Psalm 138 (137):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He did not declare, ‘You will eliminate suffering,’ but rather, ‘In the midst of suffering, You will bring me to life,’ meaning that You can rescue me amidst all dangers. It is both astonishing and remarkable to secure the safety of a person besieged by hardships and adversaries while they are still engulfed by those very threats. ‘Upon my wrathful enemies Thou hast stretched out Thy hand.’ Another translation states: against the breath of my foes, Thou shalt extend (αναπνοη̃ς... εκτενει̃ς). Do you perceive the greatest power reaching out on both sides? And I, who find myself surrounded by distress, Thou canst deliver, while those who are possessed, raging with wrath, Thou canst subdue and bring to peace.

The designation of this psalm is brief and uncomplicated, and we need not linger on it, as we understand the image that David represented, recognizing ourselves within it as members of this Body. The full heading reads, "To David himself." However, let us consider what transpires with David himself. A psalm's title typically informs its content; in this instance, however, it primarily indicates to Whom it is addressed, with the essence of the psalm revealed in the first verse: "I confess to Thee." Thus, let us listen to this act of confession. It is important to note that in Scripture, the term confession assumes two meanings: acknowledgement of sin and expression of praise. While the acknowledgment of sin is widely understood, the expression of praise is often overlooked. This notion of sin is so familiar that upon encountering the phrases "I confess unto Thee, O Lord" or "We confess unto Thee," our reflex is to beat our breasts, mistakenly assuming confession relates solely to sin. But was not our Lord Jesus Christ, who proclaimed, "I confess to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth," devoid of sin? He articulates His confession in a manner that allows us to comprehend it as an act of praise rather than sin: "I confess to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto infants." He glorified the Father by highlighting His regard for the humble over the proud. This is the confession we are about to witness, one of praise and thankfulness. With all my heart, I place my entire being on the altar of Your praise, offering You a fragrant sacrifice of worship. "I confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have heard the words of my mouth" (Psalm 137:1). Which mouth, except that of my heart? For we possess a voice that reaches God but is unheard by human ears. We have an inner voice where we ask, where we make our pleas, and if we prepare a dwelling for God, therein we speak and are heard. He is not distant from any of us; “for in Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:27-28). Nothing separates us from God except sin. Remove the barrier of sin, and you will find communion with Him whom you seek.

And I will sing to You before the angels. I will not sing before men, but before angels. My song expresses my joy; yet my joy is bound to lower things for men, while my joy for higher things resonates before the angels. The wicked cannot know the joy of the righteous: “There is no joy, says my God, for the wicked.” The wicked rejoices in revelry, while the martyr exults in chains. What was St. Crispina's joy, commemorated today? She rejoiced at her capture, her trial, her imprisonment, her binding, her execution; all these tribulations brought her joy, while those around her deemed her wretched as she rejoiced before the angels.

I will worship in Your holy Temple (Psalm 136:2). What is the holy Temple? It is that place where we will dwell and worship. We rush to worship; our hearts are eager, ready to give birth as they seek a place for this offering. Where should God be worshipped? The Apostle states it well: “the temple of God is holy” and “what a temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:17). Clearly, God dwells among angels. Thus, when our joy, rooted in spiritual matters rather than earthly ones, rises to the heavens in song before angels, that very assembly of angels constitutes the Temple of God, and we participate in worshiping that Temple. There is an earthly Church and a heavenly Church: the earthly Church comprises all the faithful, while the heavenly Church encompasses all the angels. The God of angels came down to the earthly Church, and the angels ministered to Him here (Matthew 4:11) while He served us, declaring, “I came not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). The Lord of angels died for humanity. Therefore, I will worship Your holy Temple; I refer not to a temple made by human hands but to that which You have established for Yourself.

