Who keepeth truth for ever: who executeth judgment for them that suffer wrong: who giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth them that are fettered:
עֹשֶׂ֤ה מִשְׁפָּ֨ט ׀ לָעֲשׁוּקִ֗ים נֹתֵ֣ן לֶ֭חֶם לָרְעֵבִ֑ים יְ֝הוָ֗ה מַתִּ֥יר אֲסוּרִֽים׃
10 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 11 commentaries
The interpretation of his message is this: it is God's endeavor, both universal and unique to Him, to pay attention to those who have been wronged, to support the oppressed, and to assist those who feel powerless, and this is ongoing. This is why he states ‘for ever,’ signifying not only this aspect but also what comes next. ‘He provides nourishment to the hungry. The Lord liberates the captive. The Lord grants understanding to the blind.’
One individual received the counsel: sell your belongings and give to those in need, and you will secure treasures in heaven; then come and follow Me (Matthew 19:21). He departed saddened rather than uplifted. He approached the good Master, inquired of Him as Master, yet scorned His guidance. He left in despair, ensnared by his own desires, burdened by greed. He toiled and endured hardship, yet he believed that the One who could lighten his load should be rejected rather than embraced.
However, when the Lord proclaimed through the Gospel, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:28-29), many who heard the message chose a different path than the rich man did in response to this call. Therefore, let us commit to this course, let us pursue the Lord, and let us break the chains that hinder our steps in following Him. Who can break these chains without the aid of Him to Whom it was said, "You have loosed my bonds" (Psalm 115:7)? Another psalm also declares that the Lord frees the captives; the Lord heals the brokenhearted (Psalm 145:7, 8).
The soul is called to exalt God, prompting a personal reflection: “Praise the Lord, O my soul” (Psalm 144:1). In moments of trials and temptations of life, our souls may find themselves in distress, as expressed in another psalm. To alleviate this unrest, joy is presented—not yet realized, but anticipated; thus, we are reminded in our sorrow, “Hope in God, for I will yet confess before him.” But who makes this declaration, and to whom is it directed? What can we discern, dear brethren? Does our flesh instruct the soul to “Praise the Lord”? Can the body provide wise counsel to the soul? Although the flesh can be subdued and serve us through the divine grace bestowed by the Lord, it is simply a servant in our service; it is sufficient that it does not obstruct us. The body, being earthly, is subordinate to the soul; indeed, every soul possesses intrinsic worth greater than even the most esteemed body. Do not be surprised that even the most flawed and sinful soul surpasses the finest body in worth—not in merit, but in essence. Although the soul may be blemished by sin, it remains more precious than a shiny and polished body, for even a tarnished gold retains more value than fine lead. Reflect on all of creation, and you will find that it is not astonishing that a guilty soul may still be more commendable than an honorable body. We recognize two entities: the soul and the body. While I critique the soul for its sin, I commend the body for its vitality. Yet, within my critique of the soul, I acknowledge its worth; likewise, I commend or critique the body as the case may be. If you inquire which is superior, whether my critique or my praise, a remarkable reply will emerge. You might speak of a finer horse versus a lesser man, yet ultimately, your preference lies with the horse you commend. The nature of the soul excels beyond that of the body; it is spiritual and immaterial, akin to the essence of God. It is somewhat elusive, governing the body, orchestrating its movements, guiding its senses, preparing thoughts, executing actions, and perceiving countless images. In conclusion, beloved brethren, who is able to suffice with mere praises of the soul? Despite this, such grace is bestowed upon this individual, prompting him to say, “Praise the Lord, my soul.” It is certainly not the flesh that makes this proclamation. Though the body may appear angelic, it is always beneath the soul, incapable of advising the higher realm. When the flesh is in proper subjugation, it becomes the soul's servant: the soul commands, the body follows; how then can the flesh offer such guidance to the soul? Is it not the soul itself that engages in self-talk, motivating and interrogating itself? Due to certain passions in one aspect, it may hesitate, yet in another, termed reason—the wisdom that facilitates thought—it seeks union with God, yearning and recognizing that certain lower inclinations pull it toward worldly distractions, instead of remaining within God. Therefore, the soul reorients itself from external matters back to its true essence, affirming, “Praise the Lord, my soul.” The soul draws wisdom from the divine light, through which it grasps the truth captured within the eternal nature of its Creator. In this divine light, it perceives matters to be revered, cherished, desired, and pursued—overwhelmed by this radiant truth, it finds no power to linger there. It eventually regains composure, declaring, “Praise the Lord, my soul.” As if burdened and incapable of standing as it should, the soul responds: “In my life, I will praise the Lord” (Psalm 145:2). What encompasses my life? Here I am, amidst my own mortality. It begins