Hearken to me, you that know what is just, my people who have my law in your heart: fear ye not the reproach of men, and be not afraid of their blasphemies.
שִׁמְע֤וּ אֵלַי֙ יֹ֣דְעֵי צֶ֔דֶק עַ֖ם תּוֹרָתִ֣י בְלִבָּ֑ם אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ חֶרְפַּ֣ת אֱנ֔וֹשׁ וּמִגִּדֻּפֹתָ֖ם אַל־תֵּחָֽתּוּ׃
5 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Some, however, encourage not to fear disgrace, echoing the words of Christ, who proclaimed, "Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you for my sake. Rejoice and be glad" (Matthew 5:11).
Listen to me, you who judge my people, for my law resides within your hearts. Do not fear the scorn of men or be troubled by their slander. My righteousness endures forever, and my salvation extends to generations yet to come. Guiding those from the Gentiles with a profound mystery and presenting them with a more accessible teaching that aligns with their understanding—much like milk is suitable for those still young in knowledge—I now address those who have matured, possessing bold spirits and developed minds.
He describes them clearly as judges, likening them to experienced assessors who evaluate actions and discern between good and evil, embracing righteousness while rejecting wrongdoing. These individuals hold God's law close in their minds and hearts, treating it as a wise mentor and guide. As David proclaims, the law of his God is in the heart of every righteous and discerning individual, ensuring their steps do not falter (Psalm 36:31). Indeed, embracing the divine law within our hearts and minds is a vital endeavor; just as a brass vessel containing fire retains warmth, so too does a soul enriched by divine law burn with the Spirit.
One of the holy disciples teaches: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold" (Matt. 24:12). Therefore, to those who judge and internalize my law: do not fear the scorn of men, nor be disheartened by their blasphemies. All who strive to lead a godly life in Christ Jesus will face persecution (2 Tim. 3:12), with the righteous often mocked by those who fail to understand. Such derision ought not to concern you; rather, remember that our Savior endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Thus, He cautions: "A disciple is not above his teacher. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they malign those of his household" (Matt. 10:24, 25; John 15:20). Furthermore, He reassures us: "Blessed are you when they insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11, 12).
Amidst these trials, maintain a steady spirit, dismissing the mockery of your persecutors and disregarding all insults. Rather, view the tribulations faced for piety as honors directed toward Christ—actions deserving of the highest commendation. For what injury can the harsh words of an unwise soul inflict upon one renowned for their patience?
Listen, all who understand the truth, O people: My law resides within their hearts. Do not fear the scorn of others, nor let their blasphemies intimidate you. For like a garment, the worm will consume them, and as the moth devours, so too shall they be destroyed. However, My salvation is everlasting, and My righteousness shall persist through all generations. The One who proclaimed, “From Me shall come My law and My judgment into the light of the nations,” now addresses those who recognize His judgment and hold His law within them, so that they may act justly. This law is the promise the Lord gave through Jeremiah, stating, “I will establish a new covenant, not like the covenant I made with their ancestors; I will place My teachings in their hearts and inscribe them in their minds.
I will be their God, and they will be My people” (Jeremiah 31:31-33). Thus, they shall live not according to the letter, but in accordance with the spirit, restoring the natural law within their hearts, as the Apostle notes: “When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law unto themselves, since they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts” (Romans 2:14-15). This law is articulated in the Psalm: “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and their tongue speaks justice. The law of their God is in their heart, and their steps do not slip” (Psalm 36:30-31). Aware that believers would face significant persecution, the prophetic spirit encourages them to be courageous and even to disdain their oppressors. The Lord also instructs in the Gospel, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). In another passage, He says, “Rejoice and be glad when others revile you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account” (Matthew 5:11). Just as garments can be ruined by a worm or time, and like a moth consuming fabric, the reproach of persecutors will fade alongside them. Thus, the apostles rejoiced, considering it a privilege to suffer disgrace for the sake of Christ (Acts 5). Their joy stemmed from the assurance of the Lord’s salvation and righteousness, which guarantees them victory and reward, for the Lord and Savior remains forever, enduring across generations—both the earlier and the later—who have welcomed the One of whom it was said, “My righteous one is near; my Savior has come forth” (v. 4).
Endurance in Adversity
The Lord speaks in the Holy Gospel: And do not fear those who can kill the body, but rather those who cannot destroy the soul (Mt 10:28), and He also says: Therefore do not be afraid of them (Mt 10:26). In another instance, He declares: Blessed are you when others insult you and persecute you, falsely accusing you of all kinds of evil because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great (Matt. 5:11-12). This prophetic insight reveals that those who mock and scorn the messengers of truth are akin to tattered fabric and decaying wool, while the salvation and righteousness of those who are oppressed are immeasurable and imperishable.
After proclaiming the emergence of a new people, the prophet shifts focus to anticipate the restoration of Jerusalem following its Babylonian exile. It is crucial to understand that these events are not foretold as occurring at the same time; rather, one will take place in its own moment, then another, ultimately weaving together into a singular narrative.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the term does not signify Jerusalem but rather the strength of the Lord, as noted in Isaiah 51:9. This aligns with our earlier discussion on the phrase "the arm of the Lord," previously mentioned in Isaiah 51:5, where it states that the nations will place their hope in His might. It has been indicated that this expression emphasizes the Divine nature of God's power, as He urges His people not to dread the scorn of mankind or be disheartened by their disparaging words, as stated in Isaiah 51:7. Thus, there exists a heartfelt petition from the people to the might of the Lord, imploring it to rise and conquer the adversaries that threaten them. They express their dependence by acknowledging that without His protection and intervention, they are powerless, akin to a shield in battle.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS