Psalm 111 (110):4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The entirety of visible creation is, in itself, a remarkable miracle, yet in His desire to awaken many from indifference amidst such beauty, God performed numerous astounding acts, both specific and collective, such as the flood, the scattering of languages, the destruction of Sodom, and significant events involving Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Exodus from Egypt, the wanderings in the wilderness, occurrences in the Holy Land, the period of Babylonian captivity, the age of the Maccabees, after Christ's incarnation, and during His resurrection; these wonders continue into our present time, including the fall of Jerusalem, the birth of the Church, the widespread preaching reinforced by turmoil, the multiplication of obstacles, the army of martyrs, and other extraordinary occurrences. Countless miracles can be observed in individual lives, in households, and within communities. Nevertheless, we will focus only on the prominent, evident, and well-known miracles manifesting in each generation. Consider how many miracles transpired during Julian's reign, who was notorious for his extreme malice, particularly in his persecution of the Church. Reflect on those under Maximian or prior kings as well. If you wish, I can recount the miracles occurring in our own time, such as the sudden imprints of crosses on garments, the temple of Apollo struck down by lightning, the transfer of the holy martyr Babylon's relics to Daphnes, and his evident triumph over demonic forces, the peculiar demise of the royal treasury keeper, King Julian’s own death, the passing of his uncle, and the multitude of calamities including famine and drought that afflicted various cities. You are also aware of the events that unfolded in Palestine. When the Jews attempted to reconstruct the temple that had been brought down by God’s decree, the flames emerging from the foundation scattered the people, underscored by the unfinished project. 'Merciful and generous is the Lord.' Having outlined the divine blessings revealed through miracles and His endeavors on our behalf, the prophet deepens his discourse, affirming that God, having enacted so many grand works of salvation for humanity, who has provided guidance towards the knowledge of God and sublime wisdom, and shaped their lives, does not do this out of obligation; His supreme grace inspires these actions—not out of necessity, but solely from His goodness and benevolence.

This present existence demands that we practice restraint, that amid our groaning and burdensome labors, yearning to don our heavenly dwelling (2 Cor 5:2), we may refrain from worldly indulgences. This calling for abstinence is symbolized by the number forty, a duration echoing the fasts of Moses, Elijah, and the Lord Himself. In contrast, the number fifty—marking the time after our Lord's Resurrection, during which we sing Hallelujah—is not just a passage of time but signifies the conclusion of a specific period without ending the blissful eternity to come. This is encapsulated in the parable of the laborers in Matthew 20:10, demonstrating that the rewards prepared by our Father will be offered equally to those who came first and those who came later. Therefore, let us attune ourselves to the heart of God’s people, overflowing with divine praise. The psalmist depicts one rejoicing in profound joy, representing a people whose hearts are filled with the love of God, emerging as the body of Christ liberated from all wickedness.

"I confess to You, O Lord," says he with sincerity of heart (Psalm 110:1). To confess is not solely to declare wrongdoing; rather, in true confession, one extols the virtues of God. The first speaks of sorrow, while the second rejoices; the former reveals the ailment to the healer, while the latter offers gratitude for restoration. The final form of confession represents not merely freedom from all evil but freedom from ill will as well. Thus, consider the setting where he sincerely confesses to the Lord: "In the council," he states, "of the righteous and of the assembly," referring possibly to those who will occupy twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). In that realm, there will be no unjust persons, no betrayal as with Judas, no attempts to purchase the Spirit like Simon the Magician, who plotted harm; no deceitful individuals like Alexander, who committed many wrongs (2 Timothy 4:14); and no one donning the guise of brotherhood while harboring ill intentions. Such characters exist among those who cause the Church present-day anguish, and they must be excluded when all the righteous are gathered. Such are the magnificent works of the Lord, demanded of all His creation (Psalm 110:2), through whom mercy spares all who confess and holds the wicked accountable (Hebrews 12:6). Let each individual choose the course they acknowledge: the works of the Lord are ordained such that no creature, possessing free will diverging from the Creator's intention, can thwart His purposes, even if they act in opposition. God forbids sin, but should one fall into it, let no one believe that human choices prevail over divine intention. For while God desires that humanity abstain from wrongdoing, He is equally inclined to extend mercy to the sinner, fostering opportunities for repentance and life; whereas He is steadfast in punishing those who persist in disobedience, for they cannot elude the enforcement of justice. Thus, whichever path you pursue, the Almighty will fulfill His divine will in your regard.

Confession and celebrated actions are His endeavors (Psalm 110:3). What greater act of glory exists than the justification of the unrighteous? Perhaps human endeavor may obstruct this glorious work of God; so that, upon recognizing one's sins, a person may be deemed worthy of justification. This is indeed the glorious achievement of the Lord, for He loves most abundantly those whom He grants the most forgiveness (Luke 7:42-48). Furthermore, this is the glory of the Lord: where sin flourished, grace abounded even more (Romans 5:20). It may be possible for a person to seek justification through their deeds; however, as it is written: "Not of works, lest anyone should boast." For we are His creation, crafted in Christ Jesus for noble purposes (Ephesians 2:9-10). A person cannot perform righteous acts unless they have first received justification; believing in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), one begins with faith, ensuring that goodness does not precede what is earned but rather follows what is grace-filled.

