THE PROTECTION BY THE MOST HIGH FOR HIS PIOUS BELIEVERS During my childhood, in the church atmosphere in Higher Egypt, I learned the prominent position of this psalm in the Christian teaching. The fathers priests and monks most always used to seek from the suffering confessors to sing this psalm. And the departed H.H. Pope Cyril VI used to write down its first verse for those who seek his blessing.Some scholars believe that this psalm, was presented to those who came to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, as though to provide them with two wings to embrace them while feeling the true divine presence, the Grantor of the inner peace; … And see it as the most magnificent pearl among the psalms of comfort. According to ‘Muis’, nowhere in the Latin, or in any of the modern languages, you can find an equal to it; and no Latin, or Greek poetry could be compared to this Hebrew piece1! It is a Messianic psalm; not just on account of that Satan quoted its verses 11 and 12 (Mathew 4: 6; Luke 4: 10 & 11), during his temptation of the Lord Christ in the wilderness; But because what came in it, would be enjoyed by the believer in Jesus Christ, our true Rock. The old Jews, as well, used to count it as a Messianic psalm. In its Hebrew version, the psalmist mentions the name of God with four titles: ‘Gel-yohn’ (the Most High); ‘Shadai’ (the Mighty One – the name of God the Creator); ‘Elohim’ (God); and ‘Jehovah’ (the Lord who dwells among His people). Being the psalm, by which Satan dared to tempt our Lord Jesus Christ, I wish we carefully listen to it, to get armed, to resist the tempter; Not that we may dare on our own, but by Him who was tempted before us; so as to conquer him when he tempts us. Temptation for Christ was not mandatory, but was meant to teach us,… Let us then enter through the door; through Christ, who says: “I am the door” (John 10: 7); Entering through Christ is following His example2. (St. Augustine) 1- The protection by the Most High for the believer 1 - 2 1 W. S. Plumer: Ps. 91. 2 On Ps. 91 (90). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 2 2- The believer who enjoys the divine protection 3 - 13 3- The divine promise of His salvation 14 – 16 The tirle: Safety of abiding in the presence of God. 1- THE PROTECTION By THE MOST HIGH FOR THE BELIEVER: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (1) Because man – even a little child -- often suffers a feeling of sojourn and isolation; the psalmist cries out: “My father and my mother have forsaken me” (Psalm 27: 10). But the believer who fears God, while in the bosom of God, feels security, freedom, care, and a divine fatherly warmth. The Hebrew word for “dwells” bears a sense of security. Our Christ – the Head of the church – dwells in the bosom of God the Father; a secret that no heavenly or earthly creation could recognize. The Lord, Himself, says: “I came forth from the Father” (John 16: 27, 28). It is as though He came forth to carry us in Him, to bring us “into the secret place of the Most High”, to settle down eternally in the divine bosoms. This is how the soul which loves God think; God is its place; it knows no other place, but to dwell in God; according to what is written: “God is a dwelling place in us to the age of ages”. The true Christian, therefore, wherever he is, dwells in God; and God dwells in him. Never trusting in any other dwelling place, there is no need for him to move from one place to another like it. … I, therefore, beseech you, to serve Your God with a divine love, however, and wherever you are1. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) He who utterly deliver himself to the care of the God of heaven, will abide, protected against any harm. And according to St. Athanasius the apostolic: The care – or the secret place -- of the Most High is the statutes of God; on account of that, it was given for the sake of our 1 الرسالة الأربعون. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 3 conquest against the unseen enemies. Protected by them, he would be dwelling in that care, or in that secret place. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) He who dwells in Jesus – according to the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 5: 1), will build his house without human hands; like that provided by the Lord for the two midwives in the land of Egypt (Exodus 1: 21), where he would dwell in the secret place of the God of heaven1. When you suffer from the troubles of the world, brought by Satan over men, openly, or in secret; Have courage and longsuffering, for you dwell under the protection of the Most High, as expressed by psalm 91: 1. Because, if you forsake that care of the Most High, without getting a strength to help you, you will fall … Do not be afraid; for when the Lord Christ was tempted, He was alone in the wilderness. Satan tempted Him in secret, and was defeated, as he was when he tempted Him openly. … He who follows the lead of Christ, and endures all the troubles in this world, through His hope in God, will never fall in a net, nor is destroyed by terrifying fears; for he dwells in the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty2. (St. Augustine) “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust” (2) When man feels the multitude and the power of the enemies, and perceives his own weakness, he would seek a refuge, in whom he would get protected. That is one of the blessings of the spiritual war against the devil and the hosts of darkness. It reveals man’s need for God to be his refuge, and a fortress to protect his life; he would find in God the only bosom to lean on. Let the enemies, therefore, increase, and let their opposition against me get stronger; For I, even though I may got terrified in the beginning, yet I will find my protection in God. He is the Holy One, capable, not only of rescuing and protecting me from the corruption of sin, but also of letting me enjoy sanctification; Hiding in Him, I would not fear the violence and the cruelty of the enemies, but would, as well, enjoy an exalted divine strength. Hiding in Him, and getting covered by His righteousness, wisdom, and perfection; my soul would be clothed with heavenly features, a product of the flow of divine grace. 1 On Psalms Homily 20. 2 On Ps. 91 (90). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 4 He said well “my refuge”; … There are a multitude of persecutors, Yet You are my only refuge. There are many wounds, but You are my only Physicians1. Because I am under siege by my enemies, You are my refuge … Persisting on our life in sin, we are, for sure, not trusting in Him; but if we put an end to it, our hope in Him would be confirmed2. (St. Jerome) 2- THE BELIEVER WHO ENJOYS THE DIVINE PROTECTION: “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the perilous pestilence” (3) According to St. Jerome3, the expression “the perilous pestilence”, is translated as (the cruel word), Or as it is in Hebrew (the deeply hidden word); on account of that, the heretics always promise deep and dark secrets, to corrupt and tear apart everything true and clear. If the devil is a crafty fowler, his main role is to train his followers on setting nets and snares to catch the souls to his account. These snares are many and diverse, between sins and heresies. The work of Christ, though, is to rescue the souls of His believers, and to help them escape from these snares, and fly like a bird. From what will He rescue you? “From the snare of the fowler”, and from (a cruel word). To be saved from the snare of the fowler is a great blessing; but how would it be possible to be saved from (a cruel word)? … There are many who fall into the snare of a fowler through (a cruel word)! How?!… Satan and his hosts would never dare to set their snares in Christ; they set them, not along His way, but on the side of His way. Therefore, if your way is Christ, you will never fall into the snares of the adversary. What is the (cruel word) by which Satan catch his victims? … As an example, a Christian who lives among heathens; if he fears and does not endure their many reproaches, he would fall into the snare of Satan….. So will be a Christian living among Christians, and seeking to be more diligent than the rest of them; he has to endure their reproaches. They may ridicule him by saying: [You are strong! You are righteous,! You are Elijah! You are Peter!! You are, as though, descend from 1 On Psalms, homily 68. 2 On Psalms Homily 20. 3 On Psalms, homily 68. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 5 heaven! … etc.]. If he fears such words of reproach and ridicule, and forsakes the way of Christ, he would fall into the snares of the fowlers1. (St. Augustine) The sayings of the heretics may catch the souls of the weak, and greatly disturb them. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) I will trust in Him, for “surely, He shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler” (3). In this age, there are many fowlers who attempt to catch us in their snares; but, according to the psalmist: “Our souls have escaped as a bird from the snares of the fowler” (Psalm 124: 7). In the Holy Book, we often notice that the fowlers or hunters take an adversary role against us. As an example we have the mighty ‘Nemrud’, who was “a mighty hunter before the Lord” (Genesis 10: 8); So was ‘Esau’ who was “a skillful hunter” (Genesis 25: 27) … In the Holy Book we read: “Do not let the evil woman allure you with her eyelids” (Proverb 6: 25 LXX); and, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5: 28). There are many snares, and many fowlers, as there are many sins; … The teachings of the heretics are deadly snares2. Although we find in the Holy Book several examples of evil fowlers and hunters like ‘Nemrud’ and ‘Esau’, Yet we do not find many evil fisherman, they are mostly faithful. … As long as we are in a state of grace, our souls will always be in peace; But, once we start to play with sin, our soul would become disturbed, like a boat struck by mighty waves3. (St. Jerome) “He shall cover you with His feathers; and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler” (4) God often likens Himself to a bird which covers its little ones under its wings. According to St. Gregory of Nyssa, God created man in His image, and accordingly, with two wings, not in the physical, but in the spiritual sense; … he lived in the garden of Eden, but his depths flew as though with two wings in a heavenly atmosphere. 1 On Ps. 91 (90). 2 On Psalms, homily 68. 3 On Psalms Homily 20. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 6 And according to St. Jerome, God surrounds us with His word, which is the truth, to become our shield, the shield of truth, capable of destroying the vanity, the deception, and the lies of the heretics. And according to St. Augustine, the psalmist calls upon us to hide between the arms of God, and under His wings, to be surrounded on all sides, so that no fear or harm would dwell upon us. Yet we should beware not to depart from there, lest the enemy would attack us1. If the hen protects her little ones under its wings, how much more protection would the wings of God give us against Satan, his angels and hosts, and the birds of prey, like hawks, that catch the weak little ones2. (St. Augustine) Who covers you? It is the God of heaven, as the hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Matthew 23: 37). With the same sense, the praise in the book of Deuteronomy says: “The Lord carries the people of Israel on His shoulders, as an eagle carries its young on its wings” (32: 11). This verse could also refer to the Savior on His cross, providing us with the protection of His wings; as “Under His wings you take refuge” (Psalm 91: 4); and, according to the prophet Isaiah: “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people” (See Romans 10: 21). The Lord stretched His hand toward heaven, not to seek help, as much as for protecting us -- His miserable creation3. Look up at His stretched hands on the cross; as according to the prophet, if, in the wilderness of this world, you are bitten by a serpent, a scorpion, or any other poisonous reptile, you will be healed if you look up at the bronze fiery serpent, put on a pole in the wilderness (Numbers 21: 8-9) 4. “His truth shall be our shield”. It is an all-around shield, namely, it protects us on all sides. “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield” (Psalm 5: 12). Notice what this verse says: “You, O Lord, will (crown) us with the shield of Your favor”. Could anyone be crowned with a shield? … Yes, You protect us, and make us conquerors, then You give us a crown…. And as the psalmist said that the Lord will save us against 1 On Ps. 91 (90). 2 On Ps. 91 (90). 3 On Psalms, homily 68. 4 On Psalms Homily 20. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 7 the word of perdition; we can understand it as being the teachings of the heretics, the philosophers, and the Jews; It is not the word of truth, but of lies1. (St. Jerome) Although Jerusalem has destroyed herself by her sins, yet, God covers her by the warmth of His compassion, expressed by His two wings, an analogy we see in all prophets: as in the song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32: 11), and in the psalms (Psalm 91: 4), referring to His great protection and care2. (St. John Chrysostom) It is rather difficult to know who uttered the following words, or to whom it is addressed: “Turn your eyes away from me, for they have overcome me; Your hair is like a flock of goats, coming down from Gllead” (Song 6: 5). Most probably they are addressed by the Lord Christ to the pure soul. … In the Holy Book I often read that ‘wings’ refer to God, as for example: the prophet David says: “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings” (Psalm 17: 8); And, “Under His wings you shall take refuge” (Psalm 91: 4). The prophet Moses says: “As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings” (Deuteronomy 32: 11). And the Lord, Himself, says: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers its chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Matthew 23: 37). These expressions conform with what we believe. … If the inspired Holy Text says -- for some secret reason that we do not know -- that the divine nature has wings; it would be that the early man, who was created in the image of God, must have been like Him in every respect (See Genesis 1: 26). I, therefore, assume that the early man was created with (spiritual) wings, to be like the divine nature…. Yet the word “wings” probably refer to the power, grace, non-corruption of God, etc.; and man would have possessed all those features, as long as he was in the image of God in every thing. But our tendency toward evil, and being no more under the protection of God’s wings, have robbed those wings from us; and even our own wings were taken away from us. … That is why the grace and blessing of God appeared to us, and 1 On Psalms Homily 20. 2 Homilies on Matt 74: 3. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 8 enlightened our minds, so as new wings would grow in us, through purity and righteousness, after we manage to forsake the worldly desires, and concentrate our hearts and minds on God1. (St. Gregory, bishop of Nyssa) Like an eagle, God spread His wings on us, we, the little chicks. It is a befitting analogy to liken God to an eagle that protects its young; God protects us like a father, and like a hen that protects its young, lest a hawk would snatch them. … We can also provide another interpretation: When it is said: “Under His wings you shall take refuge” (4). Being lifted up on the cross, He stretches His hands to protect us; and to let us take refuge under His wings” 2. (St. Jerome) “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day” (5) The night often refers to the devil, the ruler of the hosts of darkness. Yet he who hides in Jesus Christ, the true Light, would never be caught by the devil; All his tricks, hosts, and evil works, would not be able to catch him. As to the arrow that flies by day, many fathers of the church believe that it refers to the heretics who misquote from the Holy book, the light of life, and corrupt its interpretation. These are the arrows that fly by day, and misuse the word of life. The terror by night is the hidden murder and the unknown treason that take place by night; and the physical lusts that stir up by night. Whereas the arrow that flies by day, is the apparent opposition. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night”. The righteous would not fear the night, as much as he would fear the day. “Come, you children, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Psalm 34: 11). Satan would not aim his arrows by day, lest they would be seen, as “All things that are exposed are made manifest by the light” (Ephesians 5: 13). … Now, some may object, saying: If Satan does not aim his arrows by day, what then does the psalm mean by saying: “nor of the arrow that flies by day” (5)? … The arrow that flies by day, is the teaching of the heretics that fly here and there by day. By their disturbing views, and their false interpretations, they rob us of every truth; “Like a pestilence that walks in darkness” (6). 1 عظة 15 على نشید الأناشید ترجمة الدكتور جورج نوّار. 2 Homily on Psalms, 20. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 9 He does not say “stands”, but says “walks”, As the heretics always change their views, moving to and fro all the time. (St. Jerome) We are completely surrounded by enemies on all sides. Our weak body which will soon become dust is just one confronting many, fighting against huge legions of enemies; and when the ruler of this world comes he will find no sin in him. Until then, let us listen to the words of the prophet: “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day” (5). 1’ (St. Jerome) If you are righteous, no on can make you afraid. If you fear God, you would be afraid of nothing. For “the righteous is as bold as a lion” (Proverb 28: 1); and, according to David: “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night” (5); and he adds as well: “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27: 1); and, “Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear” (Psalm 27: 3). Do you see the courage and steadfastness of the soul that keeps God’s commandments2? (Father Caesarius, bishop of Arle) “Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday” (6) While God confirms that His eyes are on those who fear Him all the year long; and that His care would not cease day and night; So the adversary, on his side, would use any chance to destroy the children of God; he would terrorize them by night, aim his arrows at them by day, send pestilences in the darkness, and destruction at noonday. Let the devil, then, work with all his energies, and under every circumstances; For those who fear God are kept in Him, their Refuge; that no arrow could pierce, nor go through. God’s protection is enough; it gives security day and night, and even every moment. Nothing will come over the believer, except through allowance from God, and for his own edification. Why does he say “at noonday”? As noonday refers to intense heat, so the persecution by the devil is extremely hot3. 1 Letters, 22:3. 2 Sermon 105: 6. 3 On Ps. 91 (90). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 10 (St. Augustine) “Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday”. In the book of Genesis we read that Joseph held a banquet for his brothers at noonday. And in the Song of Songs, it is written: “Tell me, O whom I love, where you feed your flock, where you make it rest at noon” (Song 1: 7). The saints take rest at noon; while Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11: 14); and his servants pretend to be vain ministers of righteousness. That is why Arius and other heretics are called ‘the demons of noonday1’. (St. Jerome) The sixth of our struggles is against what the Greeks call ‘boredom’, a close relative to depression, and a serious ailment which comes, in particular, upon the solitary monks, and the dwellers of the wilderness It usually disturbs the monk at the sixth hour of the day (10 o’clock in the morning), like a wave of fever associated with a rise of body temperature that comes upon the sick at certain regular hours of the day. Some elders call this spirit, mentioned in psalm 91: ‘the demon of noonday’2. (St. John Cassian) The devil of boredom, called ‘the demon of noonday’, is the most serious of the demons, attacks the monk at about the sixth hour of the day (10 o’clock in the morning), and lets his soul go around itself like a whirlpool, until the eighth our of the day (2 o’clock in the afternoon). It starts by letting the monk watch the sun with anguish and a narrow chest, to see it move slowly as though it does not at all; and as though the hours of the day came to be fifty hours instead of 24 hours. Growing boredom lets him look through the window, or get out of his cell, look here and there, hoping to see someone like him out of his cell. A feeling of grudge grows in him against the way of his life; feeling that there is no one to comfort him, because there is no more love among the brethren. This feeling becomes more intense through the work of the devil, in case that someone happen to cause him any harm. Now, the devil starts to provoke in him a longing to go and dwell in some other place, where he may lead a much easier, and less cruel life. He attempts to convince him that pleasing God and worshipping Him could be done in any place, and not in a particular one, and binds 1 On Psalms, homily 68. 2 De institutis caenoborum. Book 10. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 11 such thoughts in his mind with reminding him of his loved ones; of the past happy early days of his life; and of what he would end up to, if he goes on living this cruel and tough life of monastic strife. The ‘demon of noonday’ uses every available means to deceive the monk, until he succeeds in letting him forsake his life as a monk. But if the monk manages to oppose such a war, and to overcome the evil provocations of the ‘demon of noonday’, his soul would exult, and would be filled with unutterable peace1. Such demons that keep on disturbing the soul even up to death, are even more persistent than the other demons that provoke the lusts of the body, and are easier to retreat than the former ones. The other demons may touch one side or another of man’s soul; but the ‘demon of noonday’ would cover the soul on all sides, and drown the whole mind in its whirlpool of thoughts. That is why the ‘seclusion’ together with a victory over lusts, are the sweetest of victories, for nothing more than mere memories of the spiritual wars would remain in man’s soul and mind2. (St. (Mar) Oghris of Pontus) It became evident that the unclean spirits are of diverse kinds: some are specialized for fornication and evil pleasures; others for vain pride; other are experts in lying, or in inspiring blasphemy; as is expressed by one of them in (1 kings22: 22), by saying to the Lord: “I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of prophets”. … On account of such spirits, the apostle rebukes those deceived by them, saying that “some depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy” (1 Timothy 4: 1, 2). There are other kinds of unclean spirits that strengthen the spirit of evil lusts and uncleanness, as proclaimed by the prophet Hosea, saying: “The spirit of harlotry have caused them to stray, and to play the harlot against their God3” (Hose 4: 12). In the same way, the Holy Scripture4 teaches us that there are ‘demons of the day’ and ‘others of the night’ (Psalm 91: 5, 6). Calling them by the names of several wild vicious animals, refer to their ferocity5. (Father Serinus) . عن "الأفكتر الثمانیة"، 7 Anatolius 1 القدیس مار أوغریس البنطي: إلى أناتولیس . عن "الحیاة العاملة"، 25 Anatolius 2 القدیس مار أوغریس البنطي: توجیھات إلى أناتولیس 3 "فضلوا بعیدًا عن إلھھم". . 19 ؛ یو 30 :14 ؛ أف 12 :6 : 113 ؛ لو 10 : 4 راجع مز 116 5 Cassian, Conferences 7: 32. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 12 He is a deceiving and crafty enemy, whose twisted ways and diverse forms, we cannot perceive, except by Your Light He sometimes appears like a lamb, and other times as a wolf. Sometimes as light, and other times as darkness. He knows how to change his form, and to conform his plans, according to the circumstances of man. To deceive those who labor with grief, he grieves together with them; For the exultant hearts, he corrupts the atmosphere of their happy times. For the hot in spirit, he appears to them as an angel of light; To take away the weapons of the spiritually strong, he appears to them like a lamb. To devour the meek, he turns into a wolf; He terrifies some by night fears; and others by arrows flying by day; he bring the former down into darkness, and fights the later openly in noonday (Psalm 91). Who can distinguish his diverse crafty ways?! Who can count the number of his horrible fangs?! He hides his arrows in his bag; and keeps his tricks until the time most convenient to attack. O my Lord, You are my hope … Without Your light, it would be difficult for me to distinguish the devil’s diverse tricks and maneuvers. (St. Augustine) “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand on your right hand, but it shall not come near you” (7) St. Jerome noticed that he did not say ‘on your left hand’, but said “at your side”. And he also noticed that the fallen on his side are a thousand, while, on his right hand, they are ten thousands… According to him, on one aspect, the believer has no left hand, he uses his left hand as though a right hand; he has two sides, and both are holy. On another aspect, the enemy fights his victims, more on the left side; namely by the evil lusts. Most surely, the righteous has no left side! The Lord advises us, saying: “Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him” (Mathew 5: 39). Notice that He did not say: “turn the left cheek to him”, but said: “turn the other to him”. It is as though, the righteous, has two cheeks on his right side; like the righteous ‘Ehod’, mentioned in the book of Judges, who, being left-handed, seemed as though had two hands on his left side, by which he thrust his dagger https://coptic-treasures.com/ 13 in the belly of the foolish fat king of Moab (Judges 3: 14). … There are many who lie in wait for you on your right side, but not as many on the other side. A thousand fall on our left side, and ten thousands on our right side. Wherever there are greater battles, there would naturally be greater conquest1. “A thousand may fall on your side, and ten thousand on your right hand”. The psalmist does not say “on your left side”, for the righteous has no left side. That is why, in the gospel, it came: “Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him” (Mathew 5: 39). The Lord did not say: “turn the left cheek to him”… The (left) side of the righteous refers to the physical weakness; while the right side refers to the perfection of the soul. By the suffering of the body, by fasting, and chastity, a thousand may