Psalm 138 (137):4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe his expression of gratitude. He does not simply offer thanks; instead, he invites all the rulers, including the crown princes, to join in this act of thanksgiving. Although he acknowledges their significant authority and might, he emphasizes that they too should express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon others. He articulates this by stating, ‘they have heard all the words of Thy mouth.’ Should they offer their thanks, they will gain tremendous rewards and advantages. Your gifts are freely available to all, allowing anyone who desires to receive and utilize them. No earthly kingdom can provide as much benefit to humanity as the hearing of Your words. For it brings security, strength, beauty, grandeur, and establishes a realm, embodying the glory and power of might.

The title of this psalm is straightforward and does not require lengthy attention, as we are aware of the image David reflected, and in it, we see ourselves as part of this Body. Its complete title is ‘To David himself.’ Yet, let us explore what occurs in David's own experience. Usually, a psalm's title conveys its message; however, in this instance, the title merely indicates the addressee, while the first verse reveals the psalm's essence: "I confess to Thee." Therefore, let us attend to that confession. It is important to note that in Scripture, the notion of confession holds two meanings: acknowledgment of sin and the expression of praise. While the acknowledgment of sin is widely understood, the acknowledgment of praise is less recognized. It is so ingrained that upon hearing phrases like "I confess unto Thee, O Lord," many instinctively respond with gestures of sorrow, not realizing that confession can signify praise. Yet, even our Lord Jesus Christ is portrayed as offering a confession, as evident in the Gospel, where He addresses the Father: "I confess to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth," followed by His acknowledgment of divine revelation: "because you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes." He esteems the Father, acknowledging His care for the humble over the proud. This is the confession we are about to hear—one of praise and gratitude. With all my heart, I offer my entire being as a living sacrifice in Your honor, declaring, "I confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have heard the words of my mouth" (Psalm 137:1). What is this mouth, if not the heart? For we possess a voice known to God alone, one that the human ear cannot grasp. Thus, we have an inner voice where we petition and seek, and if we have prepared a dwelling for God, this is where we speak and are heard. For He is near to each of us, as we live, move, and exist in Him (Acts 17:27-28). Nothing separates us from God except sin. Remove that barrier, and you shall be close to the One you seek.

And before the angels, I will sing to You. I shall not sing before men, but before angels. My song expresses my joy; yet, my earthly joy is for men, while my higher joy is for angels. The wicked do not comprehend the joy of the righteous; for "There is no joy, saith my God, to the wicked." The wicked delights in earthly pleasures while the martyrs find joy in their tribulations. What of St. Crispina, whose feast we celebrate today? She rejoiced in her suffering—when she was seized, taken before the judge, imprisoned, bound, and condemned. The miserable thought her wretched, yet she found joy before the angels.

"I will worship Thy holy Temple" (Psalm 136:2). What is this holy Temple? It is the place we shall inhabit, the place of our worship. We yearn to worship, our hearts are filled with anticipation, seeking a place to give birth to our devotion. What is the setting fit for God’s worship? The Apostle proclaims, "the temple of God is holy; what a temple you are" (1 Corinthians 3:17). God truly dwells among the angels. Hence, when our joy, focused on the spiritual rather than the earthly, rises up to God to sing before the angels, we find that the heavenly assembly itself is God's Temple, and thus we worship it. There exists a Church on earth, and a Church in heaven—one composed of all the faithful, the other of the angels. The God of angels descended to the Church on earth, and the angels served Him here (Matthew 4:11) as He served us; He came, saying, "I am not here to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). The Lord of angels died for humanity. This is why I will worship Thy holy Temple—not a structure made by human hands, but that which You have designed for Yourself.

"And I will confess Thy Name in Thy mercy and Thy truth." What I have received, I will give back according to my ability: mercy in aiding others; truth in discernment. Thus does God assist us, and through this, we find favor with Him. Indeed, "all the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth." There is no other path through which He reaches us, nor we Him. For You have exalted Your holy Name above all things. What is this act of thanksgiving, dear brethren? He elevated His Name over Abraham. From Abraham came Isaac, and God was magnified over that lineage; then came Jacob, to whom God proclaimed, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Subsequently, his twelve sons appeared, and the Name of the Lord was magnified over Israel. Then came the Virgin Mary, and Christ our Lord died for our sins—rising again for our justification (Romans 4:25)—filling the faithful with His Holy Spirit and sending forth men to declare to the Gentiles, "Repent ye" (Matthew 3:2). Indeed, He has magnified His holy Name above all.

"In what day I call upon Thee, thou shalt soon hear me" (Psalm 136:3). Why quickly? Because You said: "While thou art still speaking, I will say, Behold, I am here" (Isaiah 58:9). Why so prompt? Because I do not seek earthly happiness; I have learned holy aspirations from the New Testament. I do not seek land, wealth, temporal health, or victory over enemies; I seek none of these things—therefore, hear me swiftly. Since You have directed my desires, grant me what I seek.

Let us examine what he seeks that warrants his plea, "Hear me rather." What does one desire to be granted greater attention? "You will multiply me." Multiplication can be understood in various ways. Men often multiply their cares: many burdens can seemingly fill one's soul, and one may seem to increase in struggles—a multiplication of need, not abundance. What does this individual yearn for, who asks to be heard in such a manner? He seeks to be multiplied in his soul by virtue.

"Let all the kings of the earth confess to You, O Lord" (Psalm 137:4). It is so, and it occurs daily, proving that it is not a mere idle thought for the future. Yet, when they confess and glorify You, let them not pursue worldly desires. What do earthly kings seek? Do they not already possess dominion? Sovereignty is the pinnacle of earthly ambition; what could they wish for beyond this? They might aspire to some higher authority. However, the greater the position, the more perilous it becomes. Thus, the loftier the kings, the more humbly they must submit to God. They acknowledge His words, for in one nation alone—the Jewish people—were hidden the Law and the Prophets; this nation was entrusted with the very words of God (Romans 3:1-2). The fleece of Gideon symbolizes the Jewish people surrounded by the world, possessing divine ordinances veiled like dew upon wool (Judges 6:37, 39). The time has come for the dew to appear, revealed not hidden. Christ is the embodiment of that dew, the One the Scriptures testify about, yet remain unrecognized by many; still, "they have heard all the words of Your mouth."

"And let them sing in the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord" (Psalm 136:5). Let all the kings sing in the ways of the Lord. In what ways? According to Your mercy and truth. Therefore, let not the kings be proud; rather, let them be humble. Let the ways of the Lord resonate if they embrace humility; let them love, and thus they will sing. Just as travelers sing as they pursue their journey's end, so too should rulers walk in Your ways, singing as they go. What are they to sing? "Great is the glory of the Lord," not the glory of kings.

Consider how he wishes for kings to sing by humbly yielding to the Lord, not standing against Him. For should they rise up, what could result? The Lord is exalted and will regard the humble (Psalm 137:6). Do kings wish to be honored by Him? They must show humility. But what happens if pride takes hold? Can they escape His gaze? Should you hear, "He respects the humble," do not harbor the folly of thinking your pride makes you worthy of His sight. Behold, even if God seems unwilling to see you, does that not strike fear within you? He does not regard the high; instead, He honors the humble. What constitutes highness? It is what He perceives from a distance. So what is given to the proud? The appearance of being seen from afar, but do not presume this equates to true safety; for seeing from a distance results in a distorted view. God sees you perfectly even from afar, yet He is not close to you. Do not find solace in the false security of distance, for clarity does not arise from being perceived less perfectly but from being absent from the embrace of the One who sees you. What then does the humble receive? "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." The proud may exalt themselves as they wish; God remains on high, in heaven. Do you wish for Him to draw near? Humble yourselves, for the higher He is above, the greater you will be raised.

"If I walk in the midst of tribulation, You will revive me" (Psalm 137:7). This truth stands: whatever trials beset you, bring them forth and call upon Him; He will rescue and restore you. Embrace a higher life, and you will perceive all in this life as tribulation, however abundant its apparent prosperity or pleasure; since we have yet to experience that bliss which God preserves for us at the end, it is undoubtedly tribulation. Let us grasp what kind of tribulation he refers to; it is not merely saying, “Should tribulation beset me, Thou wilt deliver me.” He speaks of going through tribulation; it is through this path that You will revive me.

