Chapter 31

David, depicting his great suffering, which he endured during repentance, pleases those worthy of the remission of sins with the bath of regeneration. The psalm is inscribed as a psalm of “reason,” because people who, due to a strong inclination to passions, have become like horses and horses, especially need it. Ps.31:1. Blessed are those who have abandoned iniquity, and those who have covered themselves with sin. Forsaking iniquities is acquired through baptism, while sins are covered by bitter repentance. Ps.31:2. Blessed is the man; the Lord will not impute sin to him; there is flattery in his mouth. For truly blessed is he who approaches holy baptism with all his heart. But he who insincerely accepts baptism not only does not receive remission of sins, but will also be condemned. The phrase “like” must be combined with the word: “promise” so that the speech is in this order: Ps.31:3. Because my bones promised to call me all day, I kept silent, being no longer able to make a voice. What was he crying out for if not asking for forgiveness for his sin? Ps.31:4. For day and night Thy hand is cast upon me. By Your goodness You admonished me greatly, with this admonition turning me to salvation. Return to passion, always unze mi turn. He calls sin a thorn. The meaning of the speech is this: since sin was pierced into my soul, I was in poverty. Ps.31:5. My iniquity is known. Shows the very image of confession. Reh, let us confess our iniquity. It is said: “The righteous man is a blasphemer to himself” (Prov. 18:17), and: “You have spoken before your sins” (Is. 43:26). Ps.31:6. For this reason every saint will pray to You, Each of the saints will pray to You for the sin that has been forgiven me. By this, he either conveys the idea that he will be a model of repentance for everyone, or, as it were, prophesies that after the fulfillment of the times, all nations will offer on behalf of David. confession of his sin. Otherwise, in a flood of waters, many will not come close to him. He who repents, he says, will not be drowned by many temptations. Ps.31:7. You are my refuge. Having said the above about sin, he begs to be freed from the disasters that befell him for sin. And he receives an answer to this; for the philanthropic Lord says to him: Ps.31:8. I will admonish you and guide you on this path. God answers those who pray for deliverance from enemies, promising to lead them on the right path. Ps.31:9. Do not wake up like a horse and a mesk, they have no reason. Teaches sinners not to indulge in unreasonable passions. The reins and bridle of the jaw are tightened. The speech is addressed as if to the Lord, and the meaning of what was said is this: draw those who do not want to repent to Yourself, as if with some kind of bridle. You might be interested in: