Psalm 10 (9):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

An alternative interpreter, Theodotion, notes that let the iniquity be weighed, preventing the sinner from being overwhelmed. He emphasizes that it is not the individual who should face ruin, but rather the influence, authority, and grasp of his transgressions. He further petitions for accountability and penance, acknowledging the magnitude of his offenses, asserting that if faced, he cannot withstand; he will not reveal himself but will be consumed, vanish completely, and become utterly concealed when his actions are scrutinized. Thus, let no one mourn when confronting orphanhood and destitution, for as these challenges mount, so too does the provision of God. Let no one elevate themselves through personal strength, nor be arrogant; such a path is precarious and fraught with peril, where the careless may easily stumble.

Diminish the strength of the sinner and wrongdoer, as stated in Psalm 9:36, referring to the individual who was previously mentioned—one who will possess authority over all his adversaries. He summoned forth His might and His arm; against whom stands the power of Christ, who is invoked in the words, Arise, O Lord God, let thy arm be lifted up. His transgressions will be acknowledged, and he will be lost due to them; meaning he will face condemnation for his iniquities and will ultimately perish because of his wrongdoing. After all this, is it any surprise that it is proclaimed, The Lord shall reign for ever and ever; the nations shall disappear from His land? (Psalm 9:37).

Break the power of sin and evil—this signifies dismantling the reign of the adversary. His transgressions shall be accounted but will not be revealed—due to the nature of sin itself. The essence of this discourse conveys that if you seek the iniquities of the wicked, they will remain elusive; for the wicked are destined to be lost because of their sin. In contrast, those whom God redeems are discovered, as illustrated by the words, ‘I found David my servant’ (Ps. 88:21), and the “lost coin” (Luke 15:9) is recovered; for it would have faced destruction had it not been found. Those who are lost remain forever unseen, for the Judge remains steadfast.

"Break the strength of the sinful and evil one." This will occur if you are willing to confront his transgressions. Once this is achieved, he will be rendered powerless and destined for ultimate ruin. The Prophet made this clear when he declared, "his sin shall be sought and not found," due to the nature of sin itself. Simmachus articulated it even more explicitly: "his wickedness shall be exposed, or he will face destruction"; for as soon as his malice is uncovered and brought to light, the wicked will meet their end.

The prophet speaks of physical might, as it is within the muscles that human strength is found. However, those who indulge their carnal desires, succumbing to their wickedness, are the truly sinful. Their iniquity will be sought but will remain hidden, for had God chosen to thoroughly investigate sin without allowing it to persist, it would have quickly been vanquished by death's rightful blow. These sentiments are similarly applicable to Jesus Christ, echoing what Pilate remarked about Him when addressing the Jews: "I find in Him not one fault" (John 19:4).

In other words, subdue the might and pride of the unrighteous and treacherous, so that the one who lowers himself may either turn away from sin and cease to transgress, or if he remains unrepentant, his evil deeds may be exposed, preventing him from being counted among those who inhabit the earth.

The flesh represents the strength of the devil, the Antichrist, and the wicked assembly of the Jews; the destruction of this power is manifested in Christ, the might of God. The Jews sought to find fault in Him, yet they found none. Instead, they wrongfully condemned Him, the one who knew no sin and whose lips spoke no deceit (1 Pet. 2:22).