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

VERSE 130:
The unfolding of Thy words
will give light and understanding unto babes.

Unfolding = δήλωσις. When hidden words proceed from God’s mouth.
Much more compelling than just our conscience.

Gives light and understanding

When the sun rises, it lights everything. All objects, all paths among them, with all their branchings, are then evident. Then the traveler can walk fearlessly and with joy. Similarly, the word of God, proceeding from God’s mouth, enlightens all the paths of a god-pleasing life, and the person who has become eager to walk them can see clearly where to go, and goes forward boldly, without fear of stumbling.
One can see how great is this blessing by comparing the state of those who do not possess the enlightening word of God with those who do have it and live according to it. The sparkle of the eyes and the brightness of the face testify that behind them is a soul enlightened by the word of God’s mouth.
Enlightenment reveals the orders and rules of life; understanding teaches how to live and act in accordance with them.
pp.281-282

To babes= understandable to children and unschooled people.
Or highly educated, but with a simple heart.

The childlike acceptance of the word by the heart makes it fruitful, as the earth, unquestioningly opening its depths to receive the seed, bears its fruit.
p.282

VERSE 131:
I opened my mouth and drew in my breath;
for I longed for Thy commandments.

Like when we breathe freely once we have reached what we wanted.
Here David found the commandments he so desired to know, thanks to the Word proceeding from God’s mouth (v.130).
Now nothing else matters for him, than to be faithful to these commandments.

Many fathers also see here the desire for and acquisition of the Spirit. [in Hebrew, Greek, and Slavonic, wind, breath, and Spirit are the same word]

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