heavens, together with the outer space, proclaim Your handiwork, and how mighty You are. Behold, the great tent, woven by Your exalting might, and spread over in all directions, sing Your praise. The sun and the moon, with their shining rays, wake the world up to praise You1. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) No one perceives how creation praise their Lord. All creation sing praise, each by its own tongue: … How? No one knows! The divine Truth testifies that all His creation praise Him; … How? No one knows! No one knows by which mouth, and by which sound, the earth sings praise to its Creator2! (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) David talks about the praise by natural elements.. David testifies that they actually praise, when he calls upon them to do (Psalm 148). The great sea creatures and all the depths; fire and hail, snow and clouds, stormy wind, mountains and hills (Psalm 148: 7-8). David exhorts all of them to praise, as a tax on the creatures to praise their Creator. He would not exhort the winds and the storms to praise, unless he knows for sure that they can. المیمر 12 على ذاك الابن الذي بدد أموالھ (راجع نص بول بیجان والدكتور بھنام سوني). 1 المیمر 12 على ذاك الابن الذي بدد أموالھ (راجع نص بول بیجان والدكتور بھنام سوني) 2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 279 Moved by the Holy Spirit, David, in his turn, moved the heavenly and the earthly creations to praise. The sun, the moon, and all the stars in heaven, together with the earth, mountains, hills, and trees; David waked them up, and said to them all: “Praise the Lord”, knowing for sure that they can do (Psalm 148: 1). How can they praise? Do not ask me, for I do not know! There are hidden secrets between God and His creatures; He hears them when they praise! When stones are called upon to shout praise to Him, He, alone, hears and understands their language! While He was riding on the donkey and entering Jerusalem, it was ready to praise His humility! As the little children held branches from the trees to praise the Lord, there was no need for the stones to partake of praising Him! And when the Jews sought to stop them, He proclaimed to them: “The stones will cry out to Him”. But even if those kept silent, the stones would immediately cry out, and praise the King in fear! (Zechariah 9: 9; Matthew 21: 5; Luke 19: 40). All those would cry out indeed; For it is not possible for the creation to stop praising their Creator1. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) 1- A call to the heavenlies to praise 1 - 2 2- A call to heaven to praise3 - 6 3- A call to the earth, with all what are on it, to praise7- 10 4- A call to the rulers to praise 11 5- A call to the people to praise 12 6- The motives behind praising God: 13- 14 a- His great name 13 b- His glory fills earth and heaven 13 c- His care for His people 14 1- A CALL TO THE HEAVENLIES TO PRAISE: “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!” (1) According to the Chaldean version, it came as: “Praise Him, O holy creatures from heaven”. المیمر 18 على أحد الشعانین (راجع نص بول بیجان والدكتور بھنام سوني) 1 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 280 Calling the whole creation to exult praising the Lord, the psalmist starts by calling the first row of the choir, saying: “Alleluia. Praise the Lord from the heavens, Praise Him in the heights, Praise Him all His angels, Praise Him all His hosts” (1, 2). The procession of praise starts by the inhabitants of heaven, those in the heights; the angels with their sweet and gentle voice1. Becoming heaven, the believer will have the kingdom of God set inside him, and his soul, with all its energies, will set forth toward the heights to join the heavenlies in praising the Lord. Now I shall parade before you the different stages of prayer: the supplication, the thanksgiving, and the praise. In the supplication, man asks God for mercy for the sake of his sins. In the thanksgiving, he presents thanks to His heavenly Father. And in the prayer of praise, he praises God for the sake of His divine works. When you are in affliction, present a supplication to God. When God gives you good gifts, Give Him thanks. When your mind exults, praise God. Present your prayers to God with discernment. Listen to David when he perpetually say: “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments” (Psalm 119: 62). And in another psalm he says: “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights” (Psalm 148: 1). And in another psalm he says: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34: 1). That is why, you should not use one kind of prayer, but use all kinds at different times2. (St. Afrahat) Praising God will be by three categories: a- The irrational (non-uttering) creatures, and the lifeless elements, praise God, merely by the beauty of their appearance, that moves the onlookers and instigate them to praise the Creator. b- The rational (uttering) creatures praise God by their words and good works, to glorify their Father in heavens. c- Parading the different creatures, he did not mention the Son and the Holy Spirit, to mute the blasphemers who claim that the Son and 1 Sifre 1: 58. 