"You have stretched out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand has saved me." Let my adversaries unleash their fury; what further harm can they inflict? They may strip me of wealth, cast me out, abandon me, or afflict me with sorrow. Ultimately, if permitted, they may even take my life; but what more can they do? Their actions cannot sever my bond with You; the more they delay, the more You avenge me... but not to lead me into despair, for thus it is proclaimed, "Your right hand has also saved me."

"Thou, O Lord, wilt recompense me" (Psalm 136:8). I will not seek to repay; You will repay. Allow my enemies to act unrestrained; You will account for what I cannot. Beloved, do not seek personal vengeance, as the Apostle admonishes; rather, yield to the wrath of God; for it is written, "I will avenge; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19). There is further significance to this, one worth contemplating. Lord Christ, You will cover my account. For if I repay, I lay claim; yet You have rendered payment for what You have not taken. Lord, You will account for me. Observe how He pays for us, as seen when they approached Him regarding taxes (Matthew 17:24-26). They questioned the Lord’s disciples about tribute; He instructed Peter to catch a fish where He would find a stater sufficient for their payment. The fish's mouth contained the means to pay not only for Him but for Peter as well. The first to emerge from the water is the Firstborn from the dead. Within that fish, we find symbols of liberation from worldly claims, embodied in the four Gospels; through these, all debts for our sins are reconciled. He then paid for us according to His mercy—having owed nothing for Himself, He granted for us.

The rulers of this world are those who govern over sin, and thus, those who hold such authority are acknowledged. The psalmist does not refer to the secular leaders of this age. It is stated, "The heart of a king is in the hand of God" (Proverbs 21:1). Do you believe that the heart of the wicked Julian was guided by divine providence? Not in the slightest. What about the persecutors, Nero, Maximian, and Decius? Certainly not. Instead, this is true for those with dominion over sin, for the hearts of those who have triumphed over it, conquering mental afflictions and vices, are indeed in the hands of God. "For they have heard all the words of Thy mouth": they have adhered to all Thy commandments.

Upon hearing of this remarkable triumph, they were filled with awe everywhere at the might of the Almighty; particularly following the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior, rulers and nobility lift their voices in worship to the Creator of everything. In that moment of victory, they heard no spoken words but witnessed an incredible act; now, however, they have received the message and delight in the proclamation of the Gospel. When they learned of this significant victory, they were astonished everywhere at the strength of the Almighty; notably, after the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior, even kings and dignitaries offer praises to the Creator of all. In that triumphant moment, they heard no words but beheld a magnificent action; yet today, they have encountered words and take joy in the preaching of the Gospel.

Let all the rulers of the earth acknowledge You, O Lord, for they have listened to all the utterances from Your lips. Furthermore, the rulers of the earth, meaning the devout and the faithful, will offer their gratitude to You, O Lord. And for what reason? Because, as He explains, they have heard the utterances of Your teachings, specifically the words of the law, the prophets, the gospel, and the apostles. Even kings are compelled to express their thankfulness, not merely for other blessings, but for having heard and learned from the words of Your scriptures. From these words flow piety and a righteous life, which is a true and significant gift to the soul.

Through these statements, he conveys that the compassion of God, which he himself has experienced, will endure in memory, and its influence will spread across the globe. When he mentions that the rulers of the earth have heard the words of the Lord, he does not imply that they have attained true righteousness or become part of the church, but rather that he is extolling the glory of God's mercy. This ensures that all are aware of his miraculous rescue from distress and his divine appointment as king. Therefore, even though the neighboring Gentile monarchs were not part of the heavenly teachings, they nonetheless recognized that David had been chosen by God. Indeed, despite years of persecution from Saul, he consistently proclaimed that his reign was sanctioned by divine authority, a fact that was universally acknowledged as arising from God’s grace.

This Psalm was imparted to David by the Holy Spirit in written form, where he foretells the events prophesied by Haggai and Zechariah regarding the restoration of the Lord's house in Jerusalem. It is stated: Haggai the prophet and Zechariah prophesied and commenced the rebuilding of the Lord's sanctuary (1 Ezra 5:2; Haggai 1:14). David expresses gratitude to God, recognizing that in his humility, he was not disregarded but was liberated from his adversaries. He particularly urges rulers to seek God's favor, reflecting his own image, while proclaiming both the grace of Christ the Lord and the turning of hearts toward Him.