Dilexi (Ps 114, 1) : Ambrose's David and Emperor Theodosius

A survey of Ambrose’s works from 388-390 reveals the importance of David, who is singled out as a model for both the common Christian and the Christian emperor. Rooted as it is in love for God, David’s humilitas is a Christian virtue rather than a moral weapon which Ambrose cunningly devises and to which he resorts in a calculated response to the events of 388-390 (Callinicum and Thessalonica). Accordingly, the De obitu Theodosii (395) should not be read as a merely political speech. It is a homily addressed by a sacerdos to a (dead) imperator and to his sons, preached within a religious context and strongly shaped by liturgical readings. Amongst them, Psalm 114 is better understood in the light of the scriptural quotations brought to mind by the word dilexi, which is to be read first of all as a personal confession of faith. Most importantly, the emphasis on dilexi shows that love for God forms the core of the life of any Christian, and thus also of the figure of the emperor portrayed in the text.