Psalm 111 (110):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Truly, had He acted purely by justice, all would have been lost. Hence, the same prophet states elsewhere, “Thou shalt not enter into judgment with Thy servant, for none of them that live shall be justified before Thee” (Psalms 142:2); and again, “If iniquity be seen of Thee, O Lord, O Lord, who shall stand?” (Psalms 129:3). Therefore, everything that emanates from God is replete with both justice and mercy. If He had acted only with strict justice, everything would have failed; and if He had relied solely on humanity, many would have become even more negligent. Hence, for the salvation of humankind, He varies His actions, thus facilitating their correction. “Faithful are all His commandments.” Like in other passages, the prophet moves from the wisdom of God, which is evident in creation and various forms of work, to His law, highlighting a novel aspect of His providence. Indeed, God not only nurtures humanity by creating a multitude of beings but also by establishing the law. This is why the prophet, in the eighteenth psalm, differentiates between these two aspects of divine provision, stating at the onset, “the heavens shall tell of the glory of God,” and after discussing creation, he adds, “the law of the Lord is pure: it converts souls; the testimony of the Lord is right: it smartens babes. The justifications of the Lord are right: they cheer the heart; the commandment of the Lord is light: it enlightens the eyes” (Psalm 18:1, 8, 9). Thus, after recounting God’s signs, wonders, and works, he shifts to the commandments, proclaiming, “All His commandments are faithful, established forever, written in truth and righteousness.” His use of “all” signifies a multitude of commandments. There are the laws of creation, which all creatures, including the sun, moon, day and night, stars, and the natural order, abide by. In the beginning, laws were given to human nature at the time of man's creation. As Paul notes, “when the Gentiles, not having the law, by nature do lawful things, they are a law unto themselves” (Rom. 2:14); and again, “according to the inward man I find pleasure in the law of God” (Rom. 7:22). The commandments that have been inscribed endure to this day; and if some seem abolished, it is because they have been transformed, not for the worse, but for the better. Thus, the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” remains not abolished but reinforced; similarly, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” stands not diminished but emphasized. Therefore, the Lord said, “Think not that I am come to break the law or the prophets: I am not come to break them, but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). Indeed, one who harbors no anger will far more certainly refrain from murder, and one who gazes at a woman with pure eyes will distance himself from adultery. Consequently, the law possesses the unique quality of being everlasting, for both the law of nature and the natural law endure, along with the law of the old covenant and the law of the new covenant. For this reason, the Lord asserted, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35), illustrating their unchangeability. What is destined to persist by God’s will remains steadfast, and nothing can unsettle these truths.

The number forty symbolizes this abstinence, echoing the fasts of Moses, Elijah, and even the Lord Himself. In contrast, the number fifty represents the period following our Lord's resurrection, a time during which we joyously sing Hallelujah. This signifies the culmination of a specific season, yet it does not denote the end of our blessed eternity. The tithe mentioned in Matthew 20:10, when combined with the forty, illustrates the rewards set aside for faithful laborers in life, prepared by our heavenly Father for all.

Let us therefore heed the heart of God's people, who are filled with divine adoration. In this psalm, we encounter a joyous soul, a people whose hearts overflow with the love of God—namely, the body of Christ, liberated from all malice. I wholeheartedly confess to You, O Lord, as proclaimed in Psalm 110:1. Confession need not always be a lament of sins; rather, it can be an expression of faithful praise to God. The first acknowledges their wounds to the physician, while the second expresses gratitude for healing. The final confession implies freedom from all evil and a complete separation from ill-intent. Consider the setting of this heartfelt confession to the Lord: "In the council of the righteous and of the assembly." This hints at those who will occupy twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). There will be none among them marked by unrighteousness—no betrayal like that of Judas, no desire to purchase the Spirit as seen in Simon the sorcerer's misguided ambition, no deceitful individuals like Alexander the coppersmith who committed various wrongs (2 Timothy 4:14). Such figures must be excluded as the Church now bears the burden of acknowledging them, which will surely occur when the righteous are united. These signify the marvelous works of the Lord, executed according to His sovereign will (Psalm 110:2): through which mercy does not overlook any confession, nor does evil go unpunished (Hebrews 12:6).

Let each man choose what he wishes to enumerate: the works of the Lord are not configured so that His creation, with the freedom granted to it, can surpass the Creator’s desires, even if it acts contrary to His will. He does not desire your sin; He forbids it. Yet if you do err, do not assume that a man has accomplished what he wished while God acted against His desire. Just as He intended for man not to sin, He is likewise eager to show mercy to the sinner so they may repent and live. Yet, He is determined to mete out justice to the unrepentant, for the disobedient cannot escape His righteous judgment. Thus, whatever course you follow, the Almighty will seamlessly fulfill His purposes concerning you.

Confession and glorious deeds are His creation (Psalm 110:3). What greater work could there be than the justification of the unrighteous? Perhaps a person's actions may impede this glorious work of God, so that having confessed their sins, they are deemed deserving of restoration. This is indeed a glorious act of the Lord; for He loves most those whom He forgives most (Luke 7:42-48). It is written: where sin abounded, grace superabounded (Romans 5:20). Yet, a person might earn their justification through their deeds, but it is made clear that such works should not lead one to boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:9-10). A person cannot perform righteousness unless they are justified, beginning with belief in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5). This faith precedes works, so that the good may not precede one’s earned merit, but rather follow what has been graciously received.

He has made His wondrous acts unforgettable (Psalm 110:4): humbling some while exalting others. By reserving extraordinary miracles for appropriate moments, He allows human frailty to recall them, even while His daily miracles are even greater. Countless trees were created in all the earth, yet few marvel at them; He dried one up with merely a word, leaving mortals in awe (Matthew 21:19-20). The remarkable miracle, as it is less frequently witnessed, evokes a more profound remembrance in the heart. If miracles serve the purpose of instilling fear, who would fear the loss of gain, if not for the grace and kindness of the Lord, who provides sustenance for those who revere Him? (Psalm 110:5) This nourishment does not spoil; it is the bread that descends from heaven, which He has not given to the unworthy, for Christ died for sinners (Romans 5:6). No one else could have provided such sustenance. If He has offered so much in this life, what might He provide when a sinner is glorified in the world to come? He will ever remember His covenant. The One who offered the pledge will not withhold anything.

He will demonstrate to His people the might of His works (Psalm 110:6). Let the holy people of Israel, who relinquished all to follow Him, not be disheartened or wonder, “Who can be saved?” For it is easier for a camel to traverse the eye of a needle than for a wealthy individual to access the kingdom of God. For with humanity, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:24-26). He will grant them the inheritance of the Gentiles. They reached out to the Gentiles, urging the affluent not to put their trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17), who makes what is impossible for men achievable. As many were called, so vast was the inheritance among the Gentiles that even many who did not abandon their possessions for His sake nonetheless scorned their very lives in confessing His name. Like camels humbling themselves to bear burdens, they entered through the narrow path of tribulations. He carried out these acts to whom all things are possible.

The works of His hands embody truth and justice (Psalm 110:7). May truth resonate for those discerning the judgments rendered. Here the martyrs stand in judgment, not only to condemn those who judged them but also to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3), against whom they battled, even while being seemingly judged by men. Let neither tribulation, affliction, famine, nakedness, or sword separate us from Christ, for all His commands are true (Romans 8:35). He is unwavering in His promises. We should not expect fulfillment of His promises in this life; rather, we should recognize they endure eternally and are brought to fruition in truth and righteousness (Psalm 110:8). It is just that we labor here and find rest there, for He has granted His people redemption (Psalm 110:9). Yet, what do they need to be redeemed from but the bondage of this earthly journey? Therefore, let us seek no rest except in our heavenly homeland. Indeed, God provided the carnal Israelites with an earthly Jerusalem, which remains in bondage to their descendants: this pertains to the Old Covenant, relevant to the old self. However, those who grasp the symbolism present there were already heirs of the New Covenant; for the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our eternal mother (Galatians 4:25-26). The transitory promises of the Old Covenant are evidenced by their very nature, yet He commanded His covenant to endure forever. And what is the New Covenant? Whoever seeks to be an heir should not be deceived by ideas of land abundant with milk and honey, of luxurious estates, or of fruitful and shaded gardens; do not covet such things, or the desires of the greedy heart. Since the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), it should be uprooted to be destroyed here, and not postponed for gratification there. Prioritize escaping punishment, evading hell; before desiring the God who offers, beware of the threats of the one who condemns. For His Name is holy and honorable.

Thus, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Understanding is commendable (Psalm 110:10). But to understand without acting upon it is perilous. It is prudent for those who intend to follow through later. And let not this exalt the mind toward pride; for the praise of Him, whose fear is the foundation of wisdom, endures forever. This shall be the reward, the culmination, the eternal dwelling place. Here lie the true commands, established for all time; herein lies the inheritance of the New Covenant, ordained eternally. "One thing," he declares, "I have asked of the Lord, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all my days." Blessed are those who reside in the house of the Lord; they shall forever offer praise, for His praise is everlasting.

Chrysostom elaborates on this, indicating that Scripture consistently references humanity through the lens of truth. This suggests that God's actions are intertwined with humanity and truth, as God continually merges the two in His workings. Without the element of humanity, we would fall into negligence; conversely, a sole focus on truth would lead to our demise, leaving no hope for salvation.

The faithfulness of His commandments is paramount. The Lord declared that all His commandments are trustworthy. This encompasses various commandments: first, those established at creation, upheld by the heavens, celestial bodies, and all inanimate and living things; second, those innate to human nature, observed even by Gentiles lacking written laws; third, those inscribed in the Law of Moses; and fourth, the teachings found in the Gospel. All these commandments are steadfast and unchanging. While some precepts from the Mosaic Law have transformed within the light of the Gospel, they have evolved into a superior and more exalted law. Thus, their permanence remains unshakeable. Truly, I tell you, Heaven and earth will pass away, but not a single letter will disappear from the law until all is accomplished; likewise, Heaven and earth shall pass, but My words will never pass away (Matt. 5:18, 24, 35).

Chrysostom explains that the term "faithful" denotes reliability and constancy; should they be violated, consequences are inevitable, reflecting their immovable nature. If humanity strays from these commandments, God will ensure protection against such transgressions. This should not be seen merely as a threat or exaggeration. No lawgiver solely invokes threat; there is also a purpose of moral instruction. Basil further asserts that if all His commandments are indeed faithful, then any departure from what is written, or any alteration of unwritten traditions, signifies a break from fidelity and reveals a spirit of pride.

In the book of Leviticus, specifically in chapter 18, God explicitly prohibits acts such as incest, adultery, sexual immorality, idolatry, and other offenses, highlighting that "All these abominations have the men of the earth done, which were before you, and the earth is defiled."

In the assembly and among the faithful, where two or three are gathered in the Lord's name, or in the Holy Church, we are called to wholeheartedly give our devotion to Him, as the law commands: love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matt. 22:37). The works of the Lord are indeed marvelous, as He spoke, and creation came into being, illustrating that God's will lifts some up while bringing others low.