fall; while on the right side, where there are the free spirit, and the teaching of purity and holiness, ten thousands may fall; but “they will not come near you”, namely, they will perish before they reach you2. For us humans, life is a kind of race. We wrestle here, and will be crowned elsewhere. No one can take fear away, while serpents and scorpions are attacking man on all sides. The Lord says: “My sword shall be bathed in heaven” (Isaiah 34: 5). Do you expect to find peace on earth? Of course not!, for the earth produce only thorns and thistles, and its dust is the food for the serpent (See genesis 14: 18). “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6: 12). We are surrounded by host of enemies on all sides, The body is weak, and will soon turn into dust; One confronts a multitude, fights against horrible adversaries; The ruler of this world has not come yet, when no sin will be found in him (John 14: 30). … So far, you are not listening in peace to the words of the prophet, saying: “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day” (5)… When you are confronted by hostile enemies; when you are infected by fever; when your lusts are stirred up in you; when you say: “What shall I do?”; you will then hear the words of the prophet Elisha, saying: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6: 16). He would pray for your sake, saying: “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he 1 On Psalms Homily 20. 2 On Psalms Homily 68. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 14 may see”. … And when your eyes are opened, you will see a fiery chariot like that of the prophet Elijah, waiting to take you up to heaven (2 Kings 2: 11). Then, you will joyfully sing, saying: “Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken, and we have escaped” (Psalm 124: 7) 1. (St. Jerome) By saying ten thousands fight on the right hand, and a thousand fight on the other side; means that the works of the right hand, which bring pleasure to God, will be fought by all the hosts on the left. According to St. Isicheos, many will perish through works they think to be (right-handed) and pleasing to God; because they, claiming certain vain rights, they consequently fall into perdition. Whereas those who seek the help of God, may see many adversaries come against them, but they will not reach them; “they shall not come near them” (7) (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the punishment of the wicked” (8) Unfortunately, in moments of weakness, some believers get disturbed to see the success and the prosperity of the wicked, while the saints confront a multitude of troubles. But, it is befitting of them to wait for the great day of the Lord, to see the eternal punishment of the wicked. In this phrase, some see a prophecy about the ultimate coming of the Lord Christ. In His first coming, He came emptying Himself, and delivered himself even to death on the cross for the sake of the world; Whereas in His second coming, He will come in His glory; and will bring punishment on the wicked who scoffed His salvation work, persisted on persecuting His body, namely, the church, and did not repent. “Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the punishment of the wicked” You will see the bodies of the dead, and will marvel at the greatness of the Lord, the divine Savior. You will see the punishment of the wicked which they deserve. All that will mean that you will make God your refuge; and in security, you will see the punishment of the heretics, having protected yourself from their teachings2. (St. Jerome) 1 Eustochium, 3. 2 On Psalms Homily 68. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 15 “Because you have made the Lord your refuge; the Most High your dwelling place” (9) While in the last phrase, the righteous see what will dwell upon the wicked of an eternal punishment for their persistence on their wickedness; Here, he proclaims that the righteous, even if he suffers afflictions and temptations in this world, yet, they are not intended for his perdition, as much as they are a precious chance for him to make God his refuge, and the Most High his dwelling place, to protect him against the strikes of the enemy. Oftentimes, the righteous may suffer tribulations; but they are not strikes, but temptations, like the ones that came upon the righteous ‘Job’; Whereas for the wicked, these tribulations are not to be called temptations, but strikes. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) The last words are said to the righteous in the name of the Lord. Here we see the righteous respond to the Lord, saying: “Lord, You are my refuge”; “O, Most High, You are my dwelling place” 1. (St. Jerome) “No evil shall befall you; Nor shall any plague come near your tent” (10) Strikes may be directed to all; Yet, while they pierce the depths of the wicked, and destroy him; As far as the righteous is concerned, what the world count as an evil, will turn for him into a kind of temptation that will increase his splendor, and justify him. No temptation can come near the tent of his soul, nor reach his heart, mind, or his holy will. Let the enemy strike with his whole might; he has no authority over the believer without the allowance of God, his Savior; and then, it would be for his justification. Through scourging Jesus, we are spared of being scourged; and according to the Holy Book: “No plague come near your tent” (10) 2. If the Lord, Himself, was scourged, and has gone through with a diversity of afflictions and temptations; Who among the righteous was not scourged by the devil? Let us think about the meaning of “No plague will come near your tent”. It means that the devil will be roaring outside, and attempting to provoke sensory pains on the 1 On Psalms Homily 68. 2 Commentary on Matt 4: 27: 27. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 16 believer, but the tent of his soul or mind, namely the tent of his faith, will not be touched1. I entreat you, not to count your physical ailment (blindness), as though it has dwelt upon you because of a sin you have committed! When the apostles entertained such thought about the one who was born blind; and asked the Lord, saying: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”, the Lord said: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the work of God be revealed in him” (John 9: 3) 2. (St. Jerome) Because no sin by the strikes of the devil could come near the body of the Lord, He resisted the temptations of the enemy to bring conquest to humanity; He turned the devil into a toy, as proclaimed by David:. “He made Leviathan a toy to play with” (Psalm 104: 26). Again he says: “He will break in pieces the oppressor” (Psalm 72: 4), and, “You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces” (Psalm 74: 13, 14). And, “You will pierce Leviathan’s nose with a snare, and drag it along” (Job 40: 24) 3. (Father Khromatius) “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (11) Commenting on this saying, which he believes applies to all Christians, the scholar Origen says: [It is the upright who need the help of the angels, lest they would be crushed by Satan, or an arrow that flies in the darkness would pierce their heart4]. According to the belief of some Jews5, the souls of the departed righteous are received and escorted by three good angels; whereas those of the wicked are received by three evil angels. Other Jews believe that three groups of heavenly or peace angels accompany the righteous on his departure6: The first group will sing: “He shall enter into peace” The second group will sing: “He shall rest in his bed”. 1 On Psalms, homily 68. 2 Letter 68 to Castrutuis, 1.. 3 Tractatr on Mathew 14: 5. 4 Hom. On Num., 5,3. 5 The Jewish Encyclopedia, Angelology. 6 Tosef. Shab. 17: 2; Shab, 119b.; ket. 104 a., Hag. 16a. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 17 The third group will sing: “He shall walk in his uprightness” (Isaiah 57: 2). And on the departure of the wicked, three groups of evil angels will accompany him, singing: “There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked” (Isaiah 57: 21) 1. The Jews believe that angels attended the funeral of Abraham2; took over the burial of Moses3; and bring forth the souls of the righteous into heaven4. And an angel is designated to proclaim the new arrivals to the pit5. On account of that the moments of death are awesome, the Book confirms that angels would accompany the true believers during them. The Lord Christ says that “when poor Lazarus died, he was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16: 22). The angels, as faithful ministers wish for us, and even help us to enjoy salvation, to partake of their heavenly glory; They help to carry the souls of the true believers, the martyrs in particular, to the heavenly kingdom, with exultant shouts of joy6. In the prayers of funerals, the priest prays for the soul of the departed, saying: “Let the angels of light carry him to paradise”. According to the Jewish tradition, the archangel Michael guides the souls of the departed7; And according to the apostle Jude, a dispute happened between the archangel Michael and the devil over the burial of the prophet Moses (Jude 1: 9). When the soul, all of a sudden, set forth from the heavy burden of the body, through death, although it gets terrified on seeing the face of the angel, designated for receiving the departed soul, yet it realizes that her eternal adobe has been finally set8. (The scholar Tertullian) At the moment the soul departs from the body, the righteous will be segregated from the wicked; and the designated angels will take every category to their deserved places9. (St. Justine) 1 Ket. 1049, Num. A. 20. 2 Testament of Abraham A 20. 3 Deut R. 11; Targ. Yer. Deut. 39:6. 4 Testament of Abraham A 20; Targ. Yer. Song of Soloman, 4: 12; Luke 16: 22. 5 Ber. 18b. 6 Origin, Hom. In Judic., 7, 2. 7 Jean Danielou: the Angels and Their Mission, (trans. By David Heimann), 1993, p. 96. 8 De Anima, 53. 9 Quaest. Orth., (منسوبة إلیھ) 75 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 18 If we need a guide when we go from one city to another, how much more will the soul need to be guided on its way, once the chains of the body are broken, and it crosses over to the life to come1. (St. John Chrysostom) A huge crowd will gather together to watch you, called for martyrdom. If you go through such a battle, say together with the apostle Paul: “We have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men” (1 Corinthians 4: 9). The whole world, all the angels on the right and on the left, all people, including those on God’s side (Deuteronomy 32: 29; Colossians 1: 12), and all the others, will all watch us while we strive for the sake of our Christianity. The angels will either exult for us; the rivers, together with all the trees of the valley,will clap their hands; and the mountains will rejoice (Psalm 97: 8; Isaiah 55:12 LXX); Or, God forbids, the evil joy would overwhelms the lower world, rejoicing over our fall2. Once our present tent (our body) gets dissolved, and we start on our way to the sanctuaries, Those who are truly holy, and will have their place in the Holy of Holiness, will see, on their way, the angels surrounding them; and on their arrival at the divine dwelling place, they will stop to be carried on the shoulders of the angels, and to be lifted up with their hands. All that was seen by the prophet in spirit, saying: “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (11). What he wrote in this psalm, apply without doubt, to the upright, more than it does to the Lord. St. Paul, dealing with this same secret, supports the belief that some will be carried over the clouds by the angels, saying: “then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (Thessalonians 4: 17) 3. “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (11)… It is the righteous who needs the help of the angels, lest the demons would cast him away, or an arrow that flies in the darkness would pierce him. (The scholar Origen) 1 Hom. In Lazar. 2: 2. 2 Exhoryayion to Martyrdom. 18 (ACW). 3 In Num. 5, 3. See also Eusebius, Comm. In Is., 66: "the angels will lead the elect to their blessed and, when they be lifted up, carried as was Elias on an angelic chariot, amid the rays of heavenly light". https://coptic-treasures.com/ 19 Keep on praying, lest the demons would find a chance to sow tares in your field (Matthew 13: 25). Do not have compassion on your body, and let it oversleep, but you should rather get up to sing praise to the Lord. If you do not know how to sing praise, give God thanks, and say: ‘Glory be to You, O Lord’; say it several times; and if you can, say it a thousand times. Then the Lord will send His angel to help you cast the demons away. Do not fear them (Isaiah 8: 12), for you are given a guardian angel, as it is written in the Holy Book: “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34: 7); And “He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (11). … But do not put you hope only in the angels, and say: ‘They are keeping me’, but keep on praying, for they are given charge over you to proclaim your righteousness, and to present it to God1. (Pope St. Theophilus) Keep slothfulness away from yourself, for it weighs your body down, to keep it from getting up to pray. Strive to pray and to fast; for nothing would drive the demons away like prayer and fasting (Mark 9: 29). And if they disturb you and keep you from sleep, get up and pray, to “let them be like chaff before the wind” (Psalm 35: 5). Then you can sleep in peace. Do not say: ‘It is not yet the time to pray’, but pray all the time, for prayer is like an arrow that chases the demons away. And if Satan appears like the morning star before your eyes, you should know for sure that it is Satan and not the Lord, who appeared to let you become proud of yourself. (St. Abba Arsanius) St. Jerome says that the devil, tempting the Lord, quoted this phrase (Psalm 91: 11), but did not quote the one following it. He quoted the first part concerning the weakness of the Savior, having become man, and did not quote the one concerning the authority given by the Lord Christ to His church to tread upon Satan and all his hosts. We truly appreciate the kind of authority given to the saintly apostles, to trample over the serpents and the scorpions, through the apostolic way of life. Let us then pray to the Lord, that He who has given gave them such authority, would also give it to us, we who are still babes 1 رسالة القدیس أنبا ثیئوفیلس إلى الرھبان، 4 (فردوس الآباء). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 20 in the shadow of their righteousness, to follow their lead, and be helped by their worthiness in Jesus Christ our Lord1. (St. Jerome) “They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone” (12) This phrase bears a prophecy about the Lord Christ, Who would never sin, and would never perish; As He, although in no need of the angelic help, yet the angels have always shown a great longing to minister to Him in His birth, during His temptation, passion, resurrection, and ascension! … Nevertheless, the devil rongly assumed, through this very phrase (11), that he could set for Him a net to fall into sin, Elisha the prophet, perceiving the value of the angelic help, did not fear the huge number of the Assyrian army, with its horses and chariots, that came to surround the mountain where he dwelt, to catch him (2 Kings 6: 16). The hosts of angels bear an exalted love for us, being our fellow servants, who desire to minister to their Lord through us (Revelation 22: 9)…. How joyful and exulting is the fact proclaimed by the Holy Book, that angels and humans form one unified family under God2! Yes, God has given his angels of light, charge over men, and in particular the righteous among them; as according to the apostle Paul: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrew 1: 14). These angels exhort the righteous to adopt the exaltation of vision and work, lest their feet would dash against the stone of vain humility and disobedience; and lift up, as well, the weak, during their difficult walk, lest their mind would stumble, and become a footstool for the devil. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) Concerning the angelic support, he seems to speak, as though to a weak human, (and not about the Lord Christ) 3. (St. Jerome) “You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample under foot” (13) 1 On Psalms, homily 68. 2 W. S. Plumer: Ps. 91. 3 Commentary on Matt. 1: 4: 6. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 21 The devil is often called a lion, dragon, and a serpent; And, likening the devil, their father, intending the perdition of the Lord Christ, the wicked crucified Him; Yet, by His cross, He destroyed their authority, granting His believers the authority over the hosts of darkness. God granted us to trample upon the enemy under our feet; as according to the apostle St. Paul: “The God of peace will crush Satan under Your feet shortly” (Romans 16: 20). The Evangelic St. Luke says: “Then the seventy returned with joy saying, ‘Lord, even the demon are subject to us in Your name’. And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10: 17-19). And to the Evangelic St. John says: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because, He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4: 4). St. Cyril the Great says: [The only begotten Son of God came down from heaven; That is why Satan fell down like lightening1]. Many truly complain of the weakness and frailty of humanity; but greatest among them are the righteous Job and David, by their unique distinguished ways: The former is characterized by his talent of reaching directly to his goal, together with the exaltation of his way of expression, greatly influenced by the extreme painful temptations he passed through. Whereas the later, with his soul filled with peace and thanksgiving, quietly and gently believing in his case; reflected what actually came upon him as being like “a deer”, to become a role model for others (See Psalm 42: 1, 2). Do not get disturbed to see that great prophet being likened to such a wild animal (a deer); if you take into consideration the famous words said by the Lord to the apostles: “Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10: 16). The Lord Himself was likened to the deer; having come to earth, and trampled over the serpent, namely, the devil, exposed His heel to him, yet was not harmed, nor bitten by its venom (See Genesis; psalm 40 (41): 9); For it is written: “The serpent, You shall trample under foot” (13). Let us then be “deer”, to be able to trample over the serpents. … We could be “deer” if we follow the word of Christ, who created the 1 Commentary on Luke, homily 64. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 22 deer to be without fear of the stings of the serpents. About them, the Lord said to ‘Job’: “Can you mark when the deer give birth? Can you number the months they fulfill? Or do you know the time when they bear young? They bow down, they deliver their offspring (without fear)” (Job 39: 1-3). You can learn from the prophet Isaiah, how the young of those deer live without fear, saying: “The nursing child will play by the cobra’s hole; and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all” (Isaiah 11: 8, 9). With this he means the children of the church1. (St. Ambrose) By the incarnation of our Savior which surpassed has surpassed everything else; holiness has taken roots all over the earth; and the darkness that hides the truth has come to no avail2. We trample over the serpents, the scorpions, and all the power of the enemy (Luke 10: 19); thanks to the authority given to us by the Lord Christ. Those who are in Christ, are also qualified for the divine promise to be fulfilled in them, to keep and save them everywhere, and to be proclaimed fruitful: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28: 20) 3. (St. Cyril the Great) Do you want to be among those who trample over the serpent, the scorpion, and all the power of the enemy? (Luke 10: 19); And to “tread upon the lion and the cobra?” (11); Instead of letting the devil, that worthless king, reign and set his kingdom of sin in you; Let our Lord Jesus Christ, alone, reign in you, and take him away. Glory, and authority be to Him, forever and ever, Amen4. (The scholar Origen) Those are the devil and his evil hosts, on whom, our Lord gave us the authority, saying: “I give you the authority to trample upon the serpents, the scorpions, and all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10: 19). He, who controls his temper and anger, would trample upon the dragons; Who breaks his pride by humility, would trample upon the lion; He who takes out of his heart the venom of envy, would tramples upon the cobra – the king of serpents, that can kill by a mere 1 Prayerof David 4: 1: 4. . 