A PRAISE TO THE COMPASSIONATE LOVE OF GOD This psalm is a marvelous song of praise which revives the soul and enflames it by the fire of God’s love and compassion toward the whole creation, particularly mankind. The Jews call it ‘the great thanksgiving’, or ‘the great Hallil’, on account of its unique joyful and exultant nature, among the whole book of psalms. It opens up the door of hope before the believer, to take away any doubt in his heart of the mercies of God, and to let him feel that salvation is close at hand. There is nothing we can offer to the glory of God, for taking away from us the despair that may destroy the human soul, other than the perpetual thanksgiving for His eternal mercies. If we are committed to pray to God, as long as we are still breathing, the perpetual thanksgiving will give a touch of heavenly joy to our prayer1. This praise used to be a part of the daily Jewish worship, and was used as well in the worship of the new year’s feast; And because it refers to the Exodus, it was also used in the worship commemorating the Jewish Passover, Two groups of singers used to sing this praise: one group sings the first part of each verse, and the other group responds by singing its second part, saying: “for His mercy endures forever”. This is not the vain repetition against which the Lord Christ warned us in Matthew 6: 7; for it is rather motivated by a feeling of an utter helplessness to express the truth of the mercy of the Lord of Lords, and to enter into its depths. According to St. John Chrysostom, in this repetition, the soul is like the soil which is in need of continuous watering, to bring forth the fruits of righteousness and holiness, which is done here by the water of continuous praise. It is not a boring repetition, as much as it is a call for the recognition of God’s mercies, that should perpetually be before our eyes. The repetition of singing it is not burdensome, as God’s compassion, faithfulness, and mercies, are consistent, and would never get cold. According to the Telmud scholars, the repetition of the phrase “for His mercy endures forever”, 26 times, conforms with the 26 1 Believer's Bible Commentary, Ps. 136. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 14 generations between the creation, and receiving the law on the Mount of Sinai1. This psalm was sung by the early Christian church; and is still sung by the contemporary church in the daily vesper. In the life history of Pope St. Athanasius the apostolic, it came that, adversary hosts of soldiers happened attacked the church while the congregation were spending the night in prayer and praise, under the guidance of their Pope. While singing this psalm with voice like thunder, saying: “for His mercy endures forever” 26 times; the Pope remained sitting on his throne until the congregation departed; then disappeared in the darkness, and, safely, went in peace to his exile. God’s mercy is apparent in the following: a- He is the unique amazing God (1 – 3). b- He created everything for the sake of man (4 – 9) c- He cares for His believers with a strong hand and an outstretched arm (10 – 24). While being in heaven, He is preoccupied with us, who are on earth; granting us the conquest on the hosts of darkness. d- His care embraces both heaven and earth (25 – 26); and His love covers His whole creation, particularly the rational creation. 1- The good Lord of Lords1 - 3 2- The unique Creator4 – 9 3- The Rescuer10 - 15 4- The Leader16 5- The Warrior17 - 22 6- The Helper23 7- The Savior24 8- Our Care-Giver25 9- The God of Heaven26 Title: Thanksgiving to God for His enduring mercy. 1- THE GOOD LORD OF LORDS: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (1) The psalmist starts this praise by showing that the Subject of praise and thanksgiving is God Himself, for being Good, and His goodness is unique and absolute; He is Jehovah, present among His 1 Rabbai Avrohom Chaim Feueur, Tehillim. Psalms- A New Translation with a Commentary Anthologized from Talmudic, Midrashic and Mesorrah Publications Ltd, 1985, p. 1607.3 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 15 people; Keeper of His covenant; the true Leader, greater and mightier than all human leaders, and than those of all the heavenly hosts. As a good Creator, He created us from nothing, and created everything for our sake. As a good Savior; If any harm or corruption come over us because of our sins, Being Good, He reforms what we have corrupted. As a good Leader, He sends us leaders; He even intends to set out of ever man a leader; but remains the Supreme Leader, capable of bringing us into His bosom. As a good Warrior, He is the Support of the weak and the oppressed, and of those with no one to support. As a good Helper, He takes care of His creation, cares for every great and little thing in our life, even