Psalm 147 (146/147):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To prevent the unwise from questioning, “What relevance does His knowledge of the stars have for us?” the prophet highlights the Lord's profound concern for humanity, revealing His nature. Rather than simply stating, “The Lord who assists the meek,” he goes further, using the term “accepts,” conveying the essence of a loving father. What, then, does “accepts” signify? It implies comforting, supporting, and directing. Do you witness His flawless authority in both lifting up the lowly and casting down the proud? He does not merely lower but does so entirely, which is precisely captured in the phrase: “to the ground.”

We are encouraged to 'Praise the Lord' (Psalm 145:1). This call is directed to all nations, not just to us alone. Each congregation hears these words, spoken in different locations, yet collectively, they convey the same message: we are to honor Him. When questioning why we should offer praise, the answer given is this: 'Praise the Lord, for the psalm is good'. Is this the entirety of the reward for those who worship? The psalm serves as a testament to God's glory. Thus, we are reminded to 'Praise the Lord, for it is good to do so'. Let us not forget the importance of worshipping the Lord.

Praise has been spoken, yet we sometimes fall silent afterward; we have sung and then rested. When other tasks call upon us, does our praise of God come to an end? Absolutely not; our tongues may pause, but our lives should continuously honor Him. Therefore, praise remains good.

A psalm is a song, specifically one intended for the psalter, which is akin to a musical instrument like a lyre or harp, designed for harmony. So, one who sings psalms does not merely vocalize; instead, they also accompany their voice with the psalter. Do you wish to sing a psalm? Allow your voice to sound forth in praise to God, but also let your deeds resonate in unison. To delight the ear, sing with your voice; yet, do not let your heart or life remain mute. Do not harbor deceit within your heart: you sing for God. When you eat and drink, let your actions reflect a psalm: not blending sweet sounds but practicing moderation, for the apostle instructs, 'Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God' (1 Corinthians 10:31).

If you indulge irresponsibly and exceed natural boundaries, your tongue may glorify God, yet your life may convey a different message. After partaking in food and drink, you should retire to rest: let your bed remain undefiled and in accordance with God's law; may your marriage bed be honorable; and if children are desired, let there be no uncontrolled lust: 'In your bed, honor your wife' (1 Peter 3:7). For you both are members of Christ, created and redeemed by Him; therefore, give praise to God and do not allow your praise to grow silent.

What happens when dreams visit you? Let not an evil conscience intrude upon your rest; let the purity of your sleep praise God. Let our praise be delightful to Him. How? By living a righteous life. Take heed: our praise becomes pleasing to Him. As it states, 'It is not fitting for the mouth of a sinner to praise' (Sirach 15:9). If praise from a sinner's lips is improper or displeasing, it follows that only what is right is delightful.

Praise may resonate well with humans when spoken with thoughtful words, clever ideas, and a melodious voice; but let praise be pleasing to our God, whose ears are attentive not to the tongue but to the heart's intention and the life of the one who praises.

Who is our God, deserving of such praise? He makes Himself known and approachable through His loving kindness demonstrated in Christ's sacrifice: 'While we were still sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8). Let us consider if the praise the apostle mentions aligns with the salvation Christ provided for sinners and the ungodly, as the Lord rebuilds Jerusalem and gathers the exiled Israelites (Psalm 145:2). The people of Jerusalem are representative of Israel, the eternal heavenly city where citizens, including the angels, witness God's magnificence. Yet, we are exiled from that city, estranged by sin, and burdened by mortality which keeps us from returning.

God looks upon our wandering state, and in His mercy, He who rebuilds Jerusalem restores what has been lost. How did He achieve this restoration? He sent His Son as our Redeemer, carrying our burdens. 'Take with you a bag, carry the ransom for the captives.' He took upon Himself our mortal flesh, sharing His blood to secure our redemption. Through His sacrifice, the scattered of Israel are gathered. If He was able to assemble the scattered, how can we not strive to unite those currently lost? Those who were scattered have been collected so they might be shaped anew in the hands of the Builder, reflecting the same invitation He extends to us. We pledge our unwavering praise to Him.

How does He gather us? He heals the brokenhearted (Psalm 145:3). Observe how He brings together the dispersed of Israel through the mending of the wounded heart. Only those with broken hearts can receive healing. What signifies a wounded heart? Listen, dear brethren, this is essential for healing. The Scriptures affirm: 'God's sacrifice is a contrite spirit; a broken and humbled heart, God will not despise.' Those who have broken hearts He draws near to heal; as is stated, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.' Who are the brokenhearted? The humble. Who remains unbroken? The proud. The humble heart shall be healed, while the proud heart meets ruin. Therefore, let us refrain from wanting our hearts straightened before their time; it is unwise to elevate that which has not yet been made right.

How does He bind up their wounds? Just as physicians wrap fractures. At times, when limbs are misaligned, doctors may deliberately break them anew to repair them correctly, knowing that the original integrity was compromised. What are the means by which He heals? The sacraments of our present life provide comfort; all the teachings we share with you are the instruments of healing. Just as a physician removes the bandage once health is restored, so when we are aligned with the angels, should we presume we will continue to receive what we have here? Will we need to hear the Gospel read to strengthen our faith? Or will we need a bishop to lay hands upon us? These actions serve as instruments of healing; once we attain perfect wholeness, they will no longer be necessary, yet we cannot achieve this if we had not first been bound.

He who knows the number of the stars and calls each by name (Psalm 146:4) performs an incredible task. Though humans have tried to count them, it is likely none have succeeded. Yet should we concern ourselves with how many stars God has numbered? Is it significant for Him to keep track when even the hairs on our heads are counted (Matthew 10:30)? The stars served in the Church as luminaries, bringing comfort to our nights; as the Apostle states, 'Among a crooked and perverse generation, you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life' (Philippians 2:15). God counts these stars; He knows those who are destined to reign with Him and be gathered into the Body of His only begotten Son.

Those unworthy of His kingdom are not counted. Many may claim to believe or appear to have faith by integrating into His flock; yet God discerns what He measures and what He sets apart. So profound is the Gospel's height that it encompasses numerous believers, but some may be merely transient visitors amongst the congregation. Have you reflected on whether you truly shine in the darkness, resisting the allure of the iniquitous? If you succeed in not being led astray, you become as a star that God already counts.

He calls each by name, which constitutes our divine reward. Let us desire that God acknowledges our names—not in surface matters or gifts of spirit, but in sincerity. When the disciples returned exulting after their mission, saying, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name' (Luke 10:17), He cautioned them against delighting in the power they wielded, but rather to rejoice that their names are recorded in heaven (Luke 10:20).

'Great is our Lord' (Psalm 146:5). The psalmist overflows with joy, articulating his amazement, yet words often fall short. His power is immeasurable, and His understanding is beyond what we can fathom. The One who enumerates the stars cannot be numbered Himself. Who can comprehend these mysteries?

All that is infinite exists within this world; yet, to God, it is nothing more than a fleeting moment—too insignificant to quantify. He orchestrates all within 'measure, number, and weight' (Wisdom 11:20). Therefore, His understanding is infinite. Let the voices of humanity quiet, letting us not overextend in grappling with incomprehensible notions, but rather partake in the sacred. We will be blessed to share in that communion; let no one question this: Scripture affirms it.

What shall we partake in? Can we quantify how many share in this singular essence? How can we articulate the mystery of many partaking in one divine substance? Avoid questioning impossibilities; instead, return to the Savior’s healing, letting Him guide you and mend what is broken, achieving perfect soundness, a condition that eludes us now. Confessing weakness transforms us towards the divine nature we seek.

The Lord is gentle (Psalm 145:6). For example, your understanding may falter; do not rush to critique the Scriptures for their depth or complexity. There exists no contradiction—only elements yet undisclosed, not to deny us understanding but to lead us into a resolute pursuit. God desires us to knock so that revelation may come forth when we do.

Be patient and gentle in your seeking; don’t challenge the shadows nor deprecate their ordained purpose. The Lord takes the humble and brings down the prideful to the ground, illustrating humility’s significance. Sinners here might be those consumed by earthly cravings.

Commence your confession to the Lord (Psalm 145:7). This is where true understanding of reality begins. Move from faith’s path towards the openness of confession. Self-accusation, followed by exalting God, sets the stage for what follows next: let your good deeds emerge. Offer your praises to God through acts of service.

'He covers the heavens with clouds, He prepares rain for the earth' (Psalm 146:8). Perhaps you are troubled by your inability to see the glorious sky; yet, when rain comes, you will enjoy the yield and admire the beauty above. Know that our God works through this process. Without the obscurity of Scripture, we might not articulate what brings you joy.

Indeed, it is through the rain that you find your delight. Were the clouds of Scripture not a necessary preface, how would we convey the joy that springs forth? His intent is to envelop our understanding through the obscured messages, allowing the words of the prophets to resonate; in doing so, He offers spiritual joy for our hearts to receive.

God causes grass to flourish on the mountains and herbs to nourish mankind. Here is the fruit borne from the rain. It is noteworthy that growth occurs in the mountains—where barren soil exhibits divine life, providing sustenance for humanity. 'We are your servants for Jesus Christ's sake' (2 Corinthians 4:5). Just as Paul stated, ‘If we have sown spiritual good, how much more will we reap material blessings from you', he humbly identifies himself as a servant.

Let none boast of superiority among us; true greatness arises from humble service. 'Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant' (Matthew 20:26). The Apostle Paul, subsisting through his labor, chose not to take the mountain’s bounty for himself. Nonetheless, the mountains produced nourishment because they gave, regardless of his choice.

Food from the rain sustains the laborer, for 'Eat what is set before you' (Luke 10:7-8)—and do remember, worthy is the laborer of his reward. As was just read: 'Give to everyone who asks of you' (Luke 6:30); the Scriptures further urge us to let our charity sit until we find someone righteous to receive it. One might seek you, and you should also seek another.

He who approaches you will not leave empty-handed, for what is given can be summarized in this command: 'To all who ask, you shall give'. Yet another who deserves your attention must be sought—a righteous individual to whom to extend your generosity. This will not happen without some sacrifice on your part, whether from your income or daily gains, as a form of obligation.

Embrace the humble Lord. The term 'humble' signifies those who have accepted His faith and have become followers of Him, who stated, “I am meek” (Matt. 11:29). He also declares