REJOICING IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS This psalm is considered a confession of the sins of the congregation, by the spirit of hope; For God is not only the Forgiver of sins, but He perpetually works on letting us unite with Him. He directs our sight toward the church of the new covenant, set upon the salvation work of the Lord Christ. According to some scholars, this psalm is written by the same author of psalms 104 and 105; and, accordingly, they refer it to the prophet David; especially that certain of its verses are the same in (1 Chronicles 16). While others believe that it is written in Babylon during captivity, based on verse 47 in which the psalmist cries out in the name of the whole congregation, saying: “Gather us, O Lord our God, from among the Gentiles”. This psalm, together with the one before it, cover the same period of time; Yet, while psalm 105 is a call to remember the dealings of God with His people, psalm 106 confirms God’s faithfulness with those who soon forget the abundance of God’s mercies along the generations…. While psalm 105 lifts us up, psalm 106 rebukes us. This is the first psalm to begin and end with “Alleluia” (Praise the Lord); And it is the first of the “Alleluia” psalms (111, 113, 117, 135, 146-150). Psalm 106 and (1 Chronicles 16): Some verses are the same in both, in which the prophet David praises the Lord through Asaf and his brothers (Compare 1 Chronicles 16: 34 with psalm 106: 1; and 1 Chronicles 16: 35-36 with psalm 106: 47-48). 1- A call to praise the Lord 1 2- A prayer for he sake of the congregation 2 - 5 3- A confession and seeking the salvation of the Lord 6- 12 4- A rebellion in the days of the prophet Moses 13–33 5- A rebellion in the promised land 34 - 39 7- God’s chastisements and mercy 40 - 46 8- A supplication and a praise 47 – 48 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 84 1- A CALL TO PRAISE GOD: This call came conforming to a similar one in psalm 107 and 136. “Praise the Lord! Oh, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (1) Such feeling of weakness, and confession of sins, instigates in the believer, as well as in the congregation, a feeling of humility before God; yet it does not make us lose the spirit of joy in God, the Merciful and the Forgiver of sins. That is why this psalm starts with the words “Praise the Lord” (Alleluia), although this psalm represents a cry-out to God: “Visit me with Your salvation” (4). The word “Praise” is sometimes translated in the Arabic language as (Confess), and some other times as (Give thanks); as man’s weakness, together with his perception of God’s mercies, instigates in him a confession, with the spirit of hope, and thanksgiving to God, the Forgiver of sins. This word came 26 times in psalm 136, as no issue, nor work, suits the believer more than praising the Lord his Savior with the spirit of hope and joy. St. Augustine often says that the word “Praise” is translated as (confess), whether man confesses his own sin, or confesses the mercies of God. It is befitting of everyone, confessing his sins, to do that together with praising God. For the confession of sins would not be an issue of piety, unless it is done without despair; and unless it is accompanied with a supplication for the mercy of God1. (St. Augustine) According to St. Augustine, the expression: “For His mercy endures forever” (1), means: endures to the end of time, or to the end of the world. Someone may even dare to say: to the day of judgment. Although, then, the wicked will be punished together with the devil and his hosts, yet, God may show a kind of mercy toward them, and His mercy would appear eternal. You, who have committed serious sins, despair in salvation, and assume that, on account of the gravity of your sins, you would never be pardoned by God;… I advise you, or it is rather the prophet David who advises you, to give thanks to the Lord, for He is merciful…. Yes, your sins are great, But Greater is the Lord who has compassion on you … Confess your sins to the Lord, show remorse, and never 1 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 85 despair in your salvation; for the Lord is compassionate…. You, whose sins are great, give thanks to the Lord, … Do not lean upon your own strength, but trust in the mercy of God1. “For His mercy endures forever”. The psalmist also says: “In grave, who will give You thanks?” (Psalm 6: 5). For it is impossible for anyone in the (pit) to show remorse on his sins As long as you are still in the world, I beg you to repent. Confess, and give thanks to the Lord; For He is only merciful in this world. Here, He may show compassion on the repentant’ There, He will be the Judge. Here, He is Merciful; There He will be the Judge. Here, He stretches His hands to the fallen; There, He acts as a Judge. I say all that for the benefit of those who assume that there will be a chance for remorse in Hell2. (St. Jerome) The guilty who confesses his guilt, would be punished by the earthly rulers; Whereas, if he repents, God would forgive him. Although “God is Good, and His mercy endures forever”, yet He would punish him who does not confess his transgression. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) 2- A PRAYER FOR THE SAKE OF THE CONGREGATION: Here, the psalmist binds himself to the congregation. If he asks the Lord to visit him with His salvation, yet he will not rejoice unless the congregation rejoice together with him; for they are the object of his pride and cherish. “Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Or can declare all His praise?” (2) Man is unable to utter the mighty acts of the Lord, or to declare all His praises, either due to feeling his own sins, according to what came in the psalm: “To the wicked God says: ‘What right has you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth?” (psalm 50: 16); or due to his feeling helpless to declare the works of God, particularly those concerning him personally; However much he would 1 Homily 32 on Ps. 105 (106). 