Origen of Alexandria

In his own words on 2 Samuel

• 2 Samuel 6:4-5

  "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them." Strictly speaking, the word symphony is used by musicians for the voices of harmony. For among musical tones, some harmonize with each other and others do not. But the Gospel is also familiar with this term as applied to music where it says, "He heard music [symphōnias] and dancing." For it was fitting that, at the harmony that resulted between the father and his son who had been lost but was now found through his repentance, a symphony should be heard on the occasion of the rejoicing of the house.… Akin to this kind of symphony is what is written in the second book of Kings [Samuel] when the brothers of Aminadab "went before the ark, and David and the sons of Israel were playing before the face of the Lord on well-tuned instruments and in power and in songs." For the "well-tuned instruments in power and in song" have in them that harmony of tones which is of such power that if only two people bring before the Father in heaven any request with that symphony which is found in divine and spiritual music, the Father grants it to them—which is most remarkable.

  COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 14.1

• 2 Samuel 22:1-2

  The fifth song is in Second Samuel, when "David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." He said, "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God will be my protector." If, then, you prove able to examine who are the enemies David defeats and overthrows in First and Second Samuel and how he was made worthy of deserving the Lord's help and of being delivered from enemies of this kind, then you will be able to sing this fifth song yourself.

  COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS, PROLOGUE

• 2 Samuel 22:44-45

  "Did Jesus come into the world for this purpose, that we [the Jews] should not believe him?" To which we immediately answer that he did not come with the object of producing unbelief among the Jews; but knowing beforehand that such would be the result, he foretold it and made use of their unbelief for the calling of the Gentiles. For through their sin salvation came to the Gentiles, respecting whom the Christ who speaks in the prophecies says, "A people whom I did not know became subject to me: they were obedient to the hearing of my ear"; and, "I was found by those who did not seek me; I became manifest to those who did not inquire after me."

  AGAINST CELSUS 2.78