Psalm 118 (117):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This should not be viewed as a comparison between God and humanity; instead, Scripture frequently employs such language regarding incomparable matters, recognizing the frailty of its audience at the time. Thus, the intention is not to draw parallels but to accommodate the understanding of the listeners. A different prophet states, 'Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind’ (Jeremiah 17:5). Such reliance is inherently weak, even weaker than a spider's web. Moreover, this hope is not only feeble but perilous; those who have put their trust in men and met with ruin can attest to this. Conversely, hope in God remains steadfast and secure, unaffected by change.

In this Psalm, we are instructed that when we chant Hallelujah, which signifies ‘Praise the Lord,’ we are to respond to the phrase, “I will confess to the Lord” (Psalm 116:1) by offering our praise. The essence of worship cannot be encapsulated in words more succinct than these: ‘For He is good.’ This concise declaration shines with solemnity, as God's goodness is a unique attribute. When someone called the Son of God the Good Teacher, mistakenly viewing Him merely in His human form and not recognizing the fullness of His divine nature, He responded, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God’ (Mark 10:17-18). This indicates that to acknowledge Him as good requires recognizing Him as God. Furthermore, this message is delivered in a revelation for a people liberated from toil and wickedness, bestowed grace by God, who transcends evil by repaying it with goodness; thus, it is fitting to declare, ‘For His mercy endures forever.’

Let Israel now proclaim that He is good, and that His mercy is everlasting (Psalm 116:2). Let the house of Aaron now declare His mercy endures forever (Psalm 116:3). Indeed, let all who reverence the Lord now affirm that His mercy is eternal (Psalm 116:4). Beloved, you recall what the house of Israel signifies, what the house of Aaron represents, and that both revere the Lord. Represented joyfully in another psalm, these groups encompass both the small and the great. Together, we rejoice in His grace, acknowledging Him as good and realizing that His mercy is unfailing. They were heard saying, ‘The Lord may multiply you and your children.’ To the Israelites who believe in Christ, of whom the apostles were a part, an army of Gentiles was to be added, for the exaltation of the perfect and the obedience of innocent hearts. So, as we unite in Christ, we become one flock under one Shepherd, and the body of that Head proclaims, ‘I called upon the Lord in my distress, and the Lord answered me’ (Psalm 116:5). Our trials are limited, yet the vast path we follow is endless. Who can bring any charge against God’s chosen ones? (Romans 8:33).

The Lord is my supporter; I will not be afraid of what man can do to me (Psalm 116:6). Are humans the sole adversaries of the Church? What is a mere mortal but flesh and blood? The apostle clarifies that our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12), referring to the devil and his minions; the very devil identified as the prince of the powers of the air (Ephesians 2:2). Hence, consider this: The Lord is my helper, and I will mock my adversaries (Psalm 116:7). No matter where my foes arise, whether from wicked men or malevolent spirits, with the Lord's assistance, to whom we will sing praises and shout Hallelujah, they will be scorned.

When my foes are brought low, let not my friend come to me masquerading as a trustworthy man, urging me to place hope in him; for it is far better to trust in the Lord than to place any confidence in mankind (Psalm 116:8). Nor should I consider anyone, even if they may seem a good angel, a figure on whom I must depend; for no one is truly good but God alone (Mark 10:18). When anyone, be they man or angel, comes to assist us out of genuine love, it is through the grace of Him who created them good in their measure. Thus, it is more fitting to rely on the Lord than on rulers (Psalm 116:9). Even angels are referred to as princes, as seen in Daniel, where it is said, ‘Michael, your prince’ (Daniel 12:1).

All nations encompassed me, but in the name of the Lord, I cut them down (Psalm 117:10). I was hemmed in on every side, I say, hemmed in; but in the name of the Lord, I smote them (Psalm 117:11). This signifies the struggles and victories of the Church. If one wonders how she could triumph over such great adversity, it is essential to reflect on her own experiences. The phrase “all nations” is intentionally omitted here, as it refers solely to the actions of the Jews. The same devout people, identified as the body of Christ, endured persecution, for even in the mortal realm, through the immortal power of God, He took on flesh and was crucified.

