Psalm 111 (110):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In line with Romans 4:15 and Romans 3:23-24, he repeats, "Salvation hath He sent unto His people." Yet, beyond merely providing salvation, the Lord also bestowed the law afterward, intended to guide us in living a life befitting His grace. "Holy and reverent is His name." After highlighting the exalted nature of God's care and providence, illustrated through both the old covenant and the new, along with His deeds, commandments, miracles, and signs, the prophet is inspired and, in awe of God's magnificence, concludes his message with a doxology, offering reverence to the Source of all these wonders. "Holy and fearful is His name," indicating that it is deserving of profound awe and admiration. What makes His name holy and fearful? The very name that instills fear in demons, that causes illness to tremble; by this name, the Apostles transformed the world. With this name as his weapon, David defeated foreign foes. Through this name, countless miraculous works have been achieved, and it is through this name that we conduct the sacred rites. Contemplating the multitude of miracles associated with His name, recognizing the graces it bestows, how it vanquishes adversaries and empowers the faithful, reflecting on deeds that transcend the usual order of things and surpass human comprehension, he proclaims, "Holy and fearful is His name." But if His name is holy, it demands a mouth that is pure and sanctified to offer it praise.

However, our earthly existence calls for our self-denial, urging us to refrain from worldly delights while we strive, burdened and weary, yearning for our heavenly dwelling, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:2. This self-denial is symbolized by the number forty, representing the fasts of Moses, Elijah, and our Lord Himself. The number fifty, which follows our Lord's Resurrection and during which we joyfully sing Hallelujah, is not merely a time frame but signifies the culmination of temporal existence, not of the eternal joy that awaits. The tithe referred to in Matthew 20:10, added to the forty days, represents the reward prepared by our Father for faithful servants, offered equally to both those who have worked long and those who have come late. Therefore, let us attune our hearts to God's people, resounding with divine adoration. The psalm depicts someone bursting with joy—a people whose hearts overflow with love for God—this is the body of Christ, liberated from all evil.

I confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart (Psalm 110:1). Confession is not solely about recognizing sin, but in the sincerity of our confession, we place our praises before God. The first laments, while the second rejoices; one reveals the wound to the Physician, while the other gives thanks for healing. The final confession reflects freedom not just from evil, but also from all resentment. Thus, contemplate the location where he confesses to the Lord wholeheartedly—in the council among the righteous, he speaks of those who will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). Among them, unrighteousness cannot dwell; the treachery of Judas is excluded, as is the foolish desire of Simon the Magician to purchase what should be freely given. The chaos of sin, represented by figures like Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14), will not be tolerated in this assembly. These are the mighty acts of the Lord, which reveal His will. Psalm 110:2: through Him, mercy embraces every confessor, while no wickedness remains unaddressed (Hebrews 12:6). Let everyone choose their own path; the works of the Lord are arranged in such a manner that the creature, endowed with free will, cannot surpass the Creator’s purpose, even if they stray from it. God desires you not to sin, having prohibited it; yet if one does, do not think that mere human choice has prevailed over divine intent. Just as He intended for mankind to refrain from sinning, so too does He seek to spare the sinner, offering grace for return and restored life. Ultimately, He is willing to bring justice upon those who remain unrepentant, ensuring that disobedience cannot escape His righteous power. Thus, regardless of the choices made, the Almighty effortlessly accomplishes His will concerning you.

Confession and glorious deeds are His gifts (Psalm 110:3). What greater act of glory exists than justifying the wicked? Perhaps the actions of man obstruct this magnificent work of God, so that upon confessing one's sins, they may merit justification. This act of glory is significant for He treasures those to whom He bestows the most forgiveness (Luke 7:42-48). The glorious nature of the Lord's work shines brightest where sin has abounded, as grace transcends these sins (Romans 5:20). However, a person may earn justification through righteous acts; yet none can claim this through their deeds alone, as pride would arise, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:9-10). A person cannot perform righteousness except through justification; believing in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5) is the starting point. Therefore, good works do not precede to showcase what is earned, but indeed follow what has been graciously given.

He has made His marvelous deeds memorable (Psalm 110:4). He humbles one and exalts another. By preserving extraordinary miracles for the right time, human frailty remembers these events, even while mundane miracles abound daily. He created countless trees across the earth, yet no one takes notice; with a mere command, He withered one, leaving hearts awestruck (Matthew 21:19-20). The remarkable miracle, often overlooked due to its frequency, engraves itself deeply upon the human heart. Yet were miracles meant simply for awe? Who would be concerned about earthly gain if the gracious Lord didn’t provide sustenance for those who revere Him (Psalm 110:5)? He offers food that does not perish, the heavenly bread bestowed upon the unworthy. Indeed, Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). No one else could offer such nourishment. If the Lord has granted so much in this life, consider how much more will be received when glorified in the life to come. He will always remember His covenant, and He who made the promise has given not His entirety.

He will demonstrate to His people the power of His works (Psalm 110:6). Let not the holy Israelites, who have forsaken all for His sake, be troubled, pondering, who can be saved? For it is 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 what is impossible for man, all is possible with God (Matthew 19:24-26). To grant them the inheritance prepared for the Gentiles. They were sent to the nations to admonish the rich of this world against pride, urging them to place their faith in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17), in whom difficult things become possible. Many were called, plentiful was the inheritance among the nations, such that many who did not forsake their earthly possessions dared even to give up life itself in their quest to confess His name. Like camels yielding to hardships, they have entered as if through the eye of the needle, passing through the piercing trials of affliction. He performed these works through Him for whom all things are possible.

The works of His hands embody truth and justice (Psalm 110:7). Truth must prevail for those undergoing judgment. Here, the martyrs are called to testify, not only over those who condemned them but even over the angels (1 Corinthians 6:3) against whom they battled, though they appeared to be judged by mere mortals. Let neither tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, nor swords sever the bond with Christ. For all His commandments are true (Romans 8:35). He is faithful and does not deceive us, offering what He has pledged. Yet, we should not anticipate the fulfillment of His promises in this life; they are immutable and realized in truth and justice (Psalm 110:8). It is equitable that we toil here while finding rest in eternity, for He has sent forth redemption to His people (Psalm 110:9). What then are they redeemed from, if not the bondage of this pilgrimage? Thus, let us seek no rest except in our heavenly abode. While God granted earthly Jerusalem to the carnal Israelites, which is now enslaved to their descendants, this signifies the Old Covenant, relevant to our former selves. Those who perceived the representation even then were inheritors of the New Covenant; for free is the Jerusalem that is above, our eternal mother in heaven (Galatians 4:25-26). The transitory promises of the Old Covenant are evident in their fleeting nature. Yet, He has established His covenant eternally. What could this New Covenant be? Let no one delude themselves by imagining it pertains to lands flowing with milk and honey or to fruitful estates; do not covet such things that the greedy heart desires. For the love of money is the root of all evils (1 Timothy 6:10); it must be uprooted and consumed here—not postponed for satisfaction later. First, shun punishment and flee from hell; before yearning for God who promises, be wary of Him who threatens. For holy and honorable is His Name.

Therefore, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Understanding is good (Psalm 110:10). Who can dispute this? Yet to comprehend without action is perilous. Thus, it is beneficial for those who will act afterward. And let not wisdom lead to pride; for the praise of Him, whose reverence is the beginning of wisdom, endures forever. This shall be the reward, the ultimate goal, and the everlasting dwelling. Here lie the true commandments, established forever; here is the genuine inheritance of the New Covenant, mandated eternally. One thing have I desired from the Lord, which I shall 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 shall continually praise Him, for His praise endures forever.

With the arrival of the new, the old covenant became obsolete.

Isychias spoke about the salvation accomplished by the Savior, and Zacharias, foretelling the birth of Christ, declared, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people." Didyma noted that this redemption is inseparable from Him who said, "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many." Through His precious blood, we are liberated from the futility inherited from our ancestors, in accordance with the words of the Firstborn. Holy and awe-inspiring is His name. Christ affirms that His name is holy because it performs countless miracles and is formidable because it drives out demons and heals the sick. To honor this holy name, it must be voiced by pure lips.

Chrysostom remarked on the holiness and reverence of His name, filled with astonishing wonder. If His name commands such fear, how much greater must His essence be? His name invokes terror in demons and ailments alike; through Him, the apostles transformed the world; by Him, David wielded power against adversaries; countless wonders occur through Him; we find sanctification in the sacred administration of the holy sacraments. This anointing of the Lord encompasses the fullness of holiness, which John attests to: "But you have the anointing of the Holy One." It also instills fear, for He is identified as the judge; the Father claims, "He judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son." For believers, His name is holy and full of blessings, yet for those who do not believe and live unrighteously, it brings about suffering and retribution.

This salvation has been accomplished through Christ, who liberated humanity from the curse of the law, the burden of sin, and the dominion of darkness, all at the cost of His sacrificial blood. In this manner, He has established an everlasting covenant among us, serving as the assurance of eternal salvation and the promise of everlasting life. The old covenant that guaranteed the land of Canaan was not everlasting, as evidenced by history. Consequently, the Prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, "These days are coming, says the Lord, and I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not according to the covenant which I made with their ancestors" (Jer. 31:31, 32). The subsequent phrase, "Holy and fearful is His name," reveals how we might dwell continuously in the covenant of the Lord and receive His promises. The One who established His covenant throughout the ages is holy and thus abhors the impurity of sin, as stated, "Be ye holy, for I am holy, the Lord your God" (Lev. 11:44). Moreover, His holiness necessitates that He punishes those who are defiled and unclean; therefore, it is indeed dreadful to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31).

The assembly of the righteous, where two or three gather in the name of the Lord, represents the Holy Church. We are called to commit our entire being to Him, in accordance with the law: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37). The greatness of the Lord's works is evident, for with a single command He brought forth the heavens and the earth; His word was fulfilled. The will of God elevates one while bringing low another.