2 Demonstrations, 4: 17 (On Prayer). ترجمة الدكتور صفوت منیر https://coptic-treasures.com/ 281 the Holy Spirit are among the creatures. By not mentioning them, he confirms that they are One God with the Father. The word “the heavens” in Hebrew, came in plural, and is sometimes translated as “the heaven of heavens”, to distinguish it from “heaven”, namely, the “firmament”, created by God on the second day. Sometimes air is called heaven, as when we say: ‘birds of heaven’. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) Praise God by your whole being; Namely, not only by your tongue and voice, but also by your conscience, life, and works. Now, we are gathering together in the church to praise God. Once we go out to work, it may seem as though we stop praising God. I wish we continue praising God by living a good life. Man’s works would never be evil if his thoughts are good, for works emerge from the mind; Namely, man can do nothing, except by a command from the mind. As all what you see done in the provinces, are according to what the king commands from his royal palace. It is the same thing with man, commands come from his mind -- considered as the center of thoughts, as the heart used to be considered the center of emotions -- If the mind and heart are good, and give good commands, man would do good works. Where Christ dwells, what would come out except what is good? And where the devil dwells, What would he command but evil? You have the choice, who will dwell in your heart and mind: God or the devil. Once you prepare the place, it will be obvious who will dwell there. Oh brethren; To praise God, do not use just your voice, Praise Him with your whole being; Praise Him by your tongue, as well as by your life and works. “Praise God from the heavens”. Seeing in heaven, those who enjoy peace by praising God, the psalmist exhorts us to get up and praise the Lord. He first says: “from the heavens”, then he says, “from the earth”, For God whom we praise is the Creator of both. All those who are in the heavens enjoy peace, perpetual joy, no death, no sickness, nor any source of affliction; There, the blessed, perpetually praise God…. We, on the other hand, who are still down on earth, when we think how God is praised up there, our hearts will be lifted up. No wonder the priest cries out, saying: “Lift up your hearts!”. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 282 Let us lift up our hearts, so as not to become corrupted on earth…. Being pleased by what the angels do up there, we intend to do the same down here, with the hope to do it in truth when we go up there. Therefore, “Praise Him in the heights1”. (St. Augustine) “Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts” (2) As the Gnostic followers of ‘Mani’, believe in two worlds: a spiritual world, the work of the “Exalted Being”, and a material evil word, the work of the “Creator”, who is of a lower level than the “Exalted Being”; … Commenting on this psalm, St. John Chrysostom2 says: [it is befitting of us to believe that there is only one creation, part of which is perceived by the senses, like the matter; and another part which is perceived by the mind, like the spiritual beings, or the heavenly hosts. Yet all of them gather together to form one choir to praise the One God, the Creator of all]. According to St. Jerome, as the psalmist starts by the heavenly hosts praising God, he count this as a call addressed to everyone of us, to become as one of them, and praise the Lord; For he, who opposes God, like the devil, will not be able to praise. He who is an angel, let him praise; But he who is a devil, will not be able to praise3. (St. Jerome) “Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him all His hosts”. And lest it could be said: “Why should they praise Him?”; he added: “For He commanded, and they were created” (5). It is not something strange for the works to praise the Worker, and for the creatures to praise their Creator! Here we see a reference to the Lord Christ, although we do not hear His name. By whom were they created? By the Word (John 1: 1-2). … This psalm shows that everything was created by the Word4: “For He commanded and they were created”. (St. Augustine) If you wish to know something about the Cherubim and the Seraphim, listen to the secret praise they utter: “The whole earth is 1 On Ps. 148. 2 On Ps. 148. 3 Homilies on Ps., homily 58 on Ps. 148. 4 On Ps. 148. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 283 full of His glory” (Isaiah 6: 3); And David says: “Praise Him, all His hosts” (Psalm 148: 2) You will find that the only work of the heavenly hosts is to praise God. How is it possible for the created nature to see the un-created Nature? If we cannot, by any means, see any spiritual being, even the created ones, like the angels; How much we would not be able to see the un-created spiritual Essence? …. Hence the apostle Paul says: “Whom no man has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6: 16) … Does this apply only to the Father, and not to the Son? … Far from it!... It certainly applies to the Son, as well. … To know this, listen to Paul saying: “He is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1: 15)…. If He is the image of the invisible God, He has to be invisible as well1. He introduces one choir, all singing one song. He persists on the commitment to present praise to the One God by the higher and the lower creation, showing that there is One Creator of both2. Deeply feeling gratitude, the saints so practice. While giving thanks to God, they call upon many to partake of their praise, and exhort them to gather together with them in this enjoyable liturgy. That is what the three saintly young men did when they were in the fiery furnace; they called upon all creation to give thanks to God for the sake of the privilege He has given to them. Here, as well, the psalmist calls upon both the higher and the lower worlds; the material and the mental, to join him in praising God. And says: “When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language …the mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs” *Psalm 114: 1, 4). And the prophet Isaiah did the same when he said: “Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth!.. For the Lord has comforted His people” (Isaiah 49: 13). And he also says: “Let the sky pour down righteousness” (Isaiah 45: 8). As you see: As much as they felt inadequate to praise the Lord as is befitting of them, they exhort everyone to partake of their praise3. 1 In Joan, hom 15: 1-2. 2 On Ps. 148. 3 On Ps. 148. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 284 “Praise Him all His hosts”; Here he calls upon the Cherubim and the Seraphim, the rulers, the principalities, and all the hosts. It is a sign of the kindled loving spirit, to exhort everyone to partake of this enjoyable praise. It is a sign of the mind, perpetually satisfied by meditation in God, always marveling before His glory, and dedicated to Him1. (St. John Chrysostom) 2- A CALL TO HEAVEN TO PRAISE: “Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light” (3) After calling upon the first row of the choir to praise, here he calls upon the second row, Namely, the heavens, seen or almost seen by man: the sun, the moon, all the stars of light, the firmament, etc. They all praise the Lord, being the work of His hands, revealing His wisdom, might, and goodness, as their Creator. Talking about the Deity of the Lord, the Holy Book says: “His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145: 3); “He is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96: 4); And also says: “Praise Him all His angels; Praise Him all His hosts; Praise Him sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light” (Psalm 148: 2, 3) 2. (The scholar Origen) “Joseph dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, ‘I dreamt that the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowed down to me’” (Genesis 37: 9). … “His father rebuked him and said to him, ‘What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” (Genesis 37: 10). Who is he, but Jesus Christ, before whom His parents and brothers bowed down to the earth? Before whom Joseph, His mother Mary, and the disciples bowed, and confessed the true God in His body, And about whom it was written: “Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light” (Psalm 148: 3). To what did the rebuke of Joseph’s father refer, except to the hardness of heart of the people of Israel, out of whom Christ comes according to the flesh; Up till today, they do not believe Him to be God, and are not ready to bow before Him as their Lord, on account of that 1 On Ps. 148. عظات للعلامة أوریجینوس على سفر إرمیا ترجمة جاكلین سمیر كوستى، 2 .6 :18 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 285 they know He is one of them. … Although they heard all His teachings, they did not understand them; … And although they, read how the sun, the moon, and the stars of light, praise Him, they still refuse to believe that it was said in reference to Christ. Jacob was wrong concerning the symbol that referred to another; although he was not wrong concerning the love He embraced toward his son. … Despite his undeniable fatherly love, yet his reaction to his son’s dream, referred to the emotion of a people who were going to go astray1. (St. Ambrose) “Praise Him, O heaven of heavens; and you waters above the heavens” (4) Among the most important blessings to which the inhabitants of Canaan looked forward for, was the rain that used to pour over their land, to produce the desired crops. Nowadays, we hear the cry-outs of many lands because of the draught caused by little or no rain. How they look up to the clouds, hoping for rain, a blessing for which they give thanks to God, and praise Him. The heavens used to give rain to the earth; Now, behold, the earth gives water to heavens, when the tears of humans go up above the heavens, and ascend even to the Lord