for the little crumb of bread we need. As a good Heavenly One; although dwelling in heaven, not to separate Himself from the earthly creatures, but wishes to make out of them what is like a heavenly host; prepares places for them in heaven, to come and take them, and grants them heavenly glories. Commenting on the expression: “For His mercy endures forever”, St. Augustine says that God grants His mercy to His saints and believers. Saying “forever”, does not mean that they will be miserable here on earth, then He will bring them forth to an eternal happiness; but it means that, by His mercy, He will turn them, while still here on earth, from misery to happiness; their happiness here will never cease nor end, but will endure forever; by becoming pious after being wicked; sound after being corrupt; living after being dead; and happy after being miserable. All that, thanks to His mercy. Being Good, He does not grant us temporary goodness, but His mercy endures forever; meaning that the benefit He presents to you, by His mercy, He gives forever1. (St. Augustine) Now, by saying “forever”, he means that God does not practice His compassion and mercy sometimes, and ceases some other times; as is done by humans, who are governed by temper, hindered by meanness, or preoccupations. … No, God, although applies His mercy in many ways, yet He is always merciful, and will never cease to be compassionate upon His creatures2. 1 Op Ps. 136 (135). 2 Op Ps. 136. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 16 (St. John Chrysostom) The believer, faithful in his relationship with God, wherever he looks: whether into his own depths; at the creation around him; at his relationship with his fellow men; or in his looking forward to eternity; his soul would sing praise to the exalted goodness of God, and would get in touch with Him in true and perpetual sweetness, with deep spiritual exultation. “Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever” (2) According to St. Augustine, the Holy Book often uses the term “god” or “lord” for some creatures, like man; the same way the idolworshippers use them for their idols. That is why the psalmist distinguishes the true God, as being “The God of gods”, and “The Lord of lords”. The term “God” to designate Him, being Almighty, of absolute authority; and the term “Lord”. To designate Him, being perpetually present among His people, embraces them as His children, and pours the abundance of His love in them for their edification forever. The righteous and the justified are described as ‘gods’, on account of that they are ‘gods’ through adoption and enjoyment; Whereas the true “God” is the One God by nature, the Creator of all gods. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) If the righteous man accuses himself, once he starts talking; how much more would the sinner do?! “Give thanks to the God of gods”. By “gods” here, the prophet refers to those about whom is said: “I said, ‘you are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High’” (Psalm 82: 6) 1. (St. Jerome) “Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever” (3) The heavenly angelic hosts are said to be ‘lords’; But the true Lord is the ‘Lord of lords’. You may wonder, who are those gods and lords, about whom the true God is said to be their God and their Lord. In another psalm we find that even men are called ‘gods’ (Psalm 82: 1; 6: 7). The Lord Himself quoted this testimony in the gospel, saying: “Is it not written in your 1 Homilies on Psalms, Homily 47 on Ps. 135 (136). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 17 law: ‘I said, you are gods?’”(John 10: 34) … Not that they all are good, but because the word of God came to them. The angels are also called ‘gods’1. (St. Augustine) 2- THE UNIQUE CREATOR: “To Him who alone does great wonders! For His mercy endures forever” (4) Here the Holy Book confirms that God “alone” is the Creator of heaven and earth, being the marvelous God, whose wisdom, might, and divine care, the creation reveals. In the following verses, the psalmist reveals those great wonders done by God “alone”: the creation of heaven and earth; His care for His creation, particularly for man; together with His longsuffering, he chastises and humiliates the proud, supports the weak, and the oppressed; He even cares for providing every man with bread; and ordains the affairs of the heavenlies. According to St. Augustine, the psalmist gives God thanks for the wonders done by Him “alone”, being the Creator, and for those He did through His angels and men, like striking Egypt and its firstborn (10), and what followed that. He does not say: “did great wonders”, but says: “does great wonders”, confirming that he unceasingly gives gifts, and does wonders; not only through His authority, but through His compassion, as well2. (St. John Chrysostom) “To Him who by wisdom made the heavens! For His mercy endures forever” (5) How miserable is man who magnifies himself, and criticizes the work of God. According to St. Augustine, the words “by wisdom” means, either that God made the heavens for us to perceive as much as we can; or that God, by His wisdom and understanding, made the heavens, as it came in psalm !04: 24. He also says, that although the psalmist mentioned these words “by wisdom” only here; yet, they apply to all the other things that God made. 1 Op Ps. 136 (135). 