And I will confess Your Name in Your mercy and truth... and I will repay You according to what You have granted me: mercy in assisting others, truth in discerning rightly. This is how God sustains us, by which we attain His favor. Indeed, “all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.” There is no other means for Him to reach us, nor for us to come to Him. For You have exalted Your holy Name above all things. What does this gratitude signify, brethren? He magnified His holy Name over Abraham. From Abraham came Isaac; God was glorified in that lineage. Then came Jacob; God proclaimed, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” From thence came his twelve sons, and the Name of the Lord was magnified over Israel. Then appeared 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 men to declare to the Gentiles: “Repent ye” (Matthew 3:2). Behold, He has magnified His holy Name above all.

“In the day that I call upon Thee, Thou wilt hear me quickly” (Psalm 136:3). Why quickly? Because You have proclaimed: “While you are still speaking, I will say, Behold, I am here” (Isaiah 58:9). Why so swiftly? Because my pursuits now transcend earthly happiness; I have learned sanctified aspirations from the New Testament. I seek not land, worldly abundance, temporal health, the defeat of my adversaries, riches, or status—none of these desires occupy my heart; therefore, respond to me swiftly. Teach me what to seek, and grant my desires.

Let us examine what he seeks, to understand why he implores, "Hear me swiftly." What do you desire, seeking to be heard more favorably? You will multiply my essence. Multiplication can be understood in various ways. Men may experience a multiplication of concerns within their souls, appearing more fragmented than fulfilled—the multiplication of need rather than abundance. What do you long for, when you plead for a favorable response, while entirely withdrawing from the body and earthly desires? You express to God: You will multiply my soul with virtue.

"Let all the kings of the earth confess to You, O Lord" (Psalm 137:4). It shall indeed be so, and indeed, it already is; this illustrates that it was spoken not in vain but as a prophetic promise. Yet let them, when confessing and praising You, refrain from desiring earthly possessions. What can the kings of the earth truly seek? Have they not already attained sovereignty? Everything more that one might wish for on earth culminates in sovereignty; what could they covet beyond that? Perhaps a position of greater danger; thus, the loftier the kings of the earth rise, the more they must humble themselves before God. What is their motivation? Because they heed all the words that come from Your mouth. In one nation alone were contained the Law and the Prophets, the words of Your mouth—the Jewish people alone received these divine declarations, a nation praised by the Apostle for their entrusted revelation, considering, “What advantage has the Jew? Much in every way, primarily because they were entrusted with the oracles of God” (Romans 3:1-2). What was the significance of the fleece of Gideon? It symbolizes the Jewish people amidst the world, having received grace in ordinances hidden as the dew on a fleece (Judges 6:37, 39). The time has come for the dew to be revealed; it has become manifest, no longer concealed. Christ alone embodies the sweetness of this dew—a recognition obscured in the Scriptures for whom they were written. Yet, still they have received all the words from Your mouth.

And let them proclaim the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord (Psalm 136:5). Let all the kings of the earth sing in acknowledgment of the Lord’s ways. Which paths? Those that are rooted in Your mercy and truth. Thus, let not the kings of the earth succumb to pride; let them embody humility. If they humble themselves, singing in the ways that lead to love, they will indeed sing. Travelers on a journey commonly sing as they rush toward their destination. There are songs of wickedness suited to the old self; yet the new man possesses a new song. Let the kings of the earth walk in Your ways, letting their songs echo forth. What shall they proclaim? "Great is the glory of the Lord," not of kings.

Consider how he longs for kings to sing in humility, enduring under the Lord's sovereignty rather than rebelling against it. For if they rise against Him, what ensues? The Lord is exalted and will look upon the humble (Psalm 137:6). Do kings desire acknowledgment? Let them exhibit humility. If they grow proud, can they evade His gaze? Do not misconstrue the notion of “He respects the humble” as a license for pride, claiming, “He does not regard me.” O foolish heart! Would you entertain such thoughts if you comprehended what to cherish? Even if God were to disregard your presence, are you not alarmed by the notion that He does not want to see you? He truly does not honor the proud; instead, He honors the humble. What constitutes high status? It is deemed distant. What recognition might come to the proud? Merely being seen from a distance, not being obscure. Do not assume such distance provides safety; instead, a lack of discernment accompanies remote observation. For while God sees you from afar, His perception is complete, though He is not with you. Your concern lies not in being seen less perfectly but in being separated from the One who perceives you fully. Yet, what does the humble receive? The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. While the proud may exalt themselves, God is in heaven. If you desire His nearness, humble yourself. The higher He is above you, the greater you will be uplifted.

