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

VERSE 111:
I have inherited Thy testimonies for ever,
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

I have inherited Thy testimonies = as people receive a rich inheritance

Patience, steadfastness in goodness –> spiritual joy.
People want happiness, that is, a state that rejoices the heart.
Abide in God’s will with all love and desire, and you will receive a joy that everlasting (death will just be going from joy here to everlasting joy), as is shown by the Beatitudes.

Nothing else can bring us true and everlasting joy.

VERSE 112:
I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes
for ever for a recompense.

What impels him to incline his heart? Hope of recompense.
The joy described in verse 111 is only the beginning and guarantee of an indescribable gladness in eternity.
This promise for more joy in our older days, and even more so in everlasting life, helps maintain our zeal.
Faith –> hope –> reinforced faith  –> faithfully walking in the commandments –> love –>
“all of man’s spirit becomes fire (the fire of love)“, pure; God dwells in him.
= neat way of connecting faith, hope, and love.

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