2 Homily 32 on Ps. 105 (106). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 86 talk or praise, he would be short of declaring God’s amazing dealings with him, as well as with the congregation (See Sirach 43: 28-31). “Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord?”. No one is worthy to utter the mighty acts of the Father, except the Son; And no one can declare them except Him who, Himself, is Almighty, He who, being in the bosom of the Father, can utter and declare the works of the Almighty. “Or can declare all His praise?”. Before our Lord came to declare the praises of the Father in the gospel, they were unheard of in the world. According to the spiritual concept, all what is written of the old statutes, could be understood to apply to the Father1. (St. Jerome) “Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord?” (2)…. From death, we have become eternal! … Do you perceive the extent of the conquest? and the way we achieved it, without labor, nor sweat? … We did not stand in a battle; We were not wounded; Our weapons were not covered with blood … Yet we won the battle!... The crown of victory is ours!... Now, as long as the conquest is ours, it is befitting of us, as warriors, to sing today, with joyful voices, the praises of conquest; …. Let us praise our Lord, saying: “O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15: 54-55) 2. “Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Or can declare all His praises?” … Who among the shepherds, feeds his flock with his own body members? … Why should I say a shepherd? … There are many mothers, who, right after going through the labor pains, and giving birth, send their newborn to other women to suckle. He, on the other hand, never does such a thing, but feeds us with His body and blood, and saves us in every way by Himself3. The Son, equal to the Father in essence, was like me! … He walked on this earth, mixed with people; performed wonders among them; and provided them with the goods of this age, as well as of the age to come. What He presented on earth, was to confirm what He will grant in the age to come. By that, the Son fulfilled what has been written: 1 Homily 32 on Ps. 105 (106). 2 De come. Et cruce. PG 49: 396 D-397 A. 3 On Matt., Homily 82. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 87 “Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Or can declare all His praises?” (Psalm 106: 2) 1. (St. John Chrysostom) “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times” (3) Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord, or can declare all his praises, but he, who receive our Lord Jesus as his Righteousness; he, in whose life, the mighty acts and wonders of the Lord are declared; and he who, himself, would be a true testimony to God’s works and wonders. Keeping the divine justice, and doing righteousness, are one integral thing; While turning from the plural to the singular tense, is often noticed, especially in the book of psalms; For the believer would never separate himself from the congregation; talking sometimes, out of his personal experience, and some other times out of his collective experience as a member of the congregation. The fellowship with God, is likewise set upon the two levels together with no separation between them. As to saying: “at all times”, or “always”; that could never be realized except through hiding in Christ, who, being alone without sin; would cover us by Himself, and would become for us righteousness and redemption. According to the scholar Origen, the “Virtue” is Christ; Whoever acquires Christ in himself, acquires the Virtue, and bears the features of the Lord Christ. And according to St. Jerome, as the Lord Christ is the “Righteousness”, it is befitting of us to be perpetually righteous; namely, should always acquire Christ who, for our sake, according to the apostle, has become Righteousness; and to have Christ, so conformed in us, that we become as though carrying Christ in our depths; namely, the soul becomes a mother and a father to the righteousness, conformed in us. He is praised, He “who works in us, both to will, and to do His good pleasure” (Philippians 2: 13) 2. They are called “blessed”, those who keep justice (truth) in faith, and practice righteousness by work3. (St. Augustine) 1 The Divine Providence. 2 On Ps. 106 (105). 3 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 88 “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times” (3). David has the right to utter such a prayer, for he, himself, obeyed the commandments of God, and did what is right. Yes, because he did not obey, nor did the righteousness at all times, he fell. To be blessed, you have to do righteousness at all times. For what would be your benefit if you lived twenty years in chastity, then fell? This is the message of the words of the prophets, saying: “The righteousness of the righteous man shall not deliver him on the day of his transgression; as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall because of it in the day that he turns from his wickedness” (Ezekiel 33: 12). Therefore, the righteous should not trust (in himself); nor the sinner should despair of his salvation; Both should fear and hope. “He who does righteousness at all times”. … Our Lord, being the Righteousness, Blessed is he who does righteousness, namely, he who gives birth to Christ….. How could we give birth to Christ or to righteousness? …. If we live by righteousness, conceive it in us, and give birth to it; to become a mother to righteousness. … Blessed is he who is father and a mother to righteousness1. (St. Jerome) Those who keep the commandments and judgments of God, and persist on doing righteousness; would be able to utter and tell the mighty acts of the Lord, and can declare all His praises. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) Let every man have an ark of the covenant, in which to keep the two tablets of the law, to be able to meditate in it day and night (Psalm 1: 2); he should have his mind like the ark of the covenant, and a (library) that embraces the books of God; For the prophets have blessed those who keep God’s commandments in their memory (See psalm 106: 3). And let every man have inside his heart the pot of Manna; as a reference to the beauty and sweetness of the understanding of the Word of God…. And let him, as well, keep the rod of Aaron, as a reference to the teaching of priesthood, the rod that budded through upright chastisement (for the rod is for both instruction and chastisement) 2. (The scholar Origen) 1 Homily 32 on Ps. 105 (106). 2 Origin: in Exod. Hom 9: 4 (Ronald E. Heine). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 89 “Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people; Oh, visit me with Your salvation” (4) This verse, and the one following it, reveal the heart-desire of men of the old covenant; when every believer, personally, yet not separated from the people of God or His church, sought to enjoy seeing the day of salvation on the cross; which he calls “the favor God has toward His people,and visiting them with His salvation”; a joy for all, as well as for every believer, and good for the chosen ones. It is an amazing practical flow of God’s love toward mankind. If the psalmist desires to be blessed, by keeping the evangelic truth, and doing the righteousness, That would not be possible, except by joining the people of God, the object of His pleasure; through the Savior visiting him with His salvation. That cry-out “Remember me!”, was presented by the repentant right-hand robber, crucified together with the Savior, and by it, he enjoyed the open gates of paradise; set, not upon personal worthiness, nor upon man’s boasting a certain deed; but through casting oneself into the bosom of the Savior, and taking refuge in His amazing mercies. He seeks from the Savior to remember him, through his desire to become a member in the congregation of God, beloved by the Savior, and the object of His pleasure. “Oh, visit me with Your salvation”. Namely, visit me with Your Only-begotten Son, the Savior of the world. “Visit me with Your salvation”. with the Savior Himself, by whom sins are forgiven, and souls are healed, to be able to keep the justice (truth), and to practice the righteousness1. (St. Augustine) These oracles were uttered by the prophets and righteous men, who came before Christ; by which they supplicate to God (the Father) to count them worthy to behold the ordinance of His Son, called “Pleasure” or “Good will”; as uttered by the angels on the day of His birth: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 1: 14); And also the voice of the Father, Himself, who said about Him: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased “ (Matthew 3: 17). This ‘pleasure”, called ‘favor”’ or ‘visit”, and ‘salvation’; as it is said: “Everyone see the salvation of God2”. 1 On Ps. 106 (105). 2 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 90 “That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones; That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation; That I may glory with Your heritage” (5) Seeking from God to ‘visit’ him with His ‘salvation’, the psalmist asks to make him join His very beloved church, to become chosen, and to have the right to behold the good or goodness; namely, to enjoy the joy of the holy congregation, and to get the gift of the eternal heritage. In other words, He asks Him to count him as one of His chosen, to grace him with the goodness, the enjoyment of the membership in the exultant church, and the cherishment of the heritage prepared for him in heaven. According to St. Jerome, by the “chosen ones” here, the psalmist means the apostles, and those who, although will come after him, yet they precede him in the Spirit. And like Abraham who “rejoiced to see His day, saw it, and was glad” (John 8: 56), he asked God to allow him to rejoice together with him in the heritage of the Lord. “That I see the prosperity of Your chosen ones; That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation” (5); Namely, visit us with Your salvation! … The word “prosperity”, here, came in some versions as (sweetness) … As when God gives sight to the blind, not for their worthiness, but for the sake of the “prosperity” God grants to His chosen ones1. (St. Augustine) 3- A CONFESSION AND SEEKING THE SALVATION OF THE LORD: “We have sinned with our fathers; We have committed iniquity” (6) Here, the psalmist accuses himself. If his fathers have sinned, have committed iniquities, and have disobeyed God; he, in his turn, followed their lead, and walked in their path. … The way the prophet Daniel, in the land of captivity, cried out, saying: “We have sinned and committed iniquity; we have committed iniquity and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments” (Daniel 9: 5); And the way the prophet Nehemiah also cried out, saying: “Both my father’s house and I have sinned . We have acted very corruptly against You …” (Nehemiah 1: 6-7).. 1 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 91 According to father Onesimus of Jerusalem, the cry-out of confession here, is in the name of the Jews who rejected the Lord Christ, and became partners of their father since the days of the prophet Moses, and the rest of the prophets, who, despite the multitude of good deeds done by God, and His wondrous gifts to them, they were continuously grumbling, and rebelling against Him. “He uttered His voice, the earth melted” (Psalm 46: 6). … Who then, can endure looking at His face?! No one can utter a voice in His presence; … Our inner man cannot even endure seeing Him in a vision; “No strength remained in me; my vigor turned to frailty” (See Daniel 10: 8). … For fear, our mouths would turn mute; and in case we retain a little strength to speak before Him, our consciences would rebuke us, knowing that “We have sinned with our fathers, and we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedness” (6) in