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

VERSE 90:
Unto generation and generation is Thy truth;
Thou has laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.

Before talking of the earth, he adds, “Unto generation and generation is Thy truth”.
Why?
In parallel with v.89: “for ever” –> Unto generation and generation; “Thy word” —> Thy Truth.

It could also be moral application of vv.89-91. What happens in the heavens and on earth in the physical world, is not different in the moral world.

What truth? =
That there is God the Creator, “Whom rational creatures shall please by the faithful following of the laws laid down in the conscience” (p.215). This abides for ever.
And that “a Redeemer was to come and save our generation”.

VERSE 91:
By Thine ordinance doth the day abide,
for all things are Thy servants.

= same meaning as in v.90b.

“Thou has laid the foundation of the earth”
= the Earth in the solar system, and everything on Earth, in a harmonious relationship.
By Thine ordinance doth the day abide:
= the rotation of the Earth, bringing the change of day and night.

for all things are Thy servants:
= confirmation of all the above.
“Everything is servilely obedient to God, and it cannot be any other way” (p.217).
Because these things don’t have freedom.
But rational creatures do have freedom and autonomy, “but not for them to be self-willed, but rather to submit themselves freely and willingly to this same will of God” (p.218).

The submission of all creatures is like an inducement and a reminder for us.

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