Stele of eternal memory and the Lord's hard paths

They likewise issued the inscription, as it contained prophecy deserving of eternal remembrance. Just as victorious athletes in stadium contests are awarded pillars, and triumphant warriors erect trophies for later remembrance, so too the great trophy of the Savior—erected after he overthrew the holder of death’s power—was established from above through prophetic writings. Peter, recalling this within himself, added: 'Brothers, it is permitted to speak openly with you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb remains among us to this day. As a prophet who knew God had sworn an oath to him—that from the fruit of his loins He would raise up according to the flesh the Christ to sit on his throne—having foreseen this, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that he was neither abandoned in Hades nor did his flesh see decay. This Jesus God raised up, of whom we all are witnesses.' Psalm 16:10. By the words of your lips, I have kept to hard paths. A model for us, and through these things the Savior gives, so that those needing God’s help do not think only of themselves. The ways of the Lord are the observances of the commandments; yet rather, the virtuous actions, smooth and level, demonstrated by continual treading from those rushing toward their goal, which is blessedness and the fulfillment of promises. Let us therefore act in accordance with them, so that our steps do not falter, if the Lord prepares them in his ways. Concerning this request, the one who gains it says: 'I ran without iniquity and I directed my course.'

I ran in the way of your commandments when you enlarged my heart. Psalm 76, verse 3. The pains of Sheol surrounded me; they anticipated me beforehand, like snares of death. Yet these things will also be fitting for the Savior, who has much familiarity with them. Now my soul is troubled; my soul is exceedingly sorrowful even unto death. Psalm 76, verse 8. And it was shaken, and the earth became terrified. The foundations of the mountains were shaken and trembled, because God was angry with them. This clearly shows the descent of God through the aforementioned—that is, death and the pangs of Hades. From when, however, having descended, according to Aquila, the earth was moved and shaken. For every Hebrew hearing and barbarian was filled with the report about him. He said the earth, those upon the earth. But mountains, of the opposing forces; which by the wandering of the idols they allotted to men, 17.112, being subdued by the knowledge of God. The foundations, and the deep reasonings, perceiving the power of the Lord, were shaken, being burdened. Which, God having been angered, smoke went up as upon a threshing floor; and the fire being extinguished and having ceased, by which they burned men. But this fire was extinguished by its own fire. Because fire consuming has been said to be God beside Moses. And in the Psalms: Fire before him will go forth, and it will flame around his enemies. And again: God will manifestly come, our God, and he will not keep silent. Fire before him will be kindled, and around him a violent tempest. Therefore also the Savior said: Fire I came to cast upon the earth. And what do I wish, if already I have been lifted up? These things he did by bowing and descending, not one heaven only, but all, as many as ever are; to bow.

His humility in stature and the emptying of his deity are revealed. The hidden and concealed aspect of his economy is made known through darkness and mist. Then he was taken up upon the cherub, though not descending with it. As he ascended bodily, the divine contemplative powers that had surrounded him escorted his rise, proclaiming: Lift up your gates, you rulers; be lifted up, eternal gates; so the King of glory may enter. This has come to pass as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, where they witnessed him being taken up and a cloud received him from their sight. Verse 12: He established darkness as his concealment, with his tent encircling him. Who could see the one within the tent without entering inside? Thus, no one can see God unless they enter the veil of incomprehensibility. Moses entered the darkness where God was present. Having stood firm in regard to God’s creation and providence, he came to know that God is contained within these. By slightly opening it, he who bears the image learned from the image itself; and from creation and providence, he came to know the Creator and the Provident One.