His presence. And if we imagine that we have become in a better condition, “all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth” (Isaiah 64: 6); For victory is His alone, while blame and the shame of face is ours1. (Martyrus – Sahdona) “Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember the multitude of your mercies, but rebelled by the sea – the red Sea” (7) Despite all the wonders that God did with His old people, yet the human nature of denial prevailed upon them. They often rebelled against Him, as well as against Moses His prophet (Acts 7: 27, 35), and Aaron His priest. The Red Sea got it name through the myriads of certain tiny planktonic creatures in its water, or due to the reflection of light red color from the mountains in some region along its course; or still, according to some, because the land of Edom (meaning blood) was between it and Palestine. “Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders”. Which they have seen, but as though they did not see; they saw them by their physical eyes, and not by those of the spirit. … The prophet does not say that they did not see, but says: “They did not understand”. The way our fathers saw the wonders God did, but did not perceive the depths of their secret meaning; is the same regarding the gospel; كتاب الكمال، 1 .10 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 92 Whoever reads and listens to it in a physical way, yet without spiritual insight, is counted as spiritually blind. That is why, blessed are we who, although we did not see, yet we believed, more than those who saw and did not believe. They watched how the Red Sea was split open, and how Pharaoh and his army drowned in its water, Yet they only understood what they saw with their physical eyes. We, on the other hand, who did not see, perceive that Pharaoh is the devil, and his army are the demons; and the whole incident was a symbol of baptism. By experience, while going through the wilderness, they knew the bitter water of Marah, and passed through it; While we know the false baptism of the heretics in the bitter water. They raised a bronze serpent on a pillar in the wilderness. And we, as well, hang the ancient serpent in the wilderness1. (St. Jerome) Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known” (8) God saved them through the Red Sea, a reference to baptism, not because of their own worthiness, but for the sake of His holy name, by which they were to be called. “He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; So He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness” (9) That work, namely crossing the Red Sea, a symbol of God’s salvation work through the water of baptism, will remain the object of interest of the believers, and of their faith in the work of God (Exodus 15: 8; Psalm 33: 7; 78: 13); According to what is written: “Who led them … with His glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make for Himself an everlasting name” (Isaiah 63: 13). We did not hear, that a certain voice has come down from heaven to rebuke the Red Sea; Yet the prophet called the divine power with its activity “a rebuke”. It is as though the sea was secretly rebuked; and its water heard what humans could not hear; God’s authority is deep and secret; made what has no sense, obey His will. “He led them through the deep, as through the wilderness” . Here he calls the waters “the deep”; that dried up like the wilderness2 . (St. Augustine) 1 Homily 32 on Ps. 105 (106). 2 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 93 “He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy” (10) Here, he talks about the adversary who hates us in the singular tense; for we have no enemy but the devil; who was symbolized by Pharaoh. What price was paid for that salvation? … It is a prophecy; For that work was a symbol of baptism, through which we were saved from the hand of Satan by a great price – the precious blood of Christ. It is a harmonious analogy, not realized by any sea, but by the Red Sea, which turned red by His blood1. (St. Augustine) “The waters covered their enemies; There was not one of them left” (11) Although the enemy is one, namely, the devil, yet the oppressors are many; the army of Pharaoh; The devil provokes his wicked angels against the believers. “Then they believed His words; They sang His praise” (12) This refers to the song of praise by the people after enjoying salvation, through crossing the Red Sea, and the perdition of their enemy; when the Lord made a way for them in the depths of the sea (See Exodus 15); Yet, they soon got back to deny His works with them, and to grumble against Him….. They were slow to express their faith, and only for a temporary period. 4- A REBELLION IN THE DAYS OF THE PROPHET MOSES: The rebellion against Moses the prophet and Aaron the priest is actually directed against God Himself, He who has chosen Moses to lead His people, and who called Aaron “His saint”(106: 16). The first was a symbol of Christ, the Word of God, for he was the one to receive the law; And the second was His symbol, as well, being the heavenly High Priest, our Redeemer by His blood. “They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel” (13) As slow as they were to express their faith after their salvation through crossing over the Red Sea, they hastened to forget His wonders He has done with them. 1 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 94 It is befitting of us to give thanks to God while we are in the midst of affliction, and not to wait until we pass through it, as the children of Israel did. It is also befitting of us to remember perpetually, God’s dealings with us in the past, and never forget them, so as not to deny Him. It was befitting of them to perceive that those great works done by God for their sake, were not without a goal, to call them to an endless happiness; But they hastened, instead, to seek happiness in the temporal things which do not give man a genuine