2 الرسالة الفصیحة الأولى، ترجمة د. میشیل بدیع عبد الملك، مایو 2004 ، ص 16 3 Glaphyra on Genesis, 3: 4. 4 On Joshua, homily 11: 6. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 23 look of its eyes!; And he, who refrain from uncleanness and fornications, would crush the heads of the serpents crawling on the earth. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “I saw Satan fall down like lightening from heaven” (Luke 10: 17). Satan was not in heaven when he said: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14: 13); He did not fall down from heaven, but fell down from his greatness and authority …, Why then does He say: “from heaven?”. He means to say: It is as though he fell down from heaven. … Lightning does not fall down from heaven, but from the clouds that creates it. Like lightening that suddenly happens in a moment, Satan falls under the conquest of the cross … And like the lightning which comes out, never to go back to its place, so is Satan who fell, and will never get his authority back1. (St. (Mar) Ephram the Syrian) 3- THE DIVINE PROMISE OF HIS SALVATION: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name” (14) The psalmist ends this psalm by a divine joyful talk (14-16); in which God presents to those who love, and attach themselves to Him, divine promises that provide their hearts with heavenly comforts. When our souls cling to the Heavenly, He sets us on high, as though to heaven, where the enemy cannot catch us in his snares, he sets for us. He, not only saves us, but will also “sets us on high”, Namely, He pours upon us a kind of honor or glory; because we knew His name; namely, we became His friends, keeping His commandments. These are the words of God, addressed to the church … We, as well, who still labor on earth, still go through temptations, and still fear lest our steps would fall into the snares, We hear the voice of our Lord God comfort us: “For he has set his love upon Me…2”, (St. Augustine) The name of God is His glory and His majesty, known by him who worship God with upright faith, pure of any idol worship, and of corrupt dogmas; who does according to His will, trusts in Him, and keeps His commandments. He would be saved of any possible danger by God’s help. 1 Commentary on Tatian's Diatessaron, 10: 13. 2 On Ps. 91 (90). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 24 (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him” (15) About the Lord Christ, as a representative of humanity, it was written: “Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His reverent submission” (Hebrew 5: 7). It is therefore, befitting of us to follow His lead, trusting that prayers and supplications are the source of all blessings, and the way to salvation and glory. When you are in affliction, do not be afraid as though God is no more with you; If you hold fast to your faith, God will be with you in your labor. Christ has fallen asleep in the boat while His disciples were about to perish (Matthew 8: 24-25). If your faith is asleep in your heart, Christ would be as though asleep in your boat, for Christ dwells in you by faith. When the waves start striking your boat, wake Christ up from His sleep; Wake your faith up, and Christ will never forsake you1. (St. Augustine) “With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (16) Showing us His salvation means revealing to us the eternal glories He prepares for us. The time of life has an end and fixed number of days. It is well said by the psalmist: “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am” (Psalm 39: 4). Even if the life we live is good and filled with enlightenment; the days of life given under the sun are days of vanity, as they will eventually be replaced by greater joys, expressed by the psalmist, saying: “With long life I will satisfy him” (14) 2. (St. Dedymus the blind) By “long life” is meant (eternal life) … Having no end, it will surely satisfy; for those with an end will never do. Let us then ask for the eternal life, a long life with no end3. (St. Augustine) 1 On Ps. 91 (90). 2 Commentary on Ecclesiastes 277.7. 3 On Ps. 91 (90). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 25 If man calls upon Him with vehement cries and tears, He will answer him, will be with him in the time of sorrow, not only to save him, but to honor him, satisfy him with a long life, and show him His salvation, for He is the Savior of the world; like what He did with Simon the elder who said: “My eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2: 30). (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) AN INSPIRATION FROM PSALM 91 LET ME BE COVERED BY YOU, AND TAKE REFUGE IN YOU My soul blesses You, You who came down to our earth; You became for me a dwelling place and a refuge; And received me as Your dwelling place You became for me a secure way; Through which You carry me, and bring me forth into the bosom of your Father; Let that crafty fowler set his snares; For he cannot set them on my way; For he cannot approach Christ, my Way; He sets his snares on the sides of the way; And does his best to let me deflect right or left; But, as I shall never forsake my Christ; I shall never fall into his snares and nets You cover me with Your wings; and hide me in your bosom; As You become a shield for me, Let the enemy aim all the arrows he has in his bag; I shall not fear him day or night, For his arrows cannot touch me, As long as You surround me. Whoever deflect from you to the right, by self justification, Or to the left, by the lusts of sin, Will fall into the snares of the devil, and be killed by his fiery arrows; https://coptic-treasures.com/ 26 Let me get attached to You, and hide in You; That no strike from the enemy can reach me. Your angels desire to minister to Your children; For Your sake, they carry them on their hands; To keep them from dashing their feet against a stone. You granted us the authority over the devil and all his hosts; He would never be able to seduce us, as long as we abide in Your bosom; I praise and glorify Your name; and in the midst of affliction, I get in touch with the depth of Your thoughts; You reveal to me the secrets of Your salvation; And bring me forth into the deposit of Your heavens.
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