He has made His wondrous acts remembered (Psalm 110:4), humbling one while elevating another. Through extraordinary miracles reserved for the appropriate moment, human frailty, seeking novelty, might recall them, even as His daily miracles are of greater magnitude. He formed innumerable trees throughout the earth, yet few marveled; He withered one with a command, astonishing humanity (Matthew 21:19-20). Those miracles that have remained unique, instead of commonplace due to their frequency, resonate most profoundly in the heart. What purpose do miracles serve, if not to inspire reverence? Who would fear material gain were it not for the compassionate and benevolent Lord, who provides sustenance to those who revere Him (Psalm 110:5): nourishment that does not perish, bread descending from heaven, which He has not bestowed upon the unworthy. For Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). No one else could offer such sustenance, save for the loving and merciful Lord. Yet, if He has granted so much for this life, if a sinner deserving justification received the Word who became flesh, what will await him upon glorification in the eternal realm? For He will ever remember His covenant, and the One who made the promise has not withheld anything.

He shall reveal to His people the power of His works (Psalm 110:6). Let not the holy Israelites, who forsook all earthly belongings to follow Him, feel disheartened; let them not say, "Who can be saved?" It is indeed more feasible for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy individual to enter the kingdom of God. For with man this is impossible, but to God all things are possible (Matthew 19:24-26). Thus, they will inherit the nations, for they extended their mission to Gentiles, instructing the rich of this world not to be arrogant or place their trust in transient wealth, but in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17), for He makes what is difficult for men into possibilities. Many were called; the mission to the Gentiles saw instances of those who had not relinquished every possession in this life opting to disregard life itself to profess His name; thus, akin to camels humbling to bear burdens, they entered through the needle's eye by enduring affliction. He accomplished these feats, for to Him, all things are achievable.

The works of His hands reflect righteousness and justice (Psalm 110:7). Let the truth prevail for those being judged here. The martyrs stand accused, summoned to not only judge those who condemned them but also to assess angels (1 Corinthians 6:3), against whom their struggle was waged, even when they appeared to be judged by mere mortals. Let tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, or peril not separate us from Christ. For all His commandments are truthful (Romans 8:35), and He does not mislead; He fulfills His promises. However, we must not anticipate receiving here what He has promised; our hopes should not anchor in these transient things, for they endure eternally and are accomplished in righteousness and truth (Psalm 110:8). It is just and equitable that we labor in this life and rest in the next, for He has sent redemption to His people (Psalm 110:9). But from what are they redeemed other than from the captivity of this earthly journey? Therefore, let us seek no comfort apart from the heavenly promised land. Indeed, God granted the carnal Israelites an earthly Jerusalem, which remains in bondage to their descendants; yet this pertains to the Old Covenant, meant for the old individual. Those who grasped the deeper meaning have, even then, become heirs of the New Covenant, for the Jerusalem above is free, our eternal mother (Galatians 4:25-26). The existence of transitory promises in the Old Testament attests to this, yet He established His covenant eternally. And what could be more than this New Covenant? Whoever wishes to be an heir should not be misled to envision land filled with milk and honey or to covet lush fields or verdant gardens; such desires, rooted in greed, must be uprooted and consumed here. Do not delay bearing those burdens until the afterlife. Let us first seek to avert punishment; shun hell; before reaching toward God who promises, be wary of Him who asserts threats. For holy and revered is His Name.

And so, the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Understanding is beneficial (Psalm 110:10). Who contests this? Yet to comprehend without action is perilous. Therefore, it is wise for those only willing to act subsequently. And let not pride swell in one’s heart; for the reverence of Him whose fear is the beginning of wisdom endures for eternity; this will be the reward, the ultimate goal, the everlasting dwelling place. In this realm, the genuine commandments endure forever; here lies the true inheritance of the New Covenant, ordained eternally. "One thing," says he, "I have desired from the Lord: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." Blessed are those who reside in the house of the Lord; they shall forever extol His name, for His praise endures eternally.

Miraculous acts were manifested at Christ's arrival and afterward during the time of the Apostles, martyrs, and various saints. Even today, He continues to enact miracles in general settings, in private homes, cities, and, as Chrysostom notes, throughout the entire world. Apollinarius reflects on how Christ, recalling the prophesied events of yore, accomplished what was foretold through His actions. For the prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit, foretold the miraculous deeds He would perform. Isaiah asserts, "And there shall be signs and wonders in the house of Israel" (Isaiah 8:18). Theodoret suggests that, as King Jehoshaphat mentioned, God has brought to our minds the ancient miracles witnessed by our forebearers. Through new victories, He reminds us of His triumph over the Egyptians, symbolized by the parting of waters, the uplifted hands of Moses, the defeat of enemies, and many other extraordinary works that those without faith deem as mere myths. Yet, you have made these truths evident. The Lord's nature is one of mercy and generosity. It is clearly indicated that the Lord, who performs these miracles, acts out of compassion and a desire for the salvation of humanity.

In the assembly of the righteous, where two or three are present in the name of the Lord, or within the Holy Church, we are called to dedicate our entire heart to Him, as the law commands: 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, for by His command He created the heavens and the earth, affirming what He spoke and it came to be. God's will raises some high and brings others low.