satisfaction, nor quench their thirst; according to the words of our Lord: “Whoever drinks from this water will thirst again” (John 4: 3, 13) 1. (St. Augustine) “But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert” (14) Sin starts by a lust in the heart or mind, which would motivate man to non-faith and denial, and would bring him forth to a condition of murmur and rebellion against God. God turned the bottom of the sea for them into a wilderness or a dry land. Yet after walking exultantly over it, instead of being satisfied with God’s love and care, they tested Him, and desired what is unfitting. Despising the Mannah that come down from heaven, they sought to smell the pots of meet, as they did in the land of bondage. “And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul” (15) Persisting on his lust, God gives man his heart’s desire. When the people of God persisted on their request for a king to reign over them, God listened to them. Then, “all the people said to Samuel the prophet: ‘Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking a king for ourselves’” (1 Samuel 12: 19). They desired and sought meet, and God gave them their heart’s desire. Yet, as they did not get with it the blessing of the Lord, God sent to them, spiritual, mental, and physical leanness; and they suffered much on all aspects. “When they envied Moses in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord, the earth opened up and swallowed Dathan and covered the 1 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 95 faction of Abiram. A fire was kindled in their company, the flame burned up the wicked” (16-18) In the book of Numbers it came that, when Dathan, Abiram, and their company, enviously sought for themselves the privileges granted by the compassion of God to Moses and Aaron, the earth opened up and swallowed them, to go down alive with all their possessions into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the congregation, Having been preoccupied with the earthly things, the nature of the punishment that dwelt upon them, came to testify to their criminal works. “And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense” (Numbers 16: 32-35) 1. (Casidros) “They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molded image” (19) It did not stop at their denial of the gifts and wondrous works of God with them, but they made for themselves a calf and worshipped it, denying the Creator Himself. “Thus they changed their glory into the image of an ox that eats grass” (20) The Jews, having carried with them from Egypt a hidden desire of idol-worship, they found in the absence of Moses a chance to fulfill what they had in their hearts (See Exodus 32). Some of the recent Jew scholars claim that the few Egyptians who were among those who came out of Egypt, have deceived the Jews, and drew them to worship the calf. But history witnesses to their continuous perversion, and that they have been persistent partakers of the idol-worship and abominations of the pagans even in the promised land. “They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt” (21) The children of Israel have not benefited from the amazing things done to their account when they got out of the land of bondage, and crossed over the red Sea. It was befitting of them to enjoy God’s awe with reverence, trust, and the spirit of piety; together with a feeling of exultance in his amazing care. 1 Cassiodorius: Exposition of the Psalms 105: 17. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 96 “Wondrous works in the land of Ham; Awesome things by the Red Sea” (22) “Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses, His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroys them” (23) The psalmist did not forget to commend the prophet Moses, who, with the spirit of contrition and compassion, he managed to turn away God’s wrath from his people. If that is how a pious leader should be, how much more would the Son of God, the Philanthropic One, do for the sake of the salvation of His people from the eternal perdition. Moses did not fear the justice of God, who would never “blot his name out His book which He has written” (Exodus 32: 32); He stood before Him in the breach, seeking His mercy, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroys those who were worthy to be destroyed1. (St. Augustine) “Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word” (24) How could they despise the land they have not yet seen?, except that “They did not believe the Word of God” … He rebukes their lack of faith in God who were leading them to major things (the High Jerusalem), through minor things (the promised land), and gave them temporary things they physically tasted. … But “They did not wait for His counsel” (13) 2. (St. Augustine) “But murmured in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the Lord” (25) When the men sent by Moses to spy the land of Canaan, came back with their bad report, “The congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people murmured against Moses and against Aaron,…. So they said to one another: Let us select a leader and return to Egypt” (Numbers 13; 14). “Therefore (God) lifted up His hand in an oath against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness” (26) Lifting the hand is in an act of oath (Numbers 14: 21-23, 28). “To overthrow their descendants among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands” (27) 1 On Ps. 106 (105). 2 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 97 The psalmist also says: “You make us turn back from the enemy, and those who hate us have taken spoil for themselves. You have given us up like sheep intended for food, and have scattered us among the nations. You sell Your people for naught, and not enriched by their price. You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to those all around us” (Psalm 44: 10-14). “They joined themselves also to Baal Peor, and ate sacrifices made to the dead” (28) “Baal” was a common name for the majority of male gods among the Gentiles of the east; whereas ‘Ashetoreth’ was the common name of the female goddesses. Each of them was called after the place of worship; as for example “Baal Peor” refers to the god “Baal” that was on the hill of “Peor”.(where Balaam offered sacrifices (Numbers 23: 28- 30) “Sacrifice made to the dead”. ‘Jehovah’ is called “the living God’, while the idols were called “the dead gods”. Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, and the plague broke out among them” (29) That came in the book of Numbers 25: 1-3, when “the people began to commit adultery with the women of Moab, who invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods”. “Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and so plague was stopped” (30) That jealousy of Phinehas the priest on the holiness of God in His people, as well as on His sanctuaries, will remain everlasting and remembered by the ages. For in the midst of darkness, the holy work and jealousy would never be forgotten. “And that was accounted for him for righteousness to all generations forevermore” (31) Someone may marvel, how could what Phinehas be counted as righteousness, when he killed the guilty priest, and the adulteress Medianite woman. .. That deed was under the guidance of the Spirit of God. For what the guilty priest has done was a perversion to the pagan worship, that could have led to the corruption of the whole congregation, and provoked them to reject the faith in the living God, and worship the idols even in the temple of God. That does not mean that it was the Spirit of God who commanded Phinehas to do what he did, but received https://coptic-treasures.com/ 98 what was in his heart of a wish to walk according to the spirit of holiness. God counted that for Phinehas for righteousness “forevermore”; for He knows how to weigh the love in the heart of His servant1. (St. Augustine) If Phinehas, by his holy jealousy, appeased the wrath of God by killing the evildoer; … The Lord Jesus, who killed no one, but “gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2: 6), has appeased the wrath of God (the Father) against humanity2. (St. Cyril of Jerusalem) If we are conformed by the death of the Lord Jesus, the sin in us becomes a dead corpse, stabbed by the spear of baptism; the way the adulterer was stabbed by the jealousy of Phinehas3. (The scholar Origen) God, through His prophet Isaiah, says: “This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest” (Isaiah 28: 12 LXX). This is the rest of the Lord. … O man, You may be in no need to pray, saying: “Forgive me”; if you give rest to the weary, and give alms to the poor; for these deed are truly a prayer. Every time you practice “the rest of the Lord”, is a prayer. When Phinehas the son of Eleazar saw Zimri committing adultery with the Medianite woman, he went after the man into the tent and thrust his javelin through both of them (Numbers 25: 6-8). That killing was counted by God as a prayer; according to the words of the prophet David: “Then Phinehas stood up and intervened (prayed), and so the plague was stopped; and that was accounted to him for righteousness, to all generations forevermore” (Psalm 106: 30-31). killing them was for the sake of the Lord was counted as a prayer4. (St. Aphrahat, the Persian Savant) “They angered Him also at the waters of Meribah, so that it went ill with Moses on their account” (32) If God did not forget what Phinehas did with jealousy; despite His great love for Moses and Aaron, having lost their humility because of the resistance of the people against them, He denied them the physical 1 On Ps. 106 (105). 2 Catechetical Lecture 13: 2. 3 Homilies on Genesis 1: 17. 4 Demonstrations 4 on Prayer, 14. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 99 entrance into the promised land, as a lesson of His impartiality to anyonewhoever he is (See Numbers 20: 2-13). Suffering greatly from the continuous and fierce opposition of the people, because of the water issue at Meribah, “Moses spoke rashly with his lips” (33). He said “Hear now, you rebels, shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Numbers 20: 10). They so embittered his spirit, that he did not silently minister to God as he used to do. God rebuked and chastised him by not letting him enter into the promised land for the following reasons: a- To teach us humility, and to avoid being angry. b- To teach us not to think, that anything could be out of the ability of God. c- To let that foolish people know that God applies His justice even to His closest chosen ones. And as a symbol of the fact, that the ultimate (promised land) – namely the kingdom of God – will not be entered by the people, by the law of Moses, but by the law of the lord Jesus Christ, through baptism. That is why God ordained to bring the Israelites forth into the earthly promised land under the leadership of Joshua, the son of Nun, across the Jordan. Hence Moses said to the people: “I was denied entering into the promised land because of you;… I supplicated to the Lord, who told me “Enough of you”. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Because they rebelled against his spirit, so that he spoke rashly with his lips” (33) “He spoke rashly with his lips”. What did he utter with doubt?! … It is as though God, who has already performed so many great wonders, is not able to bring forth water from a rock. … Striking the rock with doubt, this was different from the rest of the wonders that God did through him; by which he was worthy to be told that he will die without entering the promised land (Deuteronomy 32: 49-52). He got disturbed because of the murmur of those non-believing people, and did not trust in God they way he used to. … Yet, God granted him – being His chosen – a good testimonial even after his death; for us to realize that Moses, because of such temporary hesitation in faith alone, was punished by not allowing him to enter into the promised land, despite being the leader of the people1. 1 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 100 (St. Augustine) There is no need for us to be told how Moses and Aaron have angered God at the waters of Meribah, and how they were punished by not allowing them to enter into the promised land (Numbers 20: 13), For the blessed ‘Job’ tell us that even the angels may commit sin1. (St. Jerome) Moses just said to the people: “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Number 20: 10). For such little hesitation, he got the punishment not to be allowed to enter into the promise land, which was at the time the main covenant given to the Jews. When I see how such a great man, despite his many works of righteousness; for the sake of so few words, asked for forgiveness, and did not get it, I perceive the extent of the severity of God (Romans 11: 22); and perceive the truth of the apostle’s words: “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4: 18) 2. (St. Basil the Great) 5- A REBELLION IN THE PROMISED LAND: According to God’s promise to His servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the people of Israel entered the promised land to inherit. Yet, instead of obeying God, they rebelled against Him, mingling with the pagans, partaking of their worship of idols, offering their sons and daughters as sacrifices to Satan, as well as of adultery and uncleanness. “They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them” (34) The Israelites had a strange tendency to pervert toward idol worship, having worshipped the golden calf after coming out of Egypt; And, whenever they got in contact with a certain people, they hastened to partake of worshipping their idols. Hence, God’s commanded them to destroy the nations in the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7: 1-5, 16; Judges 2: 2); Yet they did not heed His command, and made covenants with the pagan nations (Joshua 9: 3-15). That divine command was not for lack of compassion on God’s part, but was because He feared lest the pagans would give their children to them in marriage, and would provoke them to worship their idols. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) 1 Against Jovinianus, Book 2: 4. 2 Preface on the Judgment of God. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 101 “But they mingled with the Gentiles, and learned their works. They served their idols, which became a snare for them” (35, 36) If “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5: ^), and if “evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15: 33), how much more would it be, when the people of God enter into marital relationship, into a fellowship of unclean abominations, and idol worship, with the pagan peoples?! “And even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons” (37) According to some, the word ‘demons’ here, in pleural tense, refers to the unclean spirits, namely, the angels submitted to Satan. Some Gentile nations used to sacrifice their children to pagan gods: the father or mother used to present his or her child to the pagan priest, who in turn, would put the child on a statue red hot with fire, as a sacrifice; an action called by the name of “passing through the fire”. Therefore the divine commandment came: “You shall not let any of your descendants pass through the fire to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God” (Leviticus 18: 21). “You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods” (Deuteronomy 12: 31). Mankind perverted to the worship of demons; Unfortunately, the fruits of the earth, beautifully created by God, were presented to demons; on whose altars they used to put bread, wine, oil, animals; and even their own sons and daughters, as sacrifices (37) 1. (St. Maccarius the Great) “And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood” (38) “Thus they were defiled with by their own works, and played the harlot by their own deeds” (39) As harlotry was considered as the worst of uncleanness, the Holy Book counts the perversion from the worship of the living God to idolworship, as harlotry and uncleanness (Psalm 73: 27; Exodus 34: 15-16). 6- GOD’S CHASTISEMENTS AND MERCIES: These verses concern the condition of the people in the days of the judges; when fell, every now and then into bondage by the 1 .50 : عظة 11 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 102 surrounding nations; then, they would cry-out to God, who sent judges to save them. “Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people; So that He abhorred His own inheritance” (40) The Holy Book often refers to God, certain human expressions and terms, as for example: “The wrath of the Lord kindled…” (40); and, “The Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel” (1 Samuel 15: 35);… beside talking about His sitting, standing, etc1. (St. Gregory of Nyssa). “And He gave them into the hand of the Gentiles; and those who hated them ruled over them” (41) When the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the Jews, He gave them into the hands of their enemies; to those who hated them to rule over them (41), and there were no more feasts nor offerings in Jerusalem. The same happens to the human soul, when the wrath of God is kindled against her because of her disobedience to His commandment; He gives her into the hands of her enemies, namely, the demons and the evil lusts, to seduce her, to utterly corrupt and destroy her, so that, in her, there would be no more feasts no joy; no incense, nor an offering to the Lord.; but only the terrifying beasts and the evil spirits dwell2. (St. Maccarius the Great) When Goliath was struck by a stone, he was struck by the power of Christ. He was struck in his forehead, on which there was no sign of salvation; he was struck in the place where there was no grace for the Savior. … A man who defiles the sanctuaries of the Lord, in whom Christ is absent; and on whose forehead there is no sign of salvation, his end will not be different from that of Goliath3. (Maximus, bishop of Torin) Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand” (42) Although the pagan nations were under their dominion, and they could have kept themselves from having any fellowship with them, Yet, for the sake of the pleasures of lusts, or of material benefits, they, contrary to the commandment of God, entered into covenants with them; and were , accordingly humiliated and brought into subjection under 1 Answer to Eunonius' second Book. 2 .10 : عظة 28 3 Sermon 85: 3. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 103 their hands; and came to taste the bitterness of sin, and their disregard of evil. That was through the allowance and ordinance of God, to make His people hate them, together with their idols and works, and return to God, their Savior. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Many times He delivered them, but they rebelled against Him by their counsel, and they were brought low for their iniquity” (34) Whenever man disregards evil, and partakes of the iniquity of the wicked, God allows the wicked themselves to chastise him by their horrible violence. That is what happened when the Assyrians and the Babylonians captivated Israel and Judah; And what would happen to us if we become slothful with sin.. “But they rebelled against Him by their counsel” (43). Man’s counsel would be destructive to him, “if he seeks his own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2: 21) 1. (St. Augustine) “Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard them cry” (44) “And for their sake He remembered His covenant and relented according to the multitude of His mercies” (45) “Relented” here, means He stopped striking them. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “He also made them to be pitied by all those who carried them away captive” (46) God is a Father even while chastising; He shows His wrath to reform; And once we respond to reform, He opens to us wide the gates of His mercies. 7- A SUPPLICATION AND A PRAISE: Supplication here came as a prayer that brings pleasure to God. Together with a confession of sins, prayer carries the spirit of hope for salvation, and of praise to God as a Savior. The psalm ends with a collective praise to God, considered as a glorification by which the psalmist ends the fourth book of psalms 1 On Ps. 106 (105). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 104 “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, To give thanks to Your holy name, and to triumph in Your praise” (47) The secret why the Jews receive the anti-Christ, is their material way of thinking, and their literal interpretation of the prophecies. According to St. Augustine: [It so seems that the carnal Jewish people assume that the prophecy saying: “Save us, O Lord, and gather us from among the Gentiles” (Psalm 106: 47), will be realized by, and under the leadership of the anti-Christ1]. How could they be gathered from among the Gentiles, unless they be saved2?! (St. Augustine) “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, ‘Amen’. Praise the Lord” (48) I wish we use every chance to give thanks to God, praise Him, and instigate the others to join us in praising Him 1 On Ps.107: 33. 2 Sermon 198: 2. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 105 AN INSPIRATION FROM PSALM 106 I PRAISE YOU, O FORGIVER OF SINS I confess to You my sins, O my Savior; I reveal my depths to You; To You, who know them more than I do; I confess to You that I am a sinner; That I need You, O Forgiver of sins; To reveal Yourself to me; To let me get in touch with Your abundant mercies; Grant them here to me; And let me live them in heaven forever. Your works are mighty and amazing; They turn my heart, from a trash can, to Your joyful kingdom; You set out of my depths an amazing place; So that my life would testify to Your exalted salvation; And I would become a praise singing the songs of Your mercies. Indeed, Who can testify to You?! Except him who keeps the evangelic truth?! And who practice the righteousness all the time; You are the Truth and the Righteousness; Let me acquire You in my depths; To become truly a witness to the works of Your divine love. Gather me together with Your people; To become a member in Your body; Visit me with Your salvation; For You are the Savior You are the Forgiver of sins; The Grantor of healing to the souls; To make them keep Your Truth, and practice Your righteousness. In the richness of Your grace, You pour happiness and sweetness over Your people. You fill them with gladness, and exultation; I do not seek this, out of my own worthiness; But I seek it from the riches of Your mercies, O Lover of Your people. I confess to You that I have sinned, together with my fathers; Grant me to get in touch with Your love, and enjoy Your mercies; https://coptic-treasures.com/ 106 You rebuked the Red Sea, and turned its water into dry land; Through which Your people crossed with exultation; And in which the enemy drowned forever; Utter a word, And I will cross over to You in the midst of the waters of this world; And the devil will fall down, together with all his hosts and evil plans; The affliction will turn into an amazing salvation; And instead of the sufferings, I would enjoy the joy of praising You. In a language not understood nor perceived by men, you commanded the sea The waters. without mind nor sense, heard Your voice and obeyed; Whereas men heard nothing; The depths turned into a dry wilderness, for the people to cross by foot; You are God of the impossibilities; You are the wonder-Maker for the sake of Your chosen ones; You provided them with more than they asked for; Yet, in their denial, they rebelled against You; And resisted Moses, the great among the prophets; And Aaron the High Priest. Grant me to understand the secrets of your love; And to perceive the secrets behind Your dealings with Your people; Blessed are You, O Lord, forever, and ever Amen.
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