Psalm 10 (9):18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider the following reflection: The righteous are called to assess both the powerful and the downtrodden. Observe how deeply the prophet communicates his concern for those who are wicked, as they are the ones who primarily endure suffering. While the unjustly wronged experience only the loss of material possessions, the perpetrators face grave consequences. Is it not alarming that such individuals may remain oblivious to their own spiritual ailment? This represents a severe form of insensitivity and signifies a flawed state of mind. Much like children treat perilous items with disregard, often reaching into flames, they become frightened at mere illusions.

Defend the orphan and the meek: that is, they are not shaped by worldly standards nor are they haughty. To advocate for the orphan is distinct from judging the orphan. He confronts even the orphan who reproaches him; yet, he also stands for the orphan who brings judgment against him. This individual will not continue to elevate himself in this world. For they are mere mortals, of whom it is proclaimed, Appoint a ruler over them, O Lord; let the nations recognize that they are only human. Moreover, he who is signified in the same text as being appointed over them will be the one of whom it is now stated, ‘So that no one may exalt himself on earth,’ particularly when the Son of Man arrives to advocate for the orphan who has cast off the old self, akin to burying his father.

‘Judge the powerful and the meek.’ This reflects the desire of all who have suffered injustice, as the Prophet notes. ‘Let no man in the earth be glorified thereby.’ When the wicked are held accountable for their actions, it serves as a significant lesson for others, who, upon witnessing their fate, shall refrain from similar misconduct. The Prophet included this not just in the current psalm, but primarily to illustrate the state of humanity in the past and how the Only Begotten Word of God, in taking on human form, provided the necessary healing for the afflictions in due season. Additionally, the Prophet warns that those who neglect to embrace this grace will face the most severe afflictions on the day of the Lord’s return.

Evaluate the powerful and the meek, those who have been brought low. He calls upon you, for you have heard the cries of the needy and have listened carefully. Your role is to serve as a judge for the mighty and the humble, bringing consequences to the arrogant. This way, all people, witnessing the discipline of God upon those who have wronged others, may refrain from further elevating themselves, choosing not to boast or to raise themselves above those who are beneath them. The phrase "on earth" refers broadly to humanity or among people.

Honor the lowly Those who faced trials and tribulations in this life have received His reward, for He, as the eternal Sovereign and Righteous Judge, has ensured that mankind will no longer find elevation on this earth.

He declared that the Lord would heed the petitions of the needy, and their plea is for protection against their oppressors. Therefore, as he concludes the psalm, he beseeches God with these words: ‘Since You, O Lord, are like a compassionate Father to the downtrodden and suffering, providing them assistance, listening to their prayers, and fulfilling their needs, render judgment for the poor and meek, asserting: grant justice to all Your humble and lowly servants. Shield them from their persecutors, right the injustices done to them by wicked individuals, so that the mortal man on earth does not elevate himself before You as the Divine in heaven, nor dare to uplift himself against the destitute.

At the Final Judgment, GOD will exact retribution on the wayward orphans, for due to their arrogance, humans will be unable to rise to the heavens and will instead be thrown into the eternal pit of Gehenna. This also pertains to the downfall of the Antichrist.