Psalm 124 (123):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The situation was indeed dire, not just due to the formidable and fearsome adversaries—filled with intense wrath and eager to tear apart flesh—but also because the defenders were few, fragile, and easily ensnared, surrounded by severe trials and threatened on multiple fronts. However, the One who is eternally Mighty and inclined to save has effortlessly delivered us, even after we faced dire straits. To convey this, he remarked: “our soul was delivered like a bird from the net of the fowler: the net was torn, and we were delivered.”

The monk Nikita Stifatiosky interprets the bird as the soul of every saint, which is light, has wings, and can swiftly take flight. When it perceives the deception and the snares of human and demonic hunters, it soars upward without hesitation. In contrast, the soul of a sinner, burdened by grave iniquities, is unable to rise and therefore easily ensnared by the devil's trap. This snare, emblematic of true sin, ensnares such souls. Additionally, Nikita's writings mention that those caught by deceitful words are akin to prey vulnerable to the wicked. However, Israel, who remains unscathed and possesses the Lord, expresses gratitude to Him. The nets symbolize the enticing lures and false promises of tempters, including deceitful speech, material wealth, family, possessions, and honors. Yet, a faithful servant of God, rising above these distractions, offers thanks to God for breaking these snares and granting freedom.

Chrysostom asserts that we are liberated from the nets that ensnare us, for Christ has triumphed over the devil—why then do we falter? It is due to the carelessness of those who are spiritually asleep. Who can be overthrown by a slumbering foe, even if the adversary is weaker? Why should you fear him? Do you not recognize your Helper? Not only is the enemy diminished, but you also possess greater support. Bezymenny observes that each time we resist the temptation to sin, the net is broken, and we are set free.

The more cunning his tricks are, the more we are surrounded by dangers, trials, and suffering. Who among us can discern these concealed traps and escape from them? Countless traps, diverse traps, hidden and invisible traps lurk all around, set for our destruction! Who can avoid them unless it is You, O Lord, who reveals them and with Your mighty hand protects us from harm? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!' For He shall deliver you from the snare” (Psalm 91:1-3). “To You, O Lord, I lift up my eyes; O my God, in You I trust; do not leave my soul destitute! Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the traps of those who do evil” (Psalm 140:8-9). “In the way I walk, they have laid a trap for me. I looked to my right and saw there was no one who knew me; no one cared for my soul. I cried out to You, O Lord: 'You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I'” (Psalm 141:4-6). “Preserve me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; deliver me from unjust men who have sought to ensnare my feet. The proud have set traps for me; they have stretched nets of cords across my path. I said to the Lord, 'You are my God; give ear to the voice of my supplications! O Lord, O Lord, the strength of my salvation! You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not hand me over to the desires of the wicked; do not forsake me, lest they triumph over me” (Psalm 140:4-9). “Do not give the soul of Your servant to the beasts” (Psalm 73:19), “Give me a song of thanksgiving; blessed be the Lord, who has not allowed us to be prey to their teeth!” Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the hunters' trap; the snare is broken, and we are free. Our help is in the name of the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:6-8).

In summary, the prophet depicts God's people as defenseless, vulnerable, and powerless, confronted not only by fierce adversaries but also ensnared by deceit at every turn, leaving them incapable of resisting through intellect or arms, with death looming from every direction. Consequently, it is clear that their deliverance was nothing short of miraculous.

1 and 2); indeed, we would have been vulnerable to the assaults of enemy forces (3-5), for if the Lord had not been among us… The phrase could be literally rendered as “if it were not that the Lord was with us.” The term “kako” underscores this point, signifying “if it had not been for the Lord's presence with us.” In verse 5 of the Hebrew, it expresses a longing as if to say, “how we wish the mighty waters had swept over our souls.” This final phrase, interpreted in the Greek, refers to a profound depth of water, indicative of peril from which there is no escape; some early Church Fathers interpreted this as immense water, while others moved from metaphor to the reality of dire tribulations, understanding it as unbearable oppression leading to destruction. Therefore, let us bless the Lord who has rescued us from peril (6, 7): He is the Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, our helper, and upon Him we place our hope (8).

If the Lord had not been within us, the malevolent demons would have consumed us; consider what our adversary, the devil, might attempt, having sought to lead the apostles astray. This relentless and insatiable foe, had he not been continuously restrained, could have corrupted and shattered everything. If he, having gained a minor foothold over the blessed Job, was able to reduce his home to ruins, afflict his body, unleash grievous calamities, strip away all his possessions, kill his children, infest his flesh with disease, turn his wife against him, and turn his friends into foes—then, if left unchecked, would he not have destroyed everything? The relentless tide of malevolence and demonic allure is vanquished through the waters of holy baptism, unceasing prayer, enduring sorrows, and the tears of repentance. The teeth represent demonic cruelty, while the traps symbolize the enchantments of idolatry, from which humanity was liberated by the incarnation of Christ the Savior.