In the multifaceted content of the Bible, there are words for everyone that suit their inner mood. Among the verses (kathisma) of the Psalter, containing different numbers of psalms, by the will of the Almighty I found the 17th kathisma, consisting only of the 1st psalm. This is Psalm 118 , the text of the largest of the chapters of the Bible is divided into three parts, a prayer called “Immaculate” is read at services in church, and the holy fathers privately every day. I will tell you further about the features of this divine prayer.
What makes extraordinary kathisma so fascinating?
The Holy Scriptures are a fairly large volume, including canonical books and apocryphal texts. It is assumed that the text of Psalm 118 was not written by David, but at a time when the Jews were persecuted and captured in Persia. The date of creation of the verse is also not known, presumably during the stay in Judea of the authorized representatives of the Persian king Ezra together with Nehemiah, establishing order by naming God. In verses 23 and 46 you can find passages describing the aggressive behavior towards the Jews on the part of the new government.
What is the unique highlight of kathisma 17, which contains the only psalm 118:
- the largest chapter in the entire Bible together with the New Testament, including 176 texts;
- the sacred text contains 22 conventional parts, each of which contains 8 stanzas;
- in the unique text, each new line begins with another letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
The prayer “Immaculate” is a song of praise with historical content, composed in Hebrew by an unknown creator and, according to church regulations, ending with the words “Hallelujah” in the Greek translation of kathisma. The Jews dubbed Psalm 118 the Majestic Alphabet.
The content of the church work is permeated with the idea that only the righteous are destined for the protection of the Lord during the time of the captivity of the Jews, when the new government hindered the role of the Jews in religious, political and civil activities. The suppression of the Jews was facilitated by the Samaritans, who, in the succinct words of the psalm, were destined for enormous torment from the new government.
According to the interpretation of Bishop Feofan of Tambov, the eight-verses of “Immaculate” differ in the depth of their content with greater artistic value:
In the revelations of St. Barsanuphius of Optina, the psalms of the Divinely Inspired Psalter are compared to music that promotes the acquisition of spiritual ecstasy. The priest stated:
What is clear about the prayer “Immaculate”
Reading the Bible, which includes the Psalter, is an essential duty of every believer, because the Word of God can resurrect the heart, heal from sin, and enrich spiritually. The proclamation of Psalm 118 will benefit not only those who are on the threshold of eternity, but also those living in this world to strengthen the beauty and greatness of the Lord, as a clear teaching about earthly goals and reward beyond the grave.
Authorship controversy
- Although the compiler of Psalm 119 is unknown, its authorship is attributed to King David, who lived at the end of the 2nd and beginning of the 1st millennium BC. The popularity of the version is explained by the word “Blessed”, which begins the verse. It was with this appeal that all the psalms that were fundamental to the Jewish people usually began. Based on the beliefs of King David.
- Opponents of Davidic authorship say that the fact of multiple references in the text to the acts of lawbreakers, as well as aggressive actions towards the psalmist, may be evidence of the latest date for the writing of Psalm 118. Most likely, this is the limit of the 6th-5th centuries BC. e., presumably during the stay of the representatives of the Persian king in Judea.
- How they read it - the prayer book is conventionally divided into three parts - up to verse 73, after that up to verse 131 and until the end. Between them, a doxology is read together with a special prayer remembering the name of the deceased.
- When they read, the poetry is proclaimed at morning and evening services, during funeral services, and burial rites. Psalm 118, supplemented with prayers of praise, is read on Holy Saturday before the Easter service.
Why do believers read Psalm 118?
The sacred word is proclaimed without the help of others during a home prayer service. Most often, prayer is offered for the deceased to improve his stay in the afterlife, cleanse him from sins, and give the deceased spiritual joy. Not every believer can easily read in Church Slavonic; for convenience, the text was translated into Russian for the deepest understanding of the verses.
It is important to read the Psalter over the deceased according to the established rules:
In accordance with church tradition, the verses of the psalm are pronounced in the circle of relatives and friends of the deceased during the third, ninth and fortieth day after the death of a Christian. That is why strong prayer is called funeral prayer.
The creator of the prayer, who calls himself a young man, states in the words of the psalm that only the righteous will gain the protection of the Almighty. The psalmist, through prayerful lines, conducts detailed discussions on the topic of how to come to fulfill God’s will for spiritual growth. It is precisely by painstaking rethinking of the law that the law explains the vastness of the longest kathisma. The sensual coloring of the text shows the sincerity of the creator, trying to understand the essence of the rules established by God, rejoicing in acquiring such an ability.
The full text of Psalm 118 in Church Slavonic and Russian languages with line numbering is presented below:
Psalm 118, together with the previous and final prayers, can be found on the pages of the prayer book, but it should be taken in the church shop at the temple or monastery. Listen to how the 17th kathisma sounds in church services:
Text of Psalm 118
Psalm 118 in Church Slavonic is traditionally heard in Orthodox churches during divine services. It is not prohibited to use it to privately address the Almighty. Moreover, this option is preferable, but it is not available to everyone, since the most important thing in prayer is to understand its meaning. Those who have not studied Old Church Slavonic should read the Russian translation of the song.
In Church Slavonic
In Russian
Interpretation of 17 Kathismas by theologians
The words of the greatest prayer with frequent repetition of the main thoughts, pronounced on behalf of the young psalmist, allow one to find answers to questions about the purity of thought, and force one to think about the need to observe the laws of God.
In the lines of the Divine Sermon they are called the Word of instructions, elevating a person who is supposed to live in harmony of internal thoughts with external actions, without heresy and sins. The wanderer, on whose behalf the requests come, calls for devotion to the Laws of God, which will strengthen faith with the triumph of truth and allow one to find peace.
When analyzing the broad material of Psalm 118 verse by verse, you can find a number of fascinating thoughts.
| Verse number | How to interpret |
| 1-8 | The abundance and unity of God's Law is described, manifesting the spiritual life prescribed by the Lord. The term “commands” should be understood as a number of personal instructions related to the direction of human actions, and “statutes” define the rules of a person’s relationship with God. The word “commandments” should be understood as the limits of what is permissible for a person |
| 9 and 100 | The poems explain how to act to preserve the purity of your soul before the Almighty. Advice to the ordinary - fulfilling His laws |
| 11-14 | The verses tell about the life of a righteous man who keeps the Word of God |
| 19 | The verse tells about the temporary stay of people on Earth in the pursuit of endless life, which is reserved only for the righteous |
| 21-23 | The life of the Jewish people captured by the Persians is described, their struggle with the teachings of the Samaritans, as apostates of the faith, calling for disobedience to the rulers |
| 33-38 | The verses speak of the need to understand the Word of God and its greatness. The lines are permeated with a call for support and following the commandments |
| 67 | The words of the verse describe the hardships of the path of the Jews who departed from God. For their sins, they suffered a well-deserved punishment - captivity, its hardships helped them understand the mistakes they had made, strengthened their readiness for mandatory observance of the Laws of the Lord |
| 69-70 | The verses tell about the fact of the confrontation between the pagans and the Israelites, which is most thoroughly discussed in the book of Ezra and Nehemiah |
| 81-83 | The poems reveal the hardships of the trials that befell the singer and all his people, who caved in under the weight of the trials. |
| 94-96 | God's greatness and glory, which were revealed to the stranger, are described in comparison with the imperfection of man |
After reading the entire Psalm 118, an oppressive feeling of sorrow for the Jewish people, who have experienced so much suppression and ordeal, is felt. Although the sad verses do not evoke cheerful feelings, they contain hope for the salvation granted above, as well as admiration for the Almighty, who guides the children of Israel.
How and when to read Psalm of the Prophet David 118 for the deceased
1 Blessed are those who are blameless in their ways, who keep the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who know His revelations; they seek Him with all their hearts.
