Psalm 111 (110):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Through the prophet, God communicates that even hardships can be a form of blessing: “I have brought destruction upon you, as God did with Sodom and Gomorrah; I have afflicted you with blight and a scarcity of bread” (Am. 4:11, 9); and through another prophet He declares, “I delivered you from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of bondage,” transforming penalties into blessings (Mic. 6:4). The trials imposed by God are ultimately a means of correction, instruction, and guidance, aimed at stopping wrongdoing. While humans may perform certain actions out of malice and others out of kindness, God’s motives are entirely rooted in love. As a benefactor, He placed humanity in paradise, and as a benefactor, He also expelled them; He caused the flood and brought down fire upon Sodom, for in all things He seeks the ultimate good. Even threats of condemnation serve His purpose as a benefactor. Fathers fulfill their role not only through affection but also through discipline; thus, in moments of correction, they act as true fathers. This is echoed in Paul’s words: “Is there any son whom the father does not chastise?” (Hebrews 12:7) And Solomon affirms: “Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and He favorably treats him as a father does his son” (Proverbs 3:12). “And His righteousness endureth unto the age of ages.” With this, the prophet reassures those who suffer injustice, reminding them that they need not despair when they witness the unjust being mistreated; there exists a fair and impartial judgement that rewards each according to their merit. If you seek this judgement now, be cautious not to turn it against yourself. Indeed, were God to immediately punish every transgression, humanity would long have faced destruction. Consider not only individuals but even the greatest among them—Paul, who preached to the world, was taken up to the third heaven and experienced paradise; he was a chosen instrument and a companion of Christ, leading a life of virtue. Had God not chosen to be patient and merciful with him, but expressed immediate judgement for his blasphemies and persecutions against the Church, he would have missed the chance for repentance. Aware of this, Paul himself testifies: “I thank Him who strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, for considering me faithful, appointing me to His service, even though I was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life” (1 Tim. 1:12, 13, 16). Had God punished the sinful woman immediately, when would she have turned her life around (Luke 7:37)? Similarly, if Matthew the tax collector had faced punishment before his conversion, he would have lost his opportunity for redemption. The same applies to the criminal, the wise men, and all sinners. Consequently, God refrains from unleashing His wrath too quickly, deferring righteous retribution while urging people toward repentance. However, for those who remain obstinate, they will surely face just judgement. Therefore, the prophet offers comfort to the afflicted and clarification to those who cause harm, emphasizing: “and His righteousness endureth forever.” The essence of his message is this: to you who are wronged, do not lose hope in the certainty of reward after your time on Earth comes to an end; you shall be recompensed for your labors. And to you, the sinner and transgressor, do not find solace in your current state; after leaving this world, you will account for all your actions, receiving justice for your wrongdoings. God exists eternally, and His righteousness remains ever-present, posing no hindrance to rewarding virtuous deeds or punishing those who do evil.

This life requires us to practice self-denial, as we, burdened by labor and longing to be clothed in our heavenly dwelling (2 Cor 5:2), must refrain from worldly pleasures, which the period of forty signifies—an echo of the fasts observed by Moses, Elijah, and Christ Himself. The value of fifty, following the Resurrection, is not a mere measure of time, but represents the conclusion of a season, not the beginning of a glorious eternity; for the tithe described in Matthew 20:10, when added to the forty, illustrates the reward promised to diligent laborers, prepared equally for those who have served from the start and those who come later. Let us then heed the heartbeat of God's people, bursting with divine adoration. The psalmist portrays someone enveloped in joy, representing a people whose hearts overflow with love for God; this comprises the body of Christ, liberated from all wickedness.

The psalmist proclaims, “I confess to Thee, O Lord,” with a heart full of sincerity (Psalm 110:1). Confession transcends the acknowledgment of sin; in sincere confession, praise for God flows forth. One mourns while the other rejoices, with one revealing the wound to the Physician, while the other offers gratitude for healing. This ultimate confession signifies liberation not just from evil but from hostility itself. Reflect on the context of this confession to the Lord from a full heart. He states in the council of the righteous, anticipating those who will occupy twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). Among them, there will be no unrighteous individuals, no deceit like that of Judas, no moments from Simon the sorcerer trying to purchase the Spirit while scheming to sell it, nor any deceptive individuals like Alexander the coppersmith engaging in foul deeds (2 Timothy 4:14). Such figures, who currently afflict the Church, will be absent when all the righteous are gathered. These demonstrate the mighty works of the Lord, executed according to His will (Psalm 110:2). Through Him, mercy embraces each confessing heart, and no wickedness remains unaddressed (Hebrews 12:6). Each individual determines their course, as the Lord's works are arranged perfectly; the creature, endowed with choice, cannot thwart the will of the Creator, even if it strays from His path. God desires that you do not sin because He commands against it; however, if you have fallen, do not assume that humanity's actions override divine will. Just as He desires that no sin occurs, He extends mercy towards the sinner for return to life, yet is resolved to deliver justice upon those who persist in wrongdoing. Consequently, whatever decisions you make, God will effortlessly bring about His plan for your life.

The works of His hands showcase truth and justice (Psalm 110:3). What could be a more remarkable act than forgiving the sinner? Some may wonder whether human actions obstruct this glorious work of God, which would deem the sinner worthy of justification upon sincere repentance. The Lord relishes in forgiving dearly, for He loves most those whom He forgives the most (Luke 7:42-48). This exemplifies the magnificent work of God: where sin abounded, grace superabounded (Romans 5:20). Nevertheless, it may appear that a person can achieve justification through their deeds. Yet Paul asserts that this is not of works, lest anyone should boast. We are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good deeds (Ephesians 2:9-10). Righteousness does not manifest unless one is justified; by believing in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), one embraces faith, whereby what follows is a testimony of God’s gifts rather than a display of personal merit.