Himself. That is how we can interpret what the psalmist means by saying: “Praise Him, you waters above the heavens”, by being the water of the tears of men2. It is possible, as well, to glorify God by the tongue, as the prophet Moses and his sister Miriam did, singing: “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously” (Exodus 15: 1). That could also be done by the irrational creation, as said by the psalmist: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19: 1) The creation praise Him, as well, by their beauty, greatness, benefit, service, perpetuity, and the privileges given by nature. Hence, when we say: “Praise the Lord, all His angels;… His hosts; heavens, sun, moon, and the water above the heavens”, we mean that all the creation are full of fearful admiration for the wisdom of the creator. … It is as Moses said at first in short: “God saw everything that He has made, and indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1: 31). It is good to glorify the Creator, and to praise the great divine Artist. 1 Joseph 3: 8. 2 Fr. Peter Chrysologus: Selected Sermons (Frs. Of Church), 93. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 286 That is why the psalmist calls upon the creation to praise the Creator, for their beauty instigate His praise; to which the apostle Paul refer by saying: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1: 20) 1. (St. John Chrysostom) “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created” (5) These creatures praise their Creator, because, with all their possibilities and systems, they were all created by a mere command. God was in no need of taking time to study how to create them, to set their systems, and goals, or how to keep them. In His love for His creation, God wishes to stabilize them forever; Yet ,He set limits for each of them. The sea knows its limits, and would not cover the land and corrupt it, except by God’s permission. And the sun knows its limits, and would not get too hot to burn everything on earth. Out of God’s love and care for His creation, He sets limits, not to show off His authority, but for the sake of the edification and the benefit of His creation. Commenting on what came in the gospel of St. Mark, when the Lord Christ called Simon and Andrew, and both of them immediately left their nets and followed Him. And when he called James and John, sons of Zebedee, how they immediately left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and went after Him (Mark 1: 20); St. Jerome sees how the words of Christ have authority and activity, He “who commanded and they were created” (Psalm 148: 5) 2. Christ, the Son of God, created all things … Not that God the Father lacked the power to create them by Himself; but because He intended to give the Son that authority. … We hear the Son, glorify His Father, saying: “Mast assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner” (John 5: 19); And, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5: 17). There is no controversy between them; as according to the Lord: “All Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine” (John 17: 10). 1 On Ps. 148. 2 Homily 76 on Mark 1: 13-31. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 287 That is what we know from the Old and the New Testaments; For He, who said: “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1: 26), was most assuredly talking to a Person with Him. The words of the psalmist clarifies this more. Saying: “For He commanded and they were created” (Psalm 148: 5), It is as though the Father gave the command; and the Son made everything according to the Father’s command1. (St. Cyril of Jerusalem) The amazing beauty of these creatures confirm the fact that they are indeed made by a Creator, and did not exist on their own2. (St. John Chrysostom) The blessed David sang: “For He commanded and they were created” (Psalm 148: 5). It is not the same as it is with humans, when the master gives a command which a servant hasten to obey and execute. The Word of God, being both the Creator and the Executor, and He is, at the same time, the will of the Father, The Holy Book did not say that the listener heard the command, as far as how the creatures would be, and executed it; but said: “Let it be”, “and so it was” (Genesis 1: 3, 6, 11, 15) 3. (Pope Athansius the apostolic) “He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away” (6) What He made by a mere command, was to stay, and will stay for thousands or million of years. “He also established them forever and ever”. Everything in heavens, and everything in the heights. … In the heights, there is a good, holy, and blessed city, from which we were led astray, and became miserable. Now, we wish to return to it to become blessed again. “He made a decree which shall not pass away”. … What decree would you think those saintly angels in heaven would receive? … What command has God given them; except to praise Him? … Blessed are they whose work is perpetually to praise God! … They do not plow nor cook, for such works are done by humans out of necessity, which is no more there!…. They do not rob or steal; …. They do not commit adultery; For all these are works of iniquity, which is no more there! … مقال 1 .23 :11 2 On Ps. 148. 3 Frour Discourses against the Arians, 2: 18 (31). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 288 They do not break bread for the hungry, nor give clothing to the naked; or give hospitality to strangers; they do not visit the sick, or bury the dead; … For all those are works of mercy; And as there is no more misery up there, There is no more need to show works of mercy! How blessed are they!... Just imagine that we shall eventually be likewise… Let us then moan on our present condition now; mortal, humiliated dust and ashes! … Let us meditate in how we shall be up there1! (St. Augustine) 3- A CALL TO EARTH, WITH ALL WHAT IS ON IT, TO PRAISE: The third row of the praising choir; are the creation, which seem as terrifying and harmful, or of no benefit to man, like the dragons, the mist, and the storms. Although we may not be able to perceive their importance, or their role in our life, yet they join the rows of those who praise God. “Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths” (7) If the heavens testify to the glory of God; the earth, the sea, with all what are in and on them, testify to His wisdom. Everything is beautiful in its location, and with the nature that suits it. Here, calling upon the terrifying creatures, like the great dragons, to praise the Lord; He also calls upon man, who behaves like a dragon, to present a repentance for what he does, to attach to God, and to praise Him. According to St. John Chrysostom2, the psalmist started by the heavenly hosts up there in the heights, above the heavens (the firmament), then came down to heaven, and finally to those on earth He did not mention the beasts, on account of that there is no doubt that they are actually beautiful and of benefit to man; But he speaks of the creation, like the dragons, the tempests, the fire, the wild animals of the wilderness, the mighty mountains, the reptiles, etc. … which are seen by some as being harmful, that man may wonder why God, the Philanthropic has ever created them?! … Yet, they, as well, testify to God’s care and greatness. … Nowadays, science has discovered that some reptiles and insects, like the scorpion have some benefit for man; the poison of scorpion, for example, is now used to 1 On Ps. 148. 2 On Ps. 148. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 289 prepare medications for treating certain infirmities; And some plants and herbs growing on the mountains and in the wilderness have medicinal values for man…. With time, and every day, more benefits and blessings are discovered of creatures which we, for long, wished we could get rid of. The fire in which the three saintly young men were cast, burned those who gloated; while turning into dew for the saints. You could see how those earthly things and creatures, which we used to see as terrifying, fearful, or corrupt, we now realize that they have their own role; and, according to their level, they consummate the beauty of nature; and how by that, they praise God. … To those things, the psalmist turns, and exhorts them, as well as us, to partake of praising God. We may not imagine the dragons as forming choirs to praise God! … but when we look at them, we meditate in Him who created such great creatures; … That is, therefore, how the dragons praise God through us1! (St. Augustine) “Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy winds, fulfilling His word” (8) All what go on around us, even the raging fire, winds, tempests, clouds, etc. God assigned for them diverse roles and benefits, as well as limitations. They all move according to the word of God, and testify to the might and greatness of the Creator…. So are the trees, both the fruitful, and the barren; the animals, whether wild or domesticated; the birds; and the lifeless creation, like the mountains, and the hills, … all have all been created by the wisdom of God, And they all join man, whatever his age, ability, or authority, in testifying to God. … In short, it is befitting of every being, whatever, and wherever he is, to testify to the Creator. According to St. Jerome, despite the apparent contradiction between certain natural phenomena, like fire, and hail; and some kinds of troubles, caused by fog, and extreme tempests; yet, they are all used by God for the benefit of man; and they praise Him, by fulfilling His word. And according to St. John Chrysostom2, we should praise God, and give Him thanks for all His works; For, through His divine care, He 1 On Ps. 148. 2 On Ps. 148. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 290 has put Adam in the garden of Eden; and through the same care, He allowed for him to be expelled from it, when he committed sin; to realize our salvation, and our enjoyment of the heavenly paradise. God, with His care, allowed for the existence of the heavenly paradise, as well as for the existence of hell, to exhort us to flee from evil, and, by His grace, to restore His image in us. “fulfilling His word”. Many men are foolishly unable to meditate, and to realize that the creation in their diverse locations and levels, are fulfilling in their movements a command from God. They wrongly assume that God only controls the higher things, but disregards, does not care for, lead, nor intend to have any relation with the lower ones. He has forsaken them, to be on their own; that whatever happen to them would be a matter of mere chance, according to the possibilities of each, and the impact of other factors on them. “Fire and hail, snow and clouds, stormy wind, fulfilling His word”. Although for the foolish, all those things seem to happen haphazardly. Yet they are actually “fulfilling His word1”. (St. Augustine) The bride of the song says to the south wind: “Come, O south wind, blow upon my garden” (Song 4: 16); for her Groom made her the mother of all gardens; and wishes that the south wind would blow upon His garden -- the church – full of living trees, to carry from it the fragrance of her spices; … And the psalmist says: “The stormy wind, fulfils His word”. The bride is adorned as a beautiful queen; and changed the little streams, to something more beautiful; She let the sweet fragrance flow from the trees, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In such a way, we can learn the difference between the Old and the New Testaments: While the rivers of the Old Testament are full of the water of prophecy; the rivers of the gospel of the new Testament, are full of perfume. The river of St. Paul carried the sweet fragrance of Christ, flowing from the garden of the church by the Holy Spirit. The same applies to John, Luke, Matthew, Mark, and the rest of the apostles, all of whom symbolize noble plantations in the garden of the bride. When the south wind blow on it in midday, they would all become sources of the sweet fragrance of the gospels2. 1 On Ps. 148. نشید الأناشید للقدیس غریغوریوس أسقف نیصص، تعریب الدكتور جورج نوّار، عظة 2 .10 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 291 (St. Gregory of Nyssa) “Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars” (9) What seem to us of benefit or of no benefit, all testify to the wisdom of the Creator. The mountains and the hills which, sometimes, seem to man as obstacles; or the fruitless trees in the wilderness, which seem of no benefit; all of them present blessings to man; for from the former he digs for minerals and precious stones; and the wood of the later, he uses for construction, and for making furniture. If God shows His exalted care for such seemingly useless things, how would He not show a greater care for you, His favorite creatures? Why does He create them with such beauty? Is it not to demonstrate to us His wisdom and might?! ; Hasn’t David written in His psalms: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19: 1); and: “Praise the Lord; …. O mountains, and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars” (Psalm 148: 9)? For they all sing praise to their Maker; some with their fruits, and others with their might or beauty1!. It is also a sign of God’s exalted wisdom; that, even the seemingly valueless things (and what is more valueless than things that exists today, to disappear tomorrow?), God gives them such a dazzling beauty….. If He gives the grass such a beauty, it does not need, How could He not give you what you need?! … If He gives these seemingly valueless things such an exalted splendor, not because they need it, but out of His generosity; How much more would He honor you, His most valued creatures, with your necessities2?! (St. John Chrysostom) While the trees bear fruits for you; You do not bear fruits for God. “… and all cedars”. Take the cedars as an example, and a role model; Those which go up high, as though they hasten toward heaven3! (St. Jerome) “… Beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl” (10) According to St. John Chrysostom4, we use the domesticated cattle for the benefit of our bodies; And use the wild beasts for the benefit of our souls, by fearing them, and remembering our sins, and عظة ربنا یسوع على الجبل. 1 2 Homilies on Matthew, homily 22: 1. 3 Homilies on Ps., homily58 on Ps. 148. 4 On Ps. 148. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 292 those of our first parents in the garden of Eden. They reveal to us the fruit of disobedience. “… Beasts and all cattle”. God has created all these earthly creature to serve you. And created you to serve Him. As they obey you; follow their lead and obey God1. (St, Jerome) If you would remember, how, when the prophet Daniel resumed his old nature (having been created in the image of God); the fearful lions became of no account for him; and how the serpent was to the apostle Paul (see Acts 28); You will acquire a plenty of zeal, and more care for yourselves. What is equally amazing, is that God ordained for such fearful beasts to live in locations far away from the cities where man lives; mostly in the wilderness; out of fear