They surrounded me like bees swarm a hive, and burned like fire among thorns; but in the name of the Lord, I smote them (Psalm 117:12). Here, the sequence of the words aligns with events. Indeed, our Lord, the Head of the Church, was encircled by His persecutors as bees surround a hive. The Holy Spirit speaks with profound mystery regarding the actions of those who were unaware of what they were inflicting. While bees create honey in the hive, the Lord's persecutors, albeit unknowingly, made Him all the more sweet through His Passion, allowing us to taste and see how good the Lord is, who died for our transgressions and rose again for our justification (Romans 4:25). The throngs that burned like fire among thorns pertain more aptly to His Body, which constitutes the scattered people drawn from diverse nations and engulfed in trials that consumed their sinful flesh and profound sufferings of this life in the flames of persecution. Avenged upon them may speak of those whose evil that persecuted the righteous eventually perished, joining the ranks of Christ's people; or it may indicate that those who continue to ignore the mercy of Him who calls them will ultimately confront the truth of their Judge.

I was thrust down like a heap of sand, and fell, yet the Lord upholds me (Psalm 117:13). Even though believers may seem numerically vast, akin to endless grains of sand, they can be united in fellowship, yet what is humanity without divine remembrance? He did not declare that the multitude of the Gentiles could surpass the faithful, but rather that the Lord has sustained me. The Gentile persecutions did not dismantle the unity of the believing community.

The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation (Psalm 116:14). Who then collapses under pressure unless they lean on their own strength and acclaim? For in a contest, failure comes to those whose strength falters. Therefore, he whose might and praise are found in the Lord shall not stumble, just as the Lord Himself cannot fall. This is why He serves as their salvation; not because He transforms into something unrecognizable, but because through faith they become something new, witnessing Him as their salvation once they turn toward Him, whom they had previously distanced themselves from.

In the homes of the righteous, there is the sound of joy and salvation (Psalm 117:15), where those who sought to destroy their bodies assumed they would hear only despair and ruin. For they knew not the profound joy dwelling within the saints that stems from their future hopes. Thus, the apostle expresses, ‘I grieve, but I continually rejoice’ (2 Corinthians 6:10), and again states, ‘We glory in tribulations’ (Romans 5:3).

The Lord's right hand has accomplished mighty deeds (Psalm 117:16). What mighty deeds? ‘The right hand of the Lord has raised me up.’ Great deeds include elevating the humble, deifying the mortal, transforming weakness into strength, subjugation into glory, and suffering into triumph; providing aid, lifting from despair so that God's true salvation becomes evident to the afflicted, while the salvation for the unrepentant remains ineffective. These are indeed great acts; yet why be astonished? Keep listening: ‘The right hand of the Lord has performed excellent works.’

I will not perish but live to proclaim the works of the Lord (Psalm 117:17). Yet those sowing chaos and death believed the Church would crumble. Observe now, as He openly declares the works of the Lord. Throughout, Christ symbolizes the glory of the holy martyrs. Overwhelmed, yet He overcame those who struck Him; enduring suffering with love for those who dishonored Him.

Nevertheless, let us understand why the Body of Christ, the Holy Church, the community of believers, has endured such humiliation. ‘The Lord has chastened me severely, yet He has not given me over to death’ (Psalm 116:18). Let no arrogant wicked think their authority stands unchallenged; it would not exist had it not been bestowed from above. Often, a father may instruct his sons through the most unworthy servants, providing an inheritance for the former while restricting the latter. What then is this inheritance? Is it gold, silver, jewels, land, or exquisite estates? Let us observe and learn what it truly entails.

‘Open to me the gates of righteousness’ (Psalm 117:19). We have heard of a gate; what awaits within? ‘That I may enter and give thanks to the Lord.’ Here lies a declaration of praise filled with awe, even within the house of God, in voices of joy, a testimony of gratitude among those who celebrate. This constitutes the unending blessedness of the righteous, a privilege for those who dwell in the house of the Lord, eternally giving praise to Him.

But contemplate how one enters through the gates of righteousness. ‘The righteous shall enter in’ (Psalm 116:20). Let no unrighteous person be permitted to enter into that Jerusalem, which welcomes no unclean souls, where it has been said, ‘Without are dogs’ (Revelation 22:15). It suffices that throughout my long wandering, I resided among the tents of Kedar: I endured the fellowship of the wicked, but this is the gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.

I give thanks to You, O Lord, for You have heard me and have become my salvation (Psalm 116:21). How commendable is the confession of one who does not reveal his wounds to the healer but gives thanks for the health received. Yet the Healer Himself is Salvation.

But who is this we speak of? The stone that the builders rejected (Psalm 116:22), which has become the chief cornerstone. He united both Jew and Gentile into one new man, thereby establishing peace (Ephesians 2:15-16).

The Lord made it so (Psalms 117:23): Thus, the Lord appointed Him the cornerstone. He would not have become this without suffering, yet those from whom He suffered did not make Him so. The builders rejected Him, yet in the secret construction raised by the Lord, He was fashioned as the chief corner, now despised. This is indeed wondrous in our eyes: through the perception of the inner man, seen only by those who believe, hope, and love; not through the worldly eyes of those who, dismissing Him as merely human, turn away.

‘This is the day which the Lord has made’ (Psalm 117:24). This individual recalls what they stated in previous psalms: ‘Since He has inclined His ear to me, I will call upon Him as long as I live’, referring to how He saved me in earlier tribulations; hence they proclaim, ‘This is the day which the Lord has made,’ that is, the day of salvation granted. It is the day of which it was said, ‘In an acceptable time, I have heard you, and the day of salvation, I have helped you’ (Isaiah 49:8), the day in which the Mediator became the chief cornerstone. Let us rejoice and be glad in Him.

‘Save me, O Lord; prosper my way’ (Psalm 116:25). Because it is a time of Salvation, save me; as we, returning from our lengthy pilgrimage, are distanced from those who despised the world, with whom we once maintained peace, and who, upon our speaking, unwarrantedly declared war against us; may our way be prospered as we return, for You are our Way.

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord’ (Psalm 117:26). Cursed, then, is the one who comes in his own name; as stated in the Gospel: ‘If another comes in his own name, him you will receive’ (John 5:43). We have blessed you from the house of God. These words convey the message from those of high spirit who commune with the Word of God, who strive to connect with the Divine in this life yet speak cautiously to reach the small ones, enabling them to earnestly express what the apostle said: ‘For we exist for God’ (2 Corinthians 5:13-14). They extend blessings from the inner sanctum of the Lord’s house, where this praise endures through generations; thus, consider what they proclaim from that place.

God is inherently good, filled with love, eager to act for the benefit of others, and possesses absolute authority that never changes. In contrast, humanity is inherently flawed, with minds that can be twisted; often, people do not desire to do good. When they do wish to act righteously, they may still lack the capacity to defend the wronged. Those in positions of leadership hold their authority only for a limited period, as human power is fleeting and transient. Hence, it is wiser to turn away from reliance on human assistance and instead seek the support of the Almighty.

It is beneficial to place one’s faith in the Lord rather than in human beings. It is more advantageous to rely on the Lord instead of on earthly rulers. The blessed man is the one who trusts in the Lord, contrasting with the words of Jeremiah, who states, "Cursed is he who trusts in man" (Jeremiah 17:6). The wise Sirach reminds us to reflect on past generations, in which we can observe those who relied on the Lord and were not put to shame (Sirach 2:10). However, if someone is led astray by false hope and does not attain what he anticipated, it indicates that his faith was not rooted in God as it should have been. Thus, Paul affirms this truth when he states, "But hope is not ashamed" (Rom. 5:4).

Individuals often seek the favor of rulers, lords, and dignitaries. However, dear Christian, your aspiration is to gain the approval of God, the Almighty, the Sovereign of Heaven. “Put not your hope in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 145:3). “But ye as men die and fall like any of the princes” (Psalm 81:7). “Thy mercy, O Lord, is everlasting: the work of Thy hands shall not be despised” (Psalm 137:8). “Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have trusted in Thee” (Psalm 32:22). “It is better to hope in the Lord than to hope in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in princes” (Psalm 117:8-9).

From the preceding reflections, a valuable encouragement emerges, urging us to place our confidence in God rather than in human beings, no matter how formidable they may appear. God is both capable and willing to extend His support to all who have faith in Him, while people often lack the ability or are distracted by various desires, rendering them unwilling to help. David's experience illustrates this truth; he was frequently misled when relying on his acquaintances but found consistent success when he placed his faith in God. Consequently, he advises everyone, stating that it is beneficial to trust in the Lord instead of depending on mere mortals or noblemen.

This Psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit and filled with joy and jubilation, expresses the immeasurable and infinite compassion of God, the Creator of humanity. It is a heartfelt tribute of gratitude to Him on the day of His magnificent victory, when all of Israel was unified under the sovereign reign of David. This unity symbolizes the coming together of diverse tribes and nations into one kingdom under Christ the Lord, the King of eternal glory, on the momentous occasion of His solemn Resurrection. Let us give thanks, too, to Christ, the Savior of humankind, whose mercy endures forever for those who repent, as His compassion is both eternal and irrevocable.