Psalm 118:
A Commentary
by Saint Theophan the Recluse
(1815-1894)
by Saint John of Kronstadt Press, 2014
Goodreads

VERSE 7:
I will confess Thee with uprightness of heart,
when I have learned the judgments of Thy righteousness.

God’s righteousness = the commandments

Learning and acquiring the habit of recognizing the judgments of God’s righteousness, and acting accordingly.
p.26

This learning+acquiring = discretion, discernment, which is gradual; first to distinguish thoughts, then to detect God’s Providence (that is, what God wants of us).

The consequence is uprightness of heart, continual thanksgiving and glorification.

VERSE 8:
I will keep Thy statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.

Courage is needed, and it is to be found by hoping in the Lord.

Utterly = cf times when God abandons us to instruct us.

Total abandonment is punitive, when we refuse to repent.

RECAP OF 1ST STROPHA:

It shows the basic principles of a God-pleasing life, the main principles of a holy life.

v.1-3 = degrees towards perfection

v.4-5 = productive forces: diligent zeal + God’s grace

v.6-8 = requirements and conditions for progress: attention, diligence, courage.

Aleph = science or leader (leading principles).

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THESE NOTES
Any reflection on these quotes?