with a self-encouragement: “Praise the Lord, my soul.” Your soul echoes this back, responding as best it can, albeit weakly and faintly. Why? Because while we dwell in the flesh, we are distanced from the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6). When considering life, what is it? It may retort: “My death.” What produces my death? It stems from my separation from the Lord. If remaining close to Him signifies life, then being distanced equates to death. Yet, what provides comfort? It is hope. You currently live in hope: through hope you will praise, through hope you will sing. Your mortality arises from the sadness of this life; you live in anticipation of eternal life. How will you extol your God? “I will sing to my God as long as I exist.” What entails this praise I will sing as long as I exist? Contemplate, dear brethren, what true existence is: where there is perpetual praise, there one finds eternal life. You currently exist; will you not sing to God while you exist? You may have sung in devotion to some cause, but now your voice is silent, yet you maintain being: you possess existence without song. Perhaps your pursuits drive you towards it; you may not only refrain from singing, but also disturb God's hearing. What does it profit to praise in mere existence? And what of this existence? Will there come a time when it ceases? No, rather it is everlasting, and thus truly enduring. Whatever has a terminus in time, no matter how long, is still not eternal.
“Put not your hope in princes” (Psalm 145:3). Brethren, a significant task is presented to us—a divine call resonating from above. In moments of weakness, humanity often turns to despair, relying more on flawed beings than on God. When faced with calamity, we might say, “There is a great man who can assist you; he appears magnanimous, joyful, exalted.” Yet should we utter, “May God deliver you,” one may respond with coldness or despair. Why is it that a mortal’s aid brings joy, while the promise of divine assistance invokes sadness? You are assured deliverance from one who too requires salvation, and yet you rejoice; you are promised salvation from the Liberator who needs no deliverance, and you despair as if confronted with a myth. Woe to such beliefs; they reveal a tragic disconnect. Come nearer, begin to thirst, seek the God who created you; He will not abandon His creation unless His creation forsakes Him. “His breath shall go out, and he shall return to his land: in that day all his thoughts shall be gone” (Psalm 145:4). Where is the boasting? Where is the arrogance? Perhaps such a one will find a good place, if indeed it exists. Yet, I do not know where he who boasts has gone. He spoke in pride; yet, I can see that their passage is indeed a wicked one. “I saw a wicked man exalted above the cedars of Lebanon; I passed by, and behold, he was not there; I searched for him, but there was no place for him.” The righteous, who noticed the absence of the wicked, have reached the realm where the unrighteous cannot tread. Therefore, beloved brethren, let us heed this truth: in any affliction, or pursuit of heavenly gifts, let us not place our trust in princes or the sons of men, for in them there is no salvation. All these are transient, ephemeral, and decaying. What is our recourse if we cannot rely on humanity? “Blessed is he to whom the God of Jacob is a Helper” (Psalm 145:5): not merely this man or the next, not any angel, but blessed is the one whose Helper is the God of Jacob, for He has proven Himself a mighty Helper to Jacob, transforming him into Israel. Oh, mighty Helper, he, as Israel, glimpses God. While yet an exile, unable to see God, if you possess the God of Jacob as your Helper, you too will rise to become Israel and shall behold God; all burdens and sorrows will alleviate, and joyful praise will prevail. Blessed is the one whose aid is in the God of Jacob. Why is such a one blessed? He places his trust in the Lord his God, even amidst groaning in this life. Who then is the Lord, his God? We acknowledge one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things (1 Corinthians 8:6). Therefore, let the Lord your God be your hope; in Him your hope should rest. He also places his hope in a god; perhaps he worships Saturn, or Neptune, or Mercury, or even those who idolize their own desires, as stated: “whose god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19). Each adheres to their own god. Who is this blessed one? His hope lies in the Lord his God, the One who fashioned heaven, earth, the sea, and all that dwells within them (Psalm 144:6). My brethren, we serve a great God—let us bless His holy Name for deigning to make us His own. Though we do not yet see God, nor can we fully love what lies unseen, all we perceive has been wrought by His hand. You marvel at creation; why not marvel at the Creator? As you gaze upon the heavens, you are in awe; as you contemplate the earth, you tremble. Can you grasp the vastness of the sea? Look at the countless stars, the multitude of plant life, the diversity of creatures that swim, crawl, and soar; consider the beauty, magnificence, and wonder of it all! Behold, the One who brought forth all creation is your God. Place your trust in Him, that you may find happiness. His hope rests in the Lord your God. Take heed, dear brethren, for God is strong, good, the Creator of all. If He merely stated this, you might respond, “God who made the heavens, the earth, and the sea is indeed a great God; but does He regard me?” You would be reminded, “He created you.” In what manner? Are you the heavens, the earth, or the sea? Surely, you are neither; yet you dwell on the earth. At least acknowledge your earthly existence. But listen further: God did not only create the heavens, the earth, and the sea; He fashioned all that resides within them. Therefore, since He created all therein, He created you as well. It is a small matter to assert that you exist; even the sparrows, locusts, and worms, though lesser, are in His continuous care. His providential care does not concern merely His commandments; such commandments were bestowed uniquely upon humanity. Regarding the content of His commandments, He does not regard oxen (1 Corinthians 9:9), but He oversees the universe with care, guiding all creation. “You, Lord, will save both man and beast.” Here, some may argue: “God does not concern Himself with oxen,” pointing to the New Testament; while “You, Lord, wil save both man and cattle,” is drawn from the Old Testament. Detractors might claim that these Testaments lack coherence. Let us instead listen to our Lord, who is the Head and Teacher of the Apostles: “Consider the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Matthew 6:26). Hence, even apart from humanity, these creatures are nurtured by God’s hand. While they do not receive the law, they are provided for. As for the law, God is unconcerned with oxen. When it pertains to creation and sustenance, all rests with God. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?” asks our Lord Jesus Christ, declaring that not a single bird falls to the ground without the Father’s will; how much greater value are you than they?
He who sustains the truth eternally. If we are beset by falsehoods, we need not be disheartened, for God sustains the truth forever. I do not know who may hold prejudice against us, yet it seems more credible to those who deceive than to us who uphold the truth. We must hold onto hope: God sustains the truth forever. The Psalmist beautifully proclaims that He "keeps" it. He guards it within His treasury and will bestow upon us what He has preserved. Christ embodies the truth: let us speak truthfully, and it will safeguard the truth for our benefit. “He who executes judgment on the oppressed” (Psalm 145:7). Even if His justice appears delayed, do not lose heart, for He will indeed arrive to deliver us (see Hab. 2:3). He executes judgment for those who suffer.
Let us be assured that we are enduring unjust trials. We know that our hardships do not stem from our transgressions, nor have we engaged in any disgraceful acts. “He who provides sustenance to the hungry.” Everything is perfectly woven together. In the simplicity of this message lies great value for the listener. “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap, and your heavenly Father feeds them” (Matt. 6:26). He provides sustenance to those in need, not to those who are filled. Thus, the monk, who has little, receives with faith, while the satisfied ought to extend their surplus to the needy. You are aware of your hunger or abundance: if you lack, it is a greater kindness to take what you require. However, if you are full and not in need, do not take from the hungry. Accept what nourishes your body and not what merely fills a bag. Accept the garment that covers your form rather than what merely supports your vanity. “He who provides sustenance to the hungry.” This literally holds true. Let us also consider a spiritual perspective. We hunger for Christ, and He Himself offers us the bread of heaven. “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). These words express the longing of the hungry: those in need of bread are indeed hungry. The one who petitions, “Give us this day our daily bread,” reveals his own desire for sustenance. He is the provider of food to the hungry. Some interpret “the bread of heaven” as referring to the sacraments. We receive it, for it is truly the body of Christ and His blood. Yet, we must also recognize another truth. The Bread and Flesh of Christ represent the Divine Word and heavenly teachings. All will partake of this sustenance and will be fulfilled. What follows next? “The Lord sets free those who are bound.” When our souls receive this Bread, namely, the Divine Word and heavenly doctrine, our shackled feet are instantly set free. The Lord liberates those in chains. Lazarus was bound, and He commanded: “Untie him” (John 11:44). The Lord gives freedom to those who are bound. Likewise, Abraham’s daughter was enslaved for eighteen years. She found her freedom by lifting her gaze to heaven. Notice what the Gospel recounts: “And behold, there was a woman who had an unclean spirit for eighteen years and was unable to straighten her back” (see Luke 13:11). Because the impurity within her restrained her, she could not raise her head. The Lord liberates those who are shackled. Sins themselves can bind us, for the very actions that bend us can keep us imprisoned. The bound individual cannot move freely. He is unable to participate in the race of Christ; the chains pull him down, forcing him to the ground. They drag us low. The Lord allows the bound to remain captive. Consider the sequence: He who provides sustenance to the hungry: we first seek to be filled, and then we are nourished. When we are satisfied, the chains fall from our feet. As we begin to walk freely, what follows? “The Lord gives sight to the blind” (Psalm 145:8).
He who eternally upholds truth: He who serves justice to the oppressed: He provides sustenance to the needy. For He who makes promises is reliable, cherishes truth, fulfills His word, protects the vulnerable, judges with righteousness, and supplies nourishment to all in need. Following this, the Prophet foretells the blessings of the Savior's incarnation. The Lord will break the chains: See v. 8.
Blessed is the individual who places their faith in God, who acts justly for those wronged, as it is stated, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord' (Rom. 12:19). This pertains to retribution both in this life and the life to come, as well as providing essential sustenance to those who long for both physical and spiritual nourishment, for it is proclaimed: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:9). There are numerous accounts of individuals who, having faced injustice, received God's support and protection in this earthly life, along with stories of those who were hungry and were nourished by Him at various times.
Chrysostom observes that it is God's nature to care for the offended and to not overlook those subjected to malice, to extend aid to those who are harmed. This divine engagement is perpetual; that is why He declared, 'For ever and ever,’ as a testament to His ongoing work. The examples of Joseph, Susanna, and David, whose grievances He redressed through His judgment, stand as proof of this. God provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, fed Elijah through a raven, and sustained Daniel through Abbakum. In the new covenant, He miraculously fed five thousand with five loaves and four thousand with seven loaves. Thus, truly blessed is the person who has confidence in God, who brings justice for the wronged, affirming the promise: 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord' (Rom. 12:19). This refers to the retribution in both present and eternal life and to the provision of necessary sustenance for those who are thirsting for both physical and spiritual fulfillment, reflected in the words: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:9). Again, we see countless instances of individuals who, after suffering injustice, found divine assistance and protection in their lives, alongside the accounts of the hungry whom God has provided for throughout history.
Our own lack of control is conveyed by the following declaration, “Take off the chains from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion” (Isaiah 52:2). The limitations of our freedom are further demonstrated by the prophet’s words, “The Lord sets the prisoners free” (Psalm 145:7), and, “You have freed me from my chains. To You I will offer a sacrifice of praise” (Psalm 115:7-8).
The Prophet admonishes against placing faith in worldly rulers, asserting that genuine happiness can only be found through reliance on the one true God. This teaching echoes the words of the Prophet Jeremiah in 17:5, 7, which declare: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his strength, and subsequently: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Similarly, David proclaims: Blessed is the Lord God of Jacob, who serves as his helper. By referring to God as the God of Jacob, he highlights the distinction between the true God and the numerous false deities worshipped by the unbelievers at that time.
The house of Jacob revered the true God, while neighboring nations like the Moabites, Ammonites, Philistines, and others followed false gods, making Jacob a fitting example for the faithful to emulate and to shun idolaters.
The Prophet then presents multiple reasons to place trust in the Lord. First, he states that God is the Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything within them. From this, he concludes that God possesses omnipotence, ruling over all creation; thus, those whom He defends have no cause for fear. However, one might wonder: I acknowledge God’s omnipotence and that He is capable of protecting and aiding me, but how can I be sure that He desires to do so? The Prophet addresses this concern, affirming that God is both able and willing to assist, due to His righteousness and mercy. His righteousness ensures that He upholds truth eternally, meaning He faithfully fulfills His promises, the foremost of which is to provide help. Furthermore, His justice compels Him to deliver judgment to the oppressed, resolving disputes between the righteous and the wicked by honoring the former and punishing the latter. In His mercy, He nourishes the hungry, demonstrating through His wondrous providence that He meets the spiritual and physical needs of those who trust in Him.
Determining with absolute certainty whether the inscription ‘Haggai and Zechariah’ belongs to the Septuagint or was added later is challenging. Nevertheless, it is clear that this psalm was composed during the era of these two prophets. Some scholars maintain that it was written subsequent to the completion of the temple; however, from verses 7-9, we can infer that it likely originated during a period when Israel, despite being liberated from exile, faced desolation. Thus, it is more plausible that the psalm was created amidst the halt of temple construction. The Psalmist calls upon himself and his community to remain steadfast and to consistently offer joyful praise to the Lord, who has redeemed them from bondage, and to surrender to Him with calmness and trust (v.1).
Due to the misguided focus of some Israelites, who overly valued the approval of Persian leaders in the matter of the temple's construction and displayed little faith in God, the psalmist asserts that human hope is futile (vv.3-4) and urges them to place their reliance not on mere man (vv.2-4) but on the God of their ancestors, the Almighty who is ever-present to assist those who are oppressed and defenseless (vv.5-6). He guarantees aid for His downtrodden people. God eternally reigns over His people, sovereign over Zion, and His authority cannot be undermined by Gentiles or Samaritans.
Alleluia, a hymn of joyful adoration to the Divine, emerges from David's psalm, filled with happiness and rejoicing, which the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Israelites to sing in celebration of their liberation from Babylonian captivity and return to Jerusalem. It signifies joy in remembrance of the restored community, who, through the grace of Christ our Lord, have been released from the bondage of sinful Babylon into the freedom of the heavenly Jerusalem, eliciting eternal praise to God. In this psalm, the prophet urges everyone to place their trust solely in God, warning against reliance on humanity: "cursed is the man who trusts in man" (Jeremiah 17:5) (Euthymius).
To glorify God with the spirit—which surpasses the body—is vital because without the spirit, the body is lifeless. Our praise of God throughout our lives is a continuous act until death. Like all people, kings, rulers, and authorities share in mortality. Salvation is found exclusively in Christ the Lord, the one true Savior. The spirit refers to the soul; when the soul departs from the body, the body returns to the earth, while the righteous soul ascends to God. The lifeless body does not contemplate worldly matters, but the soul is concerned with the Final Judgment. According to the holy fathers, souls retain memories of every action, word, and thought, unable to forget anything from this existence. Meanwhile, the concerns of this life—possessions, family, and relationships—will fade away (Dorotheus).
The God of Jacob was rightly trusted by Jacob, and God sustained him everywhere; likewise, all who place their faith in Christ the Lord are preserved by Him. The Creator can be understood through creation, yet He remains beyond full comprehension. God's truth lies in His unwavering promise. In Christ, our hopes are anchored, as His dominion, kingdom, power, and glory will endure eternally. God metes out eternal justice to those who act unjustly, while He nourishes the faithful who seek everlasting life with hidden sustenance.
Christ the Lord descended to the realm of the dead, breaking the chains of sin for Adam and others. Those blinded by darkness are illuminated by the true Light, Jesus Christ. He raised Adam and others who had been cast into the depths of hell. God's love for the righteous elevates them to His right hand. The stranger who turns from wickedness to righteousness finds refuge. The orphan, separated from his heavenly Father due to sin, symbolizes those deprived of divine parental care. The widow-soul exists when one is not united with Christ God through holy baptism. The path of sinners is marked by sinful counsel and ways. Zion represents the Holy Church, steadfast on earth and triumphant in heaven for all eternity.
There are countless reasons to place our hope in the Lord our God. He is an omnipotent being, capable of creating the universe with ease. Would He not also possess the ability and resources to act for our benefit in whatever ways He deems appropriate? God upholds truth eternally, meaning He remains steadfast in His promises. Can we believe that He would neglect to show mercy to those who seek Him, especially when He has assured them of His compassion? If our requests remain unanswered or our needs unfulfilled, we should refrain from prematurely concluding that He has abandoned us. In His own timing, He will grant us more than we anticipate; if not in this life, He will reward our perseverance in the age to come.
The Lord delivers justice for those who have been wronged; can we doubt that He will defend us and bring rightful punishment according to divine justice? The Lord provides sustenance to the hungry, offering nourishment even to the young ravens that call upon Him (Psalm 146:9). Will He allow us to perish from hunger? The Lord liberates those who are bound. His compassion extends to captives and the wrongfully imprisoned—some He releases from their chains, while others He frees from the confines of their cells. He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and from exile in Babylon. He also liberates sinners from spiritual bondage. Did not the Redeemer come to this world to release those ensnared by sin? Did He not descend into the realm of the dead to proclaim liberation to those who had awaited His arrival? This act of divine mercy continues for sinners who depart this life with the seeds of repentance. The Church's prayers compel God to show mercy, leading Him either to rescue them completely from hell or to lessen their suffering.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS