Psalm 12 (11):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Another translator, Symmachus, declares, I will provide a clear salvation. Consider the strength found in humility. The might of those who are poor — by this, I refer to the broken-hearted — lies in God’s intercession on their behalf during their suffering. The prophet centers his message not on their lives or virtues but on their distress, stating that they bow before God, imploring His justice and retribution. This illustrates the essence of enduring offenses with fortitude; this is the manner in which God attends to those wronged without cause. Their greatest protection comes from misfortune and hardship. The power of heartfelt sighing is tremendous; it summons divine assistance. Take heed, you who wrong the poor.

The Purpose of the Son This statement reflects the will of God the Father, who, out of compassion for the impoverished and those in need, recognized it fitting to send His Son for their benefit. It is evident that He entrusted to Him the task of alleviating the suffering of the destitute and offering comfort to the brokenhearted.

Some, like Basil the Great, indicate that the term poor refers to those who were once affluent but have subsequently lost their wealth, as indicated by the scripture: ‘the rich become poor’ (Ps. 33:10). A beggar is one who relies on his own diligence to procure sustenance. Those who had faith in Christ exemplified this state of poverty; they forfeited their riches and, through their labor and effort, secured what they needed for their sustenance. The terms beggar and poor are often used interchangeably. Furthermore, it can be interpreted that God expresses His intention to soon arise and avenge the sufferings and cries of the wronged. The phrase ‘I will arise’ and enact vengeance, although articulated by David in a way suitable for humanity, should be understood in a manner appropriate for the Divine.

Compassion for those in need. This refers to the impoverished and spiritually lacking; in response to their cries, He declares, I will rise, I will grasp salvation, and I will not be burdened by it. Rather, I will make the message of salvation known to all, ensuring that it resonates in every corner. Truly, it is proclaimed across the entire world.

I will not overlook those who mourn and lament due to the transgressions directed at them; rather, like a fleeting vision, having set aside patience, I will manifest their redemption in radiant glory. Thus, as Simmachus interpreted, I will provide a tangible deliverance. The Prophet affirmed that the promises made would certainly come to pass, stating: For the sake of the afflicted and the groans of the destitute, I will arise now, says the Lord.

For the suffering of the destitute and the lamentation of the afflicted, I have risen, says the Lord. The term "now" should be interpreted in the context of a predetermined time. The essence of this declaration is that Christ proclaims His resurrection for the anguish of those ensnared by falsehood due to ignorance, which sorrow manifests not as mere groans, similar to the sentiment expressed in the scripture, He hath not forgotten the cry of the poor (Psalms 9:10). The plight of the poor functions as their appeal to God. Some, like Basil the Great, suggest that "poor" refers to those who were once wealthy but have since lost their possessions, as articulated in the phrase, ‘the rich become poor’ (Psalm 33:10). A beggar actively seeks sustenance through honest labor.

Initially, He proclaims in the eleventh Psalm, ‘For the passion of the poor, and the sighing of the afflicted, I will now rise again, saith the Lord’ (Psalm 11:6). However, some interpret these words as reciprocal, noting that He has often risen in anger to bring judgment upon His adversaries. Next, consider the fifteenth Psalm, which asserts clearly, ‘Preserve me, O Lord, for in you I have trusted’ (Ps. 15:1); and further, ‘I will not gather their councils from their blood, neither will I mention their names by my mouth’ (4).

The phrase I will arise symbolizes the emergence of the One who is free from any human frailty associated with rest. When He proclaims, I will arise, it means, ‘I will manifest and reveal Myself through the Son,’ as the Father and the Son share a single authority and undivided glory. The Father reveals Himself in the Son, as stated in the Gospel, He who has seen Me has seen the Father (John 14:9).

Christ the Redeemer took on human form, suffered, died, and rose, placing Himself in the tomb for the salvation of all humanity, which He indeed accomplished. Our loving Lord, prior to His resurrection, faced mockery, scorn, and a multitude of humiliations, culminating in crucifixion and death on the cross for our redemption. The prophets clearly foretold the details regarding the Redeemer's birthplace, His ministry, and His resurrection. This truth is available to everyone, though not all have embraced it.

The Lord descended from the heights of heaven to uplift the lineage of the righteous. The adversary unleashed all means of his malevolence: the Lord of glory was crucified and laid in the grave, yet faithful is He who declared: I am risen, I am laid up for salvation. Jesus Christ triumphed over death, and His tomb became the cornerstone of humanity's salvation. The Holy Spirit was abundantly poured out from the heights of heaven upon the apostles; soon the world was revitalized by their proclamation, evil began to yield to righteousness, and the assembly of the godly continues to expand and flourish. Thus, God's promise was realized: I will be raised up, I will be saved. Likewise, the holy prophet was not misled, who proclaimed at these words: I will not be afraid of Him, meaning I will boldly declare Him.