"If I walk in the midst of tribulation, You will revive me" (Psalm 137:7). Indeed, whatever tumult surrounds you, confess it and call upon Him; He will rescue and restore you. Nurture a longing for a different existence, and you will recognize that this present life is filled with trial, regardless of its pretense of prosperity or abundance. Since we lack that ultimate joy—the one preserved by God for us beyond temptation, it is without question marked by tribulation. Let us discern what kind of tribulation he speaks of here. He does not declare: “If tribulation comes, Thou wilt deliver me.” Rather, he articulates, “If I go through tribulation, Thou wilt revive me;” thus, He teaches that revival emerges through the experience of trial.

"You have stretched out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand has saved me." Let my foes rage: what can they achieve? They may strip me of wealth, strip me of dignity, exile me, or torment me; ultimately, if allowed, they may even take my life. Yet what more can they accomplish? In the face of such antagonism, You have reached out Your hand. For my enemies cannot sever my connection with You; instead, it seems that for every moment of delay, You avenge me even more. However, this is not to bring me despair, for it follows that "Your right hand has also saved me."

When I traverse through the trials of life, You grant me life. This echoes the truth expressed: 'In the world you will be afflicted: but take heart, for I have overcome the world' (John 16:33). With the fury of my adversaries, You have reached out Your hand. For upon them, the right hand of the Father, which is the Son, has been raised, the One who has also delivered us.

Though I find myself amidst trials, abide with me. This reflects the voice of genuine faith. The prophet declares with assurance that even when beset by hardships, I shall triumph over all challenges, and through Your assistance, I shall live. You have reached out Your hand against the fury of my foes, and Your right hand shall deliver me. When You were angered with those who opposed me, You brought an end to them, yet you bestowed upon me salvation. It is clear here that the Prophet refers to power with the term hand, and to favorable power with the term right hand; for in addressing the punishment of adversaries, he uses the word hand, while when he speaks of the grace granted to himself, he employs the word right hand.

When I find myself in the midst of trials, You sustain me; Your hand is extended against the wrath of my adversaries, and Your right hand brings me salvation. During my ongoing struggles and temptations, You will rescue me; in moments where I face the threat of death, You will restore me. Furthermore, You have reached out Your hand, signifying Your might and authority, upon the violence and rage displayed by my foes, and have brought it to ruin; thus, Your right hand—symbolizing Your gracious intervention and support—has delivered me from their grasp.

The Almighty regards the humble with grace and favor, and David, understanding the essence of humility, confidently asserts his assurance in the Lord’s assistance during every trial and hardship. He mentions, should I find myself in the depths of suffering, You will restore me, meaning You will preserve my well-being and protect me. Though my adversaries may strike and seek my demise, I will not lose hope; for You will extend Your hand, and Your mighty hand will rescue me. God possesses immense power and resources, capable of leading even the most desperate towards redemption. Thus, it is entirely within His ability to save me, even amidst my troubles and sorrows, and He has the capacity to humble and subdue those who rage, furious and filled with malevolence.

This Psalm was inspired in writing by the Holy Spirit to David, who foretold events similar to those proclaimed by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, particularly focusing on the restoration of the Lord's house in Jerusalem as noted: Haggai the prophet and Zechariah prophesied, and initiated the construction of the Lord's church, among other matters (1 Ezra 5:2; Haggai 1:14). Moreover, David expresses gratitude to God, acknowledging that in his meekness, he was not scorned, and that God delivered him from adversaries. He encourages rulers to seek God's favor in his own likeness, proclaiming both the grace of Christ the Lord and the turning of nations to Him.