Psalm 146 (145):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

By this means, we can navigate our current existence with great assurance and receive unimaginable blessings through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory and sovereignty, alongside His eternal Father and the life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

But who speaks this guidance, and to whom is it directed? Do we find the flesh instructing the soul to “Praise the Lord”? Can the flesh genuinely advise the soul? Although the body may be tamed and serve us as a subordinate through divine strength, it is still a servant. The body, being corporeal, is inherently lower than the soul, which possesses an intrinsic excellence that dwarfs even the most remarkable physical form. It’s not surprising that even the humblest soul exceeds the most magnificent body—this superiority lies not in achievements but in essence. Though a soul may be flawed and burdened by sinful desires, it remains more dignified than the best of bodies. As we observe creation's wonders, we realize that while the soul, regardless of its failings, holds more nobility than a commendable body, both soul and body exist in relation to one another. I may criticize the sinful nature of the soul while praising the body's health, or vice versa, depending on the context.

Consider various entities: a cherished horse and a flawed man. We often favor the horse despite recognizing moral complexities. The soul is far more exalted than the body; it is spiritual and incorporeal, akin to the divine essence. It’s relatively unseen, governing the body, steering its limbs, shaping perceptions, and preparing thoughts—all while engaging with the plethora of impressions around it. Truly, who among us can articulate the soul's merit without constraint? Yet by divine grace, one still proclaims, “Praise the Lord, my soul.”

This declaration does not originate from the flesh. Even an angelic body is subordinate to the soul's authority; it can’t advise the higher realm. When the body submits adequately, it operates as the soul's attendant: the soul commands, the body acts. Thus, does the soul communicate introspectively, urging itself, reflecting amidst lower impulses, while grounding itself in intellect and aligning with God? The soul grapples with conflicting passions, yearning towards divine connection, yet often distracted by earthly desires. Therefore, it reorients itself, anchor in spiritual realities, and says, “Praise the Lord, my soul.”

In moments of despair, the soul may express, “In my life I will praise the Lord” (Psalm 145:2). What does this life signify? It may feel more aligned with death while we dwell in mortality, so we need to motivate ourselves: “Praise the Lord, my soul.” The soul may respond faintly, almost hesitatingly, as our earthly existence often distances us from God (2 Corinthians 5:6). In relation to life, if being with God is life, then being away from Him is spiritual death. But there lies comfort in hope. We live presently in yearning; in this hope, we praise and sing. The death we face arises from worldly sorrows, yet we live in anticipation of eternal life.

How do we approach our God in praise? “I will sing to my God as long as I exist.” What does existence entail? Eternal praise defines true existence; unlike transitory moments of life, eternal existence contrasts the fleeting. When we exist, will we not bring praises to God? Observe that while you may find joy in pursuits that distract, they offer no true worship. Praise is rendered hollow without singing—there lies a depth to existence that transcends mere being.

“Put not your hope in princes” (Psalm 145:3). Herein lies a divine directive, echoing from the heavens. In times of affliction, our human tendency is to lose faith in God and seek solace in mankind. When we assure someone of hope through the favor of a great individual, they feel uplifted, yet when we invoke God's aid, they can grow despondent. Their optimism rests on mortality which, when misdirected, reflects a profound sadness. Let us draw nearer to learn from Him who fashioned us; He will not abandon His creation unless it forsakes Him.

All earthly hopes are transient, as highlighted: “his breath shall go out, and he shall return to his land: in that day all his thoughts shall be gone” (Psalm 145:4). What becomes of pride and arrogance? Perhaps it leads to a favorable end, yet how often do we see the wicked vanish? “I saw a wicked man lifted up above the cedars of Lebanon; I passed by, and behold, he was not there” (Psalm 37:35). Thus, those who pursue righteousness shall find refuge from wickedness.

Let us, beloved brethren, heed these truths. In any trial or pursuit of divine promise, let us cast aside reliance on earthly authority. “Blessed is he whose hope is in the God of Jacob” (Psalm 145:5). This divine Helper stands not in the guise of mortal influence; fulfilled in Israel’s transformation, who beheld God. When in uncertainty, know that with the God of Jacob as your ally, you too shall evolve in faith.

This Creator, the One who formed the heavens, the earth, and the seas (Psalm 144:6), is our forever God. Even when unseen, His existence warrants our admiration. No matter how grand the world appears, it is a reflection of the Creator's glory. If He crafted the myriad wonders around us, consider how much more precious we are in His sight. The humble sparrow does not escape His attention; neither should we assume the Divine overlooks us.

“The Lord will save both man and cattle” (Psalm 36:6). Here we see a harmonious understanding of divine providence, where care extends not solely towards humanity but encompasses all of Creation. As per the teachings from both Testaments, the mission is one of unity in His providence—each creature acknowledges God's sustaining power.