of man, and a preference of these locations that God assigned for them from the beginning2. (St. John Chrysostom) 4- A CALL TO THE RULERS TO PRAISE: Having started by the rational heavenly creatures, he ended up with the rational earthly ones; calling upon all of them, with all their ranks, from rulers to elders, young men, maidens and children to praise God…. He left man to the end, being the crown of the earthly creation. “Kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth” (11) It is befitting of the believer to praise God and to give Him thanks, even for the existence of system, that seem as though created by men, like kings, princes, and judges; … As it is the hand of God that works in everything. According to St. John Chrysostom3, If you are a ruler, praise God for such a gift. And if you are a commoner, praise Him for allowing the existence of such leaderships. And even if they are oppressive and unjust, pray for them, because “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Proverb 21: 1). 5- A CALL TO THE PEOPLE TO PRAISE: “Both young men and maidens, old men and children” (12) 1 Homilies on Ps., homily58 on Ps. 148. 2 On Ps. 148. 3 On Ps. 148. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 293 Let us, young men and maidens, old men and children, hasten, with the grace of God, to partake of the race of purity…. Let us praise the name of Christ, away from greed… And let us not deny the glory of chastity, for it is an angelic crown, and a virtue that exalts man1. Man, created in the image of God, praises God with His whole freedom; whereas the irrational creatures unconsciously praise Him. It is thus befitting of you to sing praise to God with more discernment than those creature. I am the only creature who chooses to praise God by my own free will. Unknowingly, and through Your mighty power, the sun, the moon, and the stars praise You. I am the only creature who has the free will and choice to praise, or to cease praising You.. If I choose to cease praising You, I shall be condemned by the justice (the righteousness), that seeks from the free to choose praising God. Hence, O God, although I am not worthy, I dare to praise You.. All mouths are committed to praise You, both the worthy and the unworthy. O Lord, it is befitting of all creation to praise you, whether those with voice, and those without2. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) 6- THE MOTIVES BEHIND PRAISING GOD: a- His great name: “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted” (13) The entire choir, with all its rows, were called upon to praise with the spirit of harmony, the name of the Lord, the name that surpasses, and above all names. b- His glory fills heaven and earth: “His glory is above the earth and heaven” (13) I wish no one seeks to glorify his own name. Do you wish to be glorified? Submit to Him, who would never be humiliated. (14 LXX)3 مقال 1 .34 :12 المیمر 12 على ذاك الابن الذي بدد أموالھ (راجع نص بول بیجان والدكتور بھنام بھنام سوني). 2 3 On Ps. 148. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 294 The heavens cry out to God: “You created me; I did not create myself”. And the earth cries out: “You created me; I did not create myself”. How do the cry out? … They cry out with your voice; they cry out through your eyes. Look at the sky and the earth; Notice how beautiful they are! They are both His handiwork; and by a nod from Him, He ordains their seasons and movements. All those things praise Him, whether in movement or are standing still; whether up in heaven, or on earth down below. Looking at these things, and rejoicing, you are exalted toward the Creator. When you look at the seen objects, you will perceive the unseen thing. You confess to Him through both the things on earth, and those in heaven. If the things He created are so beautiful, how much more would be the beauty of their Maker1?! (St. John Chrysostom) c- His care for His people: “And He has exalted the horn of his people, the praise of all His saints, of the children of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord” (14) The psalm ends by praise to God for the sake of His dealings with His people, granting them strength and glory, and drawing them near to Him. He supports His people, and prepares them to enjoy the heavenly home, with the eternal peace. As you can perceive, the higher Jerusalem has walls made of peace2. (Father Caesarius of Arle) “And has exalted the horn of His people”. Do you see what the two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah have prophesied? Now, the horn of His people is in the humiliation of sorrows, troubles, and temptations…. When will the horn of His people be exalted? …. 1 On Ps. 148. 2 Sermon 36: 6. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 295 When the Lord comes, and our sun rises; not the sun seen by the eyes, which “rises on the evil and on the good” (Matthew 5: 45); but the sun, about which it is said to you, who listen to God: “The sun of righteousness shall rise, with healings in His wings” (Malachi 4: 2); and about which the proud and the sinners say: “The light of righteousness will not shine on us, and the sun of righteous will not rise on us”. “The praise of all His saints”. Let His saints utter praise; for this is what they will ultimately get: … an everlasting praise1! (St. Augustine) Move on, you, who are privileged to praise, instead of the irrational creation; for it is befitting of you to praise! Who can fulfill the due of the Son of God, He, who came down from heaven for our sake; … Who can cease praising Him; The Son of God was hanged on the cross instead of the sinners, to bring them back to repentance; And yet, they keep on sinning His high voice, uttered on the cross, which crushed the rocks, and split the tombs open, did not terrify us. Let us wake up to enjoy His face through repentance2. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) 1 On Ps. 148. المیمر 12 على ذاك الابن الذي بدد أموالھ (راجع نص بول بیجان والدكتور بھنام بھنام سوني) 2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 296 AN INSPIRATION FROM PSALM 148 GRANT ME TO JOIN THE CHOIR OF THOSE WHO PRAISE Glory be to You, O the Source of happiness to all Your creation; With one word, You brought us to existence from nothing,; Not to serve You; But to rejoice in You, and for our souls to exult in Your Love; For You are in no need of our praise; But we are in need to enjoy exultation in You; You are the secret of our fulfillment, joy, and glory. Who could be qualified to praise You, except the heavenlies? Who perceive Your love, recognize Your compassion, and become glad to fulfill Your will; Dwell in our hearts, and renew our souls; To become like Your angels; To joyfully join their ranks; To have our souls flood with thanksgiving to You; To have our hearts and minds drawn to meditate in You To marvel at Your wisdom, might, and goodness. The sun, the moon, and the stars, which You created for our sake; Praise You by their wonderful work, and their submission to the law, You have set for them. They have no mouth, nor a tongue, to utter praise; But, through their submission to You, they never cease to praise You; Grant us to join, even those irrational creatures; And, by the spirit of obedience, we praise Your holy name; They praise You by working in silence; Grant us to praise You, when You shine in us Your light before all men; When they see Your works in us, they will glorify You; Let us praise You by our tongues, lips, hearts, and emotions; Let us praise You by our silence, together with the purity of our hearts; You are the Grantor of purity and sanctification; The creation praise You by their wonderful beauty; Let our inner man praise You by Your kingdom You set in our hearts; For it is the work of Your Holy Spirit. The sky praises You by its clouds that rain on us; That turn our dry land into a fruit-laden paradise; https://coptic-treasures.com/ 297 Let the water of our tears praise You as well; They do not fall down from the sky on our land, but ascend from our hearts up to Your heavens; They pierce the clouds, and ascend to You; You joyfully receive and cherish them; You respond to them, and forgive our transgressions; You turn the wilderness of our hearts into Your fruitful paradise; It is the gift of Your grace, working in us. By a word, You commanded and they were created; and You will keep on caring for them; You created them for our sake, we, Your servants; And You care for them, for You are our good Shepherd; We praise You for Your might, wisdom, and care; For You are the Mighty and Philanthropic Father. How amazingly sweet is Your voice; By which You call upon us all to praise; Not that You are I need of our praise or ministry; But it is Your gladness to carry us up to Your heavens To join the ranks of Your heavenly hosts; To partake of their praise and exultation To enjoy, together with them, the blessed life. How great is the wisdom of our Father! Even the creatures that seem to have no benefit; With every day we discover more of their benefits; And we glorify God, for His love and wisdom; Everything going on around us, even the kindling fire; And even the terrifying dragons, and the wild beasts; Could serve us, and work to our account; Glory be to You, O the amazing Creator! O my God, all nature praises You; Even the fruitless trees present a magnificent praise to You; And I, in my weakness, do not glorify You; Let Your grace water me, to bear the fruit of the spirit; To bear joy and exultation, and for my whole being to utter a true praise. By Your love, You created the earthlies to serve me; Grant me, as well, to minister and praise You. All the irrational creation praise You; https://coptic-treasures.com/ 298 Would it not be befitting of me, having granted me a mind and freedom, to praise You?! To praise Your great name, O my Creator?! Your care for Your people all along the generations; And Your care for me all the days of my life; And Your preoccupation with my salvation up till now; All this motivate me to praise Your holy name.
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