3 For those who do not commit iniquity walk in His ways.
4 You commanded that Your commandments should be kept firmly;
5 Let my ways be right, and I will keep Your commandments!
6 Then I will not be ashamed, considering Your commandments.
7 I will glorify You in the righteousness of my heart when I comprehend Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your commandments; do not leave me.
9 How can a young man correct his path? When he will keep Your words.
10 With all my heart I have sought You; do not remove me from Your commandments!
11 I have kept Your words in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your commandments!
13 With my mouth I have declared what was spoken by Your mouth.
14 In the path of Your revelations I have enjoyed myself as if in great riches.
15 I will meditate on Your commandments, and I will understand Your ways.
16 I will learn Your commandments; I will not forget Your words.
17 Give tribute to me, Your servant; Give me life, and I will keep Your words!
18 Open my eyes, and I will understand the wonders shown by Your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commandments from me!
20 It is my soul’s delight to listen to Your judgments at all times.
21 You punished the proud. Cursed are those who turn away from Your commandments!
22 Take away shame and humiliation from me, for I have sought Your revelations.
23 For the princes gathered together and slandered me, but Your servant meditated on Your commandments;
24 For Your testimonies are for my instruction, and Your commandments have become my counselors.
25 My soul has fallen; restore life to me by Your word!
26 I told You my ways, and You heard me; teach me Your commandments!
27 Let me understand the way of Your commandments; I will meditate on Your wonders.
28 My soul fell into slumber from despondency; confirm me in Your words!
29 Remove from me the ways of unrighteousness, and have mercy on me according to Your law!
30 I have chosen the path of truth and have not forgotten Your judgments.
31 I have fallen to Your testimonies, O Lord, do not disgrace me!
32 I walked in the way of Your commandments, when You enlarged my soul.
33 Make the way of Your commandments a law for me, O Lord, and I will seek it forever;
34 Give me understanding, that I may know Your law and keep it in my heart.
35 Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I desire it.
36 Incline my heart to Your revelations, and not to unrighteous gain!
37 Turn away my eyes, lest I see vanity; on Your path grant me life!
38 Let Your servant receive Your word with fear!
39 Take away from me the reproach that I contemplate, for Your judgments are good.
40 I have desired Your commandments; by Thy truth grant me life!
41 Let Thy mercy come upon me, O Lord, and I will be saved according to Thy word;
42 And I will give an answer to those who reproach me, for I trust in Your words.
43 And take not the words of righteousness out of my mouth, for I trust in Your judgments;
44 And I will keep Your law forever, for ever.
45 My heart became spacious, for I sought Your commandments.
46 And I spoke of Your testimonies before kings, and was not troubled;
47 And I learned Your commandments, which I loved;
48 And I stretched out my hands to Your commandments, which I loved, and delved into Your commandments.
49 Grant me, Your servant, to remember Your words, in which You commanded me to trust.
50 This comforted me in my humiliation, for Your word restored me to life.
51 The proud have defied the law; but I have not turned away from Your law.
52 I remembered Your judgments from time immemorial, O Lord, and I was comforted.
53 Sorrow came upon me at the sight of sinners who reject Your law.
54 I sang Your commandments during my journey.
55 I remembered Your name in the night, O Lord, and kept Your law.
56 He was in my heart, for I sought Your commandments.
57 You know my inheritance, O Lord; I said: “I will keep Your law.”
58 I prayed before You with all my heart; have mercy on me according to your word!
59 I thought about Your ways and again directed my steps towards Your revelations.
60 I prepared myself and was not dismayed, keeping Your commandments.
61 The nets of sinners have entangled me. But I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I rose to glorify You for Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a friend to all those who fear You and keep Your commandments.
64 The earth is filled with Your mercy, O Lord; Teach me Your commandments!
65 Thou hast done good to Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word;
66 Teach me mercy, obedience and understanding, for I believe Your commandments.
67 Until I experienced humiliation, I sinned, but now I keep Your word.
68 You are good, O Lord, and according to Your goodness teach me Your commandments!
69 The iniquity of the proud people has multiplied and risen up against me; I will know Your commandments with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are hardened like cheese; I am learning Your law.
71 It is good for me that You have humbled me. May I learn Your commandments.
72 The law of Your mouth is good to me; it is worth more than much gold and silver.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen
73 Thy hands made me and formed me; Give me understanding, and I will learn Your commandments.
74 Those who fear You will see me and rejoice, for I have trusted in Your words.
75 I understood, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and You have truly humbled me.
76 Let Thy mercy overshadow me, and comfort me according to Thy word, which Thou hast spoken to Thy servant;
77 Let Your compassions come upon me, and I will live, for Your law guides me.
78 Let the proud be ashamed, for they have dealt with me unrighteously and lawlessly; I will meditate on Your commandments.
79 May those who fear You and know Your revelations guide me on Your path.
80 May my heart keep Your commandments blamelessly, and I will not be put to shame.
81 My soul faints, waiting for salvation from You; I trusted in Your words.
82 My eyes are weary in waiting for Thy word; when will you console me?
83 For I have become like a bottle bound by frost, but I have not forgotten Your commandments.
84 How many days of life remain for Your servant? When will You judge between me and my persecutors?
85 The wicked have told me their lies, but they are far from Thy law, O Lord.
86 All Your commandments are truth; They persecute me unjustly, help me!
87 They almost destroyed me on earth, but I did not forsake Your commandments.
88 By Thy mercy restore my life, and I will preserve the testimonies of Thy mouth.
89 Forever, O Lord, Your word remains in Heaven.
90 From generation to generation Your truth remains unchanged; You created the earth, and it exists.
91 As You commanded, the day is coming; for everything in the world is subject to You.
92 If I had not kept Your law, destruction would have come upon me in my humiliation;
93 I will never forget Your commandments, for they gave me life.
Middle of the Psalm
94 I am Yours, save me; for I seek Your commandments.
95 Sinners guarded me, planning to destroy me; but I have understood Your revelations.
96 I saw that everything was coming to an end; but Your commandment is infinitely broad.
97 How I have loved Your law, O Lord! Every day he instructs me.
98 You have made me wiser than my enemies in Your commandment, and it is mine forever.
99 I have learned more than my teachers, for Your testimonies instruct me.
100 I have understood more than the elders, for I seek Your commandments.
101 I have departed from every path of sin, that I may preserve Your words;
102 I did not turn aside from Your judgments, for You gave me the law.
103 How sweet are Your words in my throat! They are sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104 I understood Your commandments and hated every way of unrighteousness.
105 Your law is a lamp for my steps, and its light is on my paths.
106 I have sworn to always keep the judgments of Your righteousness.
107 I am deeply humbled; Lord, give me life through Your word!
108 Accept, O Lord, the vows that I have spoken with my lips of my own free will, and teach me Your judgments!
109 My soul is in Your hands forever, and I have not forgotten Your law.
110 Sinners have laid nets for me; but I have not changed Your commandments.
111 I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart;
112 I have desired in my heart to fulfill Your commandments forever, may You reward me.
113 I have hated the wicked, but I have loved Your law.
114 You are the Giver of help and my Protector; I trust in Your words.
115 Depart from me, you wicked people, and I will understand the commandments of my God!
116 Protect me with Your word, and I will live; and do not disgrace me in my hope!
117 Help me, and I will find salvation, and I will learn Your commandments.
118 You have humiliated those who violate Your commandments, for their thoughts are unrighteous.
119 I have recognized all sinners on earth as violators of Your will; and behold, I have loved Your testimonies.
120 Let me always fear You, O Lord, for Your judgment threatens me.
121 I judged and acted truthfully; do not hand me over to my offenders!
122 Receive Your servant for his good, so that the proud do not slander me!
123 My eyes are faint, waiting for salvation and the word of Thy righteousness;
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your commandments!
125 I am Your servant; Give me understanding, and I will understand Your testimonies.
126 The time has come for You, O Lord, to reveal Your power; They have trampled down Your law!
127 And now I have loved Your commandments more than gold and topaz.
128 And I strived after all Your commandments; I hated every way of unrighteousness.
129 Wonderful are Your testimonies: my soul knows them.
130 Your words revealed in the Scriptures enlighten and admonish little children.
131 I opened my mouth in prayer and lifted up my spirit, for I desired Your commandments.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen
132 Look upon me and have mercy on me, as You judge mercifully those who love Your name.
133 Guide my steps with Your word, and let iniquity not take possession of me!
134 Deliver me from human slander, and I will keep Your commandments!
135 Illuminate Your servant with the radiance of Your face and teach me Your commandments!
136 My eyes pour out streams of tears, for I have not kept Your law.
137 You are righteous, O Lord, and your judgments are just;
138 You have commanded the truth in Your revelations and the fullness of Your truth.
139 I grew weary, longing for You, for my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your word is fiery, and your servant has loved it.
141 I am the youngest and humbled, but I have not forgotten Your commandments.
142 Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and Your law is truth.
143 Troubles and sorrows took possession of me; but Your commandments are for my instruction.
144 The truth is eternal of Your revelations; give me some understanding, and I will live.
145 I cried with all my heart, hear me, O Lord! I seek Your commandments.
146 I cried to You, save me, and I will preserve Your testimonies.
147 I rose before dawn and called to You; I trust in Your words.
148 My eyes have greeted the morning, that I may learn Thy words.
149 Hear my call, O Lord, according to Thy mercy; by Thy righteous judgment grant me life!
150 My lawless persecutors are approaching; They have departed from Your law.
151 You are close to us, O Lord, and all Your ways are truth.
152 From a long time ago I knew from Your revelations that You have granted them forever.
153 Look at my humiliation and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law.
154 Judge my case and deliver me! According to Your word, grant me life!
155 Sinners are far from salvation, for they did not seek Your commandments.
156 Great are Your compassions, O Lord! By Your judgment grant me life!
157 I have many persecutors and oppressors, but I have not forsaken Your testimonies.
158 I saw the foolish and was distressed, because they did not keep Your words.
159 Look how I have loved Your commandments! Lord, by Your mercy grant me life!
160 The foundation of Your words is truth, and the judgments of Your righteousness are eternal.
161 The princes persecuted me without my guilt; but my heart was afraid of Your words.
162 I rejoiced at Your words, as if I had found great wealth.
163 I have hated and despised unrighteousness, but I have loved Your law.
164 Every day I praised You seven times for Your righteous judgments.
165 Great peace overshadows those who love Your law, and temptations are not terrible for them.
166 I waited for You to grant me salvation, O Lord, and I loved Your commandments.
167 My soul keeps Thy testimonies, and loves them deeply.
168 I keep Your commandments and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You, O Lord!
169 May my prayer ascend to You: Lord! Give me understanding according to Your word!
170 May my petition ascend to You: Lord! Deliver me according to Your word!
171 Songs will flow from my lips when You teach me Your commandment.
172 My tongue will proclaim Your words, for Your commandments are truth.
173 Let Thy hand save me, for I have loved Thy commandments.
174 I desired that You would save me, O Lord, and Your law teaches me.
175 My soul will live and praise You; and Your judgment will justify me.
176 I wander like a lost sheep; but You will find Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments!
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen.
Final advice
Relatives and friends are not always able to create a powerful prayer for the forgiveness of a deceased sinner; poetry in church language has the most significant significance. Therefore, it is better to entrust the reading of the Psalter over the deceased to a clergyman, although in the mouth of a close relative the prayer will have enormous power.
Apart from the funeral rite, it is recommended to add 17 kathisma to the daily prayer rule, as a hymn to the immortality of the human soul, led by God. But you should not expect that reading the Psalter will become a guarantee of salvation, but doing good deeds and prayers will help you pass the tests of the Last Judgment and gain the happiness of Salvation of an immortal soul.
Source: tayniymir.com
Share:
