Abstract:
The interpretation and polemical use of Ps 110 by Ephrem the Syrian
(c.306–373 C.E.) are investigated. It seems that Ephrem was
hesitant to speculate about the relationship between God the Father
and Jesus on the basis of his exegesis of Ps 110, but that he insisted
that Jesus is called “Lord” by David in Ps 110:1 and “Son” by God
in Ps 2:7, while both Pss 2:7 and 110:3 are witnesses which prove
that the Father was the procreator of the Son. These texts are used
to refute Arian allegations that Jesus was a creature, but are also
understood as prophecies which should have been enough to prevent
the Jewish leaders from rejecting their Messiah. Particulars of
the crucifixion of Jesus are interpreted by Ephrem polemically as
symbolic pointers to the status of the Jewish people and the Church
in the fourth century, and Ps 110:1 provides the key to understanding
this symbolism.