He has made His marvelous deeds memorable (Psalm 110:4), humbling one and exalting another. He reserves remarkable miracles for the opportune moment, ensuring that human frailty, always seeking novelty, will remember these extraordinary occurrences, though each day holds even greater miracles. He crafted countless trees throughout the earth, yet no one marveled; but when He withered one by mere command, mortal hearts were astonished (Matthew 21:19-20). Miracles serve a purpose: that reverence for God might flourish. Who would cherish gain if the gracious and merciful Lord did not provide sustenance to those who revere Him? (Psalm 110:5); a nourishment that does not perish, the bread from heaven that He grants to His unworthy servants. Indeed, Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). Such nourishment could only come from the kind and merciful Lord. If He has provided so much in this life, what then awaits the sinner, who is justified by receiving the Word made flesh when he is glorified in the ages to come? For He consistently remembers His covenant, and the one who provides the pledge does not withhold anything necessary.

He will manifest to His people the might of His deeds (Psalm 110:6). Let not the holy Israelites, who have forsaken all they possess to follow Him, be disheartened; they should not lament in despair, wondering, “Who can be saved?” It is more achievable for a camel to traverse the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter God's kingdom. What is impossible for men is indeed possible for God (Matthew 19:24-26). He grants them the inheritance of the Gentiles, directing them to the Gentiles and admonishing the wealthy not to feel prideful or secure in fleeting riches, but rather in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17). For it is He who can do what seems impossible to men. Many are called, and the inheritance among the Gentiles is vast, leading several individuals—who may not have relinquished all material possessions—to value their lives as nothing for the sake of confessing His name. They enter, much like camels that humble themselves to bear burdens, through the narrow gate of affliction. He performs these miraculous works; to Him, all things are possible.

The deeds of His hands reveal truth and justice (Psalm 110:7). Let truth triumph where judgments are delivered. The martyrs are condemned in this life only to stand as judges, not only against those who condemned them but also against the angels with whom they grappled here, despite appearing judged by human standards (1 Corinthians 6:3). Let neither tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, nor sword separate us from the love of Christ, for all His commandments are true (Romans 8:35). He is unfailing and fulfills His promises to us. While we should not anticipate seeing His promises realized in this life, they are eternal, established in truth and justice (Psalm 110:8). It is right and just that we labor here and find rest there, for He has bestowed redemption upon His people (Psalm 110:9). From what do they require redemption if not from the chains binding them in this life? Therefore, let us pursue no sanctuary except the celestial kingdom. Indeed, God conferred upon carnal Israelites an earthly Jerusalem, which binds their children; this is the Old Testament, belonging to the old man. Yet those who grasped the figurative meaning were heirs even then of the New Testament; for free is the Jerusalem above, our eternal mother in heaven (Galatians 4:25-26). The very notion of transient promises in the Old Testament is demonstrated by the fact that He commanded His covenant to last forever. And what is this New Testament? Anyone who wishes to inherit it should not deceive themselves, nor should they envision a land flowing with milk and honey, grand estates, or lush gardens overflowing with fruits and shade. Do not covet such things, things that the eye of greed longs for. For since the desire for gain is the root of all evils (1 Timothy 6:10), it must be eradicated to be consumed here; postpone not your fulfillment to the hereafter. First, evade punishment, shun hell; before you desire the God who makes promises, heed the one who threatens. For His Name is holy and honorable.

The fear of the Lord is indeed the beginning of wisdom; good understanding belongs to all who comply (Psalm 110:10). Who can argue against this? However, to understand without acting is perilous. Hence, it is beneficial for those who will act in time. Do not allow knowledge to puff you with pride; the glory belongs to Him whose fear is the foundation of wisdom, and this remains forever; this shall be our reward, our culmination, our eternal home. In this dwelling, we find the true commandments, established forever; here is the inheritance of the New Testament, mandated for all eternity. As the psalmist declares, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” For blessed are those who reside in the house of the Lord; they will always extol His name, for His praise is everlasting.

Theodoret asserts that His works are marked by justice; they are all enshrined in righteousness, governing all things through this eternal virtue. His righteousness is everlasting. David penned these words for the solace of the oppressed and as an admonition for those who wrong others. He notes that God’s judgment, being eternal, awaits both the wronged and the wrongdoer, offering rest to the former and torment to the latter. Furthermore, it emphasizes that God's justice is timeless, signifying its unchanging nature. Chrysostom reiterates: do not allow yourself to be troubled by the slander of others, unjust attacks, or defamation. For there is an incorruptible and impartial judgment that rewards everyone according to their actions, and if you seek that judgment, be mindful to examine yourself first. Theodoret emphasizes that there is no injustice in His deeds; everything is clothed in righteousness, for He governs all by this sacred attribute that remains with Him eternally.

We are called to devote our entire hearts to Him, as decreed by the law: love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matt. 22:37). The greatness of the Lord's work is evident, as by His word He formed the heavens and the earth: what He spoke became reality. The divine will elevates some and brings others low.

The love of God is evident in His intention to rescue humanity from ruin; the truth is revealed in the necessity of fulfilling divine justice for humanity’s transgressions. To accomplish this, it was essential for the Son of God to lower Himself to the position of a servant.