2 Op Ps. 136. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 18 Those are “the heavens that declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19: 1); And those who “bear, not the image of the man of dust, but the image of the heavenly man” (1 Corinthians 15: 49) 1. (St. Jerome) These things (heaven, earth, lights, etc.) reveal the authority, power, and wisdom of God; and proclaim His great compassion. … Being strong beautiful, and perpetual; they reveal His power and wisdom. And on account of that He created them for our sake to use, it proclaims His compassion and goodness. … Don’t you see that His mercy endures forever?! He did not create those things for ten, twenty, hundred, or a thousand years, but created them to stay all the years of our life. What is also amazing indeed, is that He created them at the beginning; and when humans rebelled against Him, He did not deprive them of those things. What He created before they sin, He left for them even when they did; and did not stop them as a punishment on their sins. He did not create just one heaven, but another and another; revealing from the beginning that He is not forsaking us on earth, but intends to take us up there, where He prepared dwelling places for us. Having perceived all that, and feeling His compassion, the psalmist added to every verse, the phrase: “For His mercy endures forever” 2. (St. John Chrysostom) “To Him who laid down the earth above the waters! For His mercy endures forever” (6) Some atheists claim that the whole earth was never covered with water at any time in its entire history. But the Holy Book, and the sound scientific research, both confirm that their claim is false; and that there would be no earth for man to live on, without the intervention of God’s mercy3. One of the great wonders of God’s mercy was that earth appeared, and water was confined to the seas and the oceans. According to St. Augustine, the expression of “the earth laid down above the waters”, refers to the continents surrounded by the oceans in the world; like saying about an island, surrounded by water on all sides, that it is laid down above the waters; on account of that it is on 1 Homilies on Psalms, Homily 47 on Ps. 135 (136). 2 Op Ps. 136. 3 W. s. Plumer, P. 1150. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 19 a higher level or elevation than the water around it; and not like a ship floating on water! St. Jerome, however believes that this phrase refers to baptism. The way “He who established the earth above the waters” (Psalm 136: 6) He established our (earth) in baptism. He did not however say that He lifted our (earth) up, nor said that He let it ascend to heaven. As, although baptism forgives sin, the way it liberates the soul from prison, yet it cannot grant the kingdom of heaven. Unless man receives faith, and do good works, he cannot be sure of salvation1. (St. Jerome) “He who established the earth above the waters”. Through His compassion, He did not forsake us on earth, prone to death, and in great need, but granted us a convenient temporary place; and provided it with all those amazing facilities for living2. (St. John Chrysostom) “To Him who made great lights! For His mercy endures forever” (7) Those great lights are the sun, the moon, and the stars, which were worshipped by many nations; here, the psalmist reveals as great creations by God, granted to us through His mercy. “The sun to rule by day! For His mercy endures forever” (8) “The moon and the stars to rule by night! For His mercy endures forever” (9) The sun rules by day, on account of that, once it rises above the horizon, it puts an end to the darkness, and brings forth the morning…. And the moon, completing its travel 12 times, it consummates a full year. Although it needed some calibration to control the calculation of seasons, as was done by the Jews and the Greeks in the old days3. (St. Basil the Great) 3- THE RESCUER: The amazing Creator, did not create everything, then forsook us, but He, as well is the Almighty Rescuer. 1 On Psalms, homily 47 on Ps. 135 (136). 2 Op Ps. 136. 3 Hexameron., 6: 8. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 20 To rescue His people from the bondage of Pharaoh, He used every way possible; ending up by allowing for the destruction of the firstborn. Then He brought His people out by a strong hand, leading them to freedom. He split the sea, and made a dry ground on its bottom, for them to cross over; whereas the soldiers of Pharaoh drowned when the water got back to its natural status. That event shook the world for a long time. … On the other hand, the salvation He granted us through the liberation from the bondage of the devil, to cross over to paradise, has shaken the heaven and the earth; and will remain forever the subject of our praise, and that of the heavenly hosts who love us.. “He who struck Egypt in their firstborn! For His mercy endures forever” (10) The Holy Book oftentimes, refers to the plagues that came upon Egypt for the liberation of the people of God from servitude; and to their crossing over to the promised land, to confirm God’s care for the human issues in due time, and by an exalted divine wisdom; beside what those events have borne, of a symbol of the salvation work of the Lord Christ, and of letting us cross over to the heavenly Canaan. He kept reminding them again and again of the miracle that happened in Egypt, because of their denial and forgetfulness of it. That act of mercy was not a little thing, for it liberated them from the servitude and captivity; and provided them with solid foundations of God’s knowledge of future events1. (St. John Chrysostom) The Red Sea that received the Israelites who did not fear it; and saved them from the evil things plotted against them by the Egyptians who followed them; has been, together with the whole history of the exodus, a symbol of the salvation that was consummated in baptism. ‘Egypt’, is actually a symbol of the world, in which we go through our miserable and evil life that we live; The ‘people’ of those who are enlightened (baptized); The ‘water’, as the means of salvation for the people, representing baptism; and ‘Pharaoh and his soldiers; are symbols of the devil and his followers2. (St. Dedymus, the blind) 1 Op Ps. 136. 2 De: Triantate 2: 14 PG 39: 697 A. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 21 The rod by which the sea was struck and split, for the people of God to cross over; symbolizes the cross. Who could split the sea by his rod, except Moses, who bore the secret of the Son of God? By splitting the sea, He proved how the Son of God splits the gates of Hades. The crossing over of the Hebrews portrayed the great crossing over, by which the Son draws and brings men forth to His Father. The Egyptians sank, and became a symbol of the legion of demons whom the Son made to sink in the sea of Galilee. Pharaoh who was as proud as Leviathan, symbolized the enemy struck by His cross. He ascended from the sea, led the flock whose wolf was killed; and portrayed the shepherd who got his flock back from the captors1. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) “And brought out Israel from among them! For Your mercy endures forever” (11) Liberating the children of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh, was not realized by natural means, but by the intervention of the amazing hand of God, and His exalted mercies. “With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy endures forever” (12) The “hand of God” is said about His work; and “His arm” about His divine might. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “To Him who divided the red Sea in two! For His mercy endures forever” (13) According to the Septuagint and the Coptic version, it came as “To Him who divided the Red sea in divisions”. According to St. John Chrysostom, and to father Onesimus of Jerusalem, God opened, not just one way, but twelve ways; And has provided the people with courage to walk along them; while the water became like high walls around them. The fathers believe that what happened in the old with the children of Israel, happens now in baptism. Also with wisdom He divided baptism; As the same baptism is life for some, and death for others… He brings His renewed people forth 35 ) (راجع نص بول بیجان والدكتور بھنام سوني). 1 -33 : المیمر 79 على البرقع الذي على وجھ موسى (خر 34 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 22 through the font of baptism; and, like He did with Pharaoh and his soldiers, He destroys in it, His people’s sins and transgressions1. (St. Augustine) When God got His people out of Egypt; and let them flee from the bondage of Pharaoh, by crossing through the Red Sea; Its water destroyed the king and his soldiers. What could be more clear as a symbol of baptism?!... Peoples get saved in this world through water; forsaking Satan, who prevailed against them, to perish in the water2. (The scholar Tertullian) Pharaoh and his soldiers still intend to reach you; but getting down into the water (of baptism), you get out of it sound and perfect; for in it, you are cleansed