Why is David the prophet called “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Sam. 23:1)?

There are many reasons …

First: It was said of him that he constantly dwelt in the heights. He experienced the joyful heavenly life; he lived in constant harmony with the praises of the heavenly hosts; and he partook of their heavenly food: “Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and

599 Cf. Columba Stewart, Cassian the Monk (Oxford University Press, 1998): pp. 104–105.

600 St. Evagrius the Solitary, “On Prayer: One Hundred and Fifty-Three Texts,” in The Philokalia: The Complete Text, Volume I , trans., G. E. H. Palmer et al., eds., Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, and Makarios of Corinth (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1979) 82–83, 86–87: p. 65.

601 St. Jerome, Letters 22 (NPNF II/6:28).

602

A selection of quotes from the psalms of David the prophet and from Christians who followed in his spirit.

the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Sam. 23:1). “Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full” (Ps. 78:25).

Second: He was occupied with God’s word, the source of true joy that impels us to praise. “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). “My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness” (Ps. 119:172).

Third: He was occupied with Christ the Savior. “My defense is of God, who saves the upright in heart” (Ps. 7:10).

Fourth: He witnessed before the Gentiles. “Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name” (2 Sam. 22:50).

Fifth: He rejoiced in the Lord of the despised and the needy. “The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed” (Ps. 103:6).

Sixth: He praised Him who hears prayer. “O you who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come” (Ps. 65:2).

Seventh: His hope was in the Lord. “For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth” (Ps. 71:5).

Eighth: He called us to shout out. “I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy” (Ps. 132:16).

Ninth: He offered a new song. “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth” (Ps. 96:1). St. Jacob of Sarug says, “Praise as David the King taught you; sing a new song each day with discernment. He said, ‘Sing to The Lord a new song’; now take heed and sing every new praise.”⁶⁰³

Tenth: He taught us that each individual person ought to offer praise. “While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being” (Ps. 146:2). But he also called us as an assembly to praise: “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (Ps. 22:3); and the whole world to praise: “Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him” (Ps. 72:11).

Eleventh: He called the soul to cooperate with the body in praise. “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope” (Ps. 16:9).

Twelfth: He called us early to praise. “Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn” (Ps. 108:2).

603 St. Jacob of Sarug, Homily 106 On psalms: Sing to the Lord a new song (Psalm 1/96, 1/49) . See the text of Fr. Paul Bedjan.

Thirteenth: He taught us to offer praise as an acceptable sacrifice to God. “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Ps. 116:17).

Fourteenth: He taught us the spiritual praise of the Church. “My praise shall be of You in the great assembly” (Ps. 22:25).