Not only is He concerned with our needs, but He also renders sustenance to the hungry, opening a path for those yearning for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). The Lord releases captives, restores the fallen, and enlightens the blind (Psalm 145:8). When such deliverance is mentioned, it must be understood on a broader spiritual plane, transcending mere physical afflictions to address deeper, spiritual truths.

For those who, like the righteous, are met with compassion, remember that God cares for every seeker—the orphan, the widow—regardless of societal status (Psalm 144:9). Each of us, in our spiritual journeys, longs for our Father’s embrace, not as a departure from community but as an invitation into unity with Him, who lifts the downtrodden.

As we navigate through misunderstanding and skepticism about our faith, be aware of the tempter who challenges our beliefs. Avoid being swayed into doubt or mockery that could corrupt good disposition (1 Corinthians 15:33). In moments where prosperity seems obscured, don’t wish for what evildoers possess. Recognize the paths God lays out for us, even when they appear challenging.

The way leading to destruction is broad (Matthew 7:13); yet, the faithful are invited to eternal life. “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom” (Matthew 25:34). The Lord's reign extends eternally, reminding us that salvation is inclusive and abundant as we align ourselves with His will. Jesus calls us to cherish eternity, promising us dominion alongside Him—a matter not limited to this world but flourishing in His everlasting glory. Amen.

I may be present in one place, yet my mind roams the entire world, reaching even to the angels, the rulers, the armies, and the cosmos, but not to the contemplative soul. Why do I express this? It is for those who cannot remain in one place, who instead wander restlessly throughout the earth. ‘Thy God, Zion, in generation and generation.’ Thy God, Zion. We have frequently interpreted Zion as a stronghold, a Church, or a soul yearning for God. Thy God, Zion, uniting kindred and lineage. The first generation pertains to the Jewish; the second, to the Gentile. Throughout Scripture and in the Psalms, the term ‘kindred and lineage’ refers to two nations. We can articulate it another way: The Lord reigns eternally, thy God, Zion, in this generation and in the next. May Christ reign within us, that sin may not have dominion over our bodies (see Rom. 6:12). ‘The heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord’ (Proverbs 21:1). Let us be sovereigns: let us govern our bodies, and bring them under control, allowing our hearts to rest in the hands of Christ. Unto whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Chrysostom remarks that if He reigns eternally, there is no cause for doubt; even if He does not provide immediate recompense, He delays it for the sake of greater rewards. Thus, we should not feel indignation during trials if we do not receive immediate relief; rather, let us trust the Lord to determine the right moment for our deliverance. If we have done good deeds, we should not hastily seek our reward but patiently await His will. For when He delays recompense, He offers even more; therefore, let us consistently give thanks and praise Him.

Due to some Israelites placing excessive importance on the approval of Persian officials and lacking sufficient trust in God regarding the halting of the temple’s construction, the psalmist emphasizes that human hope is futile (vv.3-4) and calls for reliance on the hope that is in God (v.2). He exhorts them to trust in the God of their ancestors (the God of Jacob), who is omnipotent (vv.5-6), faithfully fulfills His promises (the one who upholds truth), and consistently aids the oppressed and vulnerable in every situation (vv.7-9); thus, He will support His afflicted people. God eternally reigns as King over His people, reigning over Zion, and this kingship remains unthreatened by Gentiles or Samaritans.

Our devotion to God should persist throughout our lives, even until death. Earthly rulers and all those in authority are equally mortal, just like every other human being. All are redeemed solely by Christ the Lord, our one Savior. The term "spirit" refers to the soul. Upon the soul's separation from the body, the body shall return to the ground, while the souls of the righteous ascend to God, and the deceased body will no longer concern itself with worldly matters, as the soul is preoccupied with the Last Judgment. The souls, as the holy fathers affirm, retain all that has transgressed: words, actions, and thoughts, and none of these can ever be forgotten. Meanwhile, the thoughts of this world will fade away: of structures, possessions, family ties, and all forms of giving and receiving. God of Jacob, in whom Jacob placed his trust, was constantly by his side; in a similar way, everyone who believes in Christ our Lord is sustained by Him. God can be known through creation, recognized as the Creator from His creations, yet He remains ultimately incomprehensible and unknowable. The reality of God is encapsulated in His unwavering promise. Christ God is our hope, and His reign, power, and glory extend forever. God avenges those who act unjustly and provides hidden nourishment to the faithful who yearn for eternal life. Christ the Lord descended into hell and broke the chains of sin, freeing Adam and others who had been cast down there. Those who are spiritually blind, under the influence of darkness, are illuminated by the true Light, Christ our Lord. Christ our Lord resurrected Adam and the others from the depths of hell. God's love for the righteous places them at His right hand. The outsider moves from sin to piety. The orphan, who is estranged from his heavenly Father due to sin, and the widow soul, which remains unjoined to Christ God through holy baptism. The path of sinners is marked by sinful counsel and behavior. Zion represents the Holy Church, steadfast on earth and triumphant in heaven for all eternity.