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

Introduction to the 21st octave:

Shin = tooth
Teeth are means of defense in the animal world.
How can the one who walks in the law can defend himself against the enemy?
– v. 161: by the fear of breaking the law
– v. 162: the expectation of good things from its fulfillment
– v. 163: love for it
– v. 168: walking before God
Teeth also help in speech:
– v. 164: speech filled with praise of God for His blessings
Teeth are also a means of nourishment:
– v. 165-166: he feeds himself with these blessings,
from fulfilling the commandments

VERSE 161:
Princes have persecuted me without a cause,
and because of Thy words my heart hath been afraid.

My heart is filled with Thy fear,
the fear of breaking Thy words,
and with this fear do I put aside all the temptations they stir up within me.
Thy fear is my protection,
a weapon against which no seducing thoughts can stand…
Keep this fear warm,
and you will need no other means to arouse energy in your spirit.
p. 323

VERSE 162:
I will rejoice in Thy sayings
as one that findeth great spoil.

Second weapon for repelling sin:
a safe expectation of spoil, or gain, from the virtues.
We go from fear, to expectation of gain, to enjoying the fruits themselves:
peace of conscience, inner harmony, kind help.

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