Scripture & Theology

One of the most pervasive features of the Greek translation of the Psalter is the translation of “to the director” (Heb. lamnassēªḥ) with “to the end” (Gr. eis to telos) in about a third of the Psalms. This translation clearly lends itself to a line of theological reasoning.

Augustine appears to be representative of a particular line of reasoning. He treats this phrase at several points in his Enarrationes (e.g. Pss. 4, 14[13], 22[21], 30[29]). The classic statement, however, is found in his treatment of the inscription of Psalm 46[45]. He writes:

What is said, “To the end,” always ought to be understood of Christ. For “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” But the End He is called, not because He consumeth, but because He perfecteth.

He goes on to illustrate consumption with the imagery of food being eaten and perfection with the imagery of a coat being woven. And continues:

Because then we have not where to go farther when we have come to Christ, Himself is called the end of our course. Nor ought we to think, that when we have come to Him, we ought to strive any further to come also to the Father.

Philip then exemplifies how Christ is the end for the believer:

For this thought Philip also, when he said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” When he said, “It sufficeth us,” he sought the end of satisfaction and perfection. Then said He, “Have I been so long time with you, and hast thou not known Me, Philip: he that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father.” In Him then have we the Father, because He is in the Father, and the Father in Him, and He and His Father are One.

Thus, Augustine makes a verbal link from the Psalter to Christ by means of the term telos found in Romans 10:4. This is clearly a Christological reading of a Psalm that features little in the way of messianic material.

I am wondering if any have found similar treatments of this phrase from the inscriptions by other writers.