from the defilement of sin, to emerge a new man, ready to sing the new song of praise (see Isaiah 42: 10) 3. (The scholar Origen) “And made Israel pass through the midst of it! For Your mercy endures forever” (14) According to St. John Chrysostom, through the mercy of God, He opened a way, or ways, in the sea; which shows His greatness and authority. But, of His mercy, as well, that He granted them the confidence to pass through without confusion or fear that the water might return to its original status while they are passing through that unusual and strange way. They definitely needed an extraordinary and exalted spirit to consummate that crossing. “But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea! For His mercy endures forever” (15) If God, for the sake of His mercy intended to liberate His people from the humiliation of bondage; and allowed for a series of plagues that grew more firm and intense; When Pharaoh and his men did not forsake their violence, God allowed for them to drown in the same Red Sea, which was, itself, the way for the salvation of His people. This chastisement, although it reached the limit of death, yet the Lord remains anticipating the world would take a lesson, so as not to fall into what Pharaoh and his men have fallen. For God does not wish for the sinners to die, but wishes them to return to Him and live. 1 Op Ps. 136 (135). 2 De Baptismo 9. 3 In Exod., hom 5: 5. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 23 Pharaoh’s army, partaking of the sinners of their leader, and chasing the Israelites, they were worthy of punishment and recompense1. (St. John Chrysostom) 4- THE LEADER: “To Him who led His people through the wilderness! For His mercy endures forever” (16) The journey in the wilderness that extended nearly forty years, has been unique and astonishing. If God sent Moses to lead his people, together with Aaron, yet, it was God who actually led the people through the wilderness for a duration of forty years, along unpaved ways, without maps, shades against the heat of the sun, nor food to prepare for eating. For them, God has been everything, and beside Him they were in need of nothing. Our journey to heaven, passing through this life, is likewise, the subject of His exalted care; to carry us out of the valley of tears, and bring us forth into the eternal bosoms. He who “led His people through the wilderness”, leads us, as well, through the barrenness of this world, to keep us from perdition2. (St. Augustine) Leading them through the wilderness for forty years, was not less miraculous than letting them cross the Red Sea. There were a multitude of probable troubles that could easily swallow them, and bring them forth to death: hunger, thirst, intense heat, wild beasts, and absence of the necessities of life in that horrifying wilderness3. (St. John Chrysostom) 5- THE WARRIOR: As a Leader, God led them in battle, to bring them forth into the promised land, and to present it to them as an inheritance. He, as well, lead us all along the days of our sojourn; and, on our behalf, He fights the devil, and destroys all his plans, to crown us, and to grant us heaven as an eternal inheritance, where we live together with and by Him, and to enjoy the fellowship of the heavenly hosts, as though one of their own, to have pleasure with them, and they with us. 1 Op Ps. 136. 2 Op Ps. 136 (135). 3 Op Ps. 136. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 24 “To Him who struck down great kings! For His mercy endures forever” (17) 1 “And slew famous kings! For His mercy endures forever” (18)2 “Sihon, king of the Amorites! For His mercy endures forever” (19) “And og, king of Bashan! For His mercy endures forever” (20) He first struck down Pharaoh, together with his army, a symbol of the devil and his deadly hosts, for our sake. Then He struck down great kings, like Sihon and Og, famous for their strong armies and fortified cities; whom some believe, are a reference to the evil adversaries that attack the believers. According to St. Augustine, the psalmist chose those two kings: Sihon and Og, because they bear symbols that reveal God’s protection for us. “Sihon” refers to the arrows aimed by the devil, that will not reach us, as long as we take refuge under the wings of God. And refers, as well, to the bitterness he intends to pour upon our souls, which God will turn into the sweetness of conquest. And “Og”, whose name means (accumulation); While “Bashan” means (confusion), refer to the devil’s work, to accumulate on us heaps of confusion, that God takes away from the hearts of His children. “Sihon”, means (the fiery arrows that will go astray); king of the Ammorites, meaning (those who cause bitterness) 3. (St. Augustine) “And gave their land as a heritage! For His mercy endures forever” (21) “A heritage to Israel His servant! For His mercy endures forever” (22) He gives those on whom the devil reigned, a heritage to the seed of Abraham; Namely, to Christ. (St. Augustine) It was a double enjoyment: a conquest over the enemy, and having procession of their lands; Yet, to show that it was not because of their worthiness, but only of the goodness of God, he added: “Who 1 On Psalms, homily 47 on Ps. 135 (136). 2 Op Ps. 136 (135). 3 Op Ps. 136 (135). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 25 remembered us in our lowly state” (23), to make it clear that it was not because of good works on our part, nor our great achievements, but rather because of our lowly state1. (St. John Chrysostom) 6- THE HELPER: “Who remembered us in our lowly state! For His mercy endures forever” (23) Here, the psalmist presents a portrait of God, our Helper in the midst of affliction; He who remembered His people, when they were few in number, helpless to fend for themselves, and with no experience. That people oftentimes came to forget God and attach themselves to evil; and consequently, lost their peace, freedom, and fell into the humiliation of servitude. But, returning to God with repentance, they find Him anticipating, to save them by His mercy. The book of Judges presents to us a living portrait of that situation, that happened again and again. “Who remembered us in our lowly state”. The psalmist did not say that God remembered us in our wisdom, in our riches, nor in our learning; , but He remembered us in our humility. Although He grants sources of strength to the elites, yet, unless man acquire humility, he will not be acceptable to God; For “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4: 6) 2. (St. Jerome) Let my heart, now, abide in the Lord; For He humiliates our adversaries, alleviates our lowly state, and puts to shame our enemies, who prevailed upon us for no cause3. (St. John Saba) 7- THE SAVIOR: “And rescued us from our enemies! For His mercy endures forever” (24) As long as we are still in the body, the devil will not cease fighting us in several ways; For, in his nature that he has corrupted, bears enmity and jealousy toward man, whom he intends to partake of his eternal destiny, namely, perdition. But the Lord will never forsake His beloved creature, He will deliver His own life for his salvation. 1 Op Ps. 136 (135). 2 Op Ps. 136. 3 On Psalms, homily 47 on Ps. 135 (136). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 26 God does not wish for man to be lowly; But man, in his foolishness and slothfulness, attaches himself to evil, and consequently, puts himself under a multitude of pressures, and, and be prevailed by enemies inside and outside. Yet, God keeps seeking a chance to save him from these enemies. By the same rod, by which Moses shepherded the sheep of his fatherin- law, God let him strike down Pharaoh and all the Egyptians, adversary to His people.. It refers to the humility (our lowly state), by which we can prevail against the devil our enemy, and all his hosts. For the opposite is always overcome by its opposite: The cold is overcome by the heat, its opposite; and heat is overcome by the cold. And. On account that the devil is haughty, he would be overcome by humility. So the Lord, who came clothed in the image of a servant, overcame him. By humility, we, likewise, can prevail on him and his hosts; according to the words of the prophet David: “God remembered us in our lowly state; and rescued us from our enemies” (23-24); and in another psalm he says: “The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me” (Psalm 116: 6). Namely, he who becomes humble, and makes himself like a child, who does not know how to discern good from evil, and who seeks counsel in everything he does, will be saved from the tricks of the evil one1. (St. Ephram the Syrian) 8- OUR CARE-GIVER: “Who gives food to all flesh! For His mercy endures forever!” (25) God, who cares for the young ravens, the birds of the sky, and the beasts of the wilderness, also cares to give man his daily bread. Here, the psalmist shows that God is impartial, He loves all mankind; and cares to provide every man with bread; according to the words of the psalmist: “The Lord is good to all; and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145: 9). According to St. Jerome, the psalmist here, praises God, for He grants man today, the bread coming down from heaven; the bread of the morrow; Namely, lets man experience the deposit of the spiritual satisfaction, which we shall get in perfection, tomorrow, namely, in the eternal life2. الرسالة السابعة عشر: 1 (ترجمة الرب سلیم دكاش الیسوعي). 1 2 Cf. on Psalms, homily 47 on Ps. 135 (136). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 27 According to the Septuagint and the Coptic version, it came as: “He who gives food to all flesh”. Here, according to Father Caesarius, bishop of Arle, the psalmist refers, not only to mankind, but to all flesh, whether men, beasts, or birds. He also comments on feeding even those with spiritual flesh. Like the angels, and the demons. Each of whom has special food. “Who gives food to all flesh”. If every creature seeks its food, So will the spiritual creatures, seek their own food! … What are these spiritual creatures; but those to which we have already referred; namely the devil and his hosts. What kind of food do they seek, but those who are slothful, lukewarm, blood-thirsty, the proud, the lusty, and the greedy. These are truly the food of such spiritual ferocious beasts; because, through their wicked woks, the make up for the loss by the devil of his own soul. The way the life of saints gives pleasure to Christ; the works of the wicked, likewise, feed the evil one. Why would the spiritual ferocious beasts seek food for themselves from God?!... For when Adam sinned, it was said to him: “Dust you are, and to dust you shall return”. And it was said to the devil (the serpent), as well: “You shall eat dust” . … Now, brethren, Does the devil feed on the earth on which we walk?. No, but men of earthly, lusty, and haughty mind; those who love the earth, who put all their iniquities in it; those who labor with their whole energy for the sake of physical profit, and even for physical pleasures; and rarely think about the salvation of their souls; For such people, the devil search1! (Father Caesarius, bishop of Arle) “He who gives food to all flesh”; Namely, to all mankind; not only to Israel, but to the Gentiles as well. About such food, it is said: “My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed” (John 6: 55) 2. (St. Augustine) 9- THE GOD OF HEAVEN: “Oh, give thanks to the God of heavens! For His mercy endures forever” (26) His amazing works, paraded by the psalmist, preoccupy the mind of the God of Heavens, who loves the man of earth, to lift him up to His heavens. 1 Sermon 136: 7. 2 Op Ps. 136 (135). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 28 In the beginning of the psalm, the psalmist calls God “God of gods”, and “Lord of lords”; Now he calls Him, “God of Heavens”. He refers Himself to His true believers, who walk by the spirit; sometimes calling them “gods”, and other times, “lords”, and a third time, he calls them “heavens”. According to some, this final phrase of the psalm, is considered an adequate, and a magnificent summary of the whole psalm; which expresses its spirit and program. AN INSPIRATION FROM PSALM 136 HOW SWEET ARE YOUR ETERNAL MERCIES! With every morning, Your mercies are new, O my Beloved God; “My portion is the Lord”; Said my soul, attached to Your mercies; Your Person, O my God, draws all my depths; My heart, mind, emotions, and my whole being, praise You; Good, You are, O Lord, in all Your works and dealings with me; You are “The God of gods”, and “the Lord of lords”. Absolute in Your might, wisdom, and love; You created me from nothing, to bear Your image; Although You are up in Your heavens, taking care of me; Yet, when I get in touch with You, I found You very close to me; By Your wisdom, You created the sun to give me light; To be able to behold Your amazing works; You are the Sun of Righteousness, that shines in me; To set out of my heart, a new heaven; Your Holy Spirit hovers on my heart; To set out of my wilderness, a heavenly paradise You open for me a way in the midst of the sea; To walk on, a though on dry land; You surround me like a Wall, to keep the devil away from me; You protect me from my enemies, both the hidden and the manifest https://coptic-treasures.com/ 29 You lead me in the wilderness of this world, all the days of my sojourn; You satisfy all my needs; I need no signs on the way; Nor maps to guide me; Nor shades to protect me against the heat of the sun; Nor light to reveal the way for me; You are the true way, that leads me to unite with You; You are my food, my drink, and my provision along the way; You are my stronghold, You shade me with Your cross against the sun of temptations; You are the true Light; That darkness has no place on my way. The devil and his hosts will never cease to oppose; In his envy, he cannot stand to see me become an icon of You; But, who will defend me but You? You, the Mighty One, who destroys the hosts of darkness; You are the Leader of the battle; and the Grantor of conquest; You prepare crowns for me; My salvation and glory give You pleasure; Oh my God! What can I say about Your daily mercies? You perpetually guide me to enjoy eternity; You prepare a place to come and take me with You; My heart, mind, and all my energies cry out to You; Come! Oh the Beloved Merciful; I have no one to preoccupy my heart, but You.
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