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

Introduction to the 18th octave:

Tzade = flank, side
On various sides, aspects, of the commandments and their relationship to us.
– v.137-138: from the East side, there is faith, certitude in their truth
– v.139-140: from the West, zeal and love for them
– v.141-142: from the North, humility with hope
– v.143-144: from the South, endurance, from loyalty to them

VERSE 137:
Righteous art Thou, O Lord,
and upright are Thy judgments.

Righteous, straight (εὐθύς) are the ways of God, shown us by His commandments.
They lead us straight to the goal.

VERSE 138:
Thou hast ordained as Thy testimonies
exceeding righteousness and truth.

The commandments are exceeding righteousness and truth.
Thus they “give us the most straight, most sure and most unfailing rule of life.” (p. 292)
They are immutably right and true, like God Himself.
They fully correspond to our nature, so they give a deep inner peace to those who follow them.
If we really have that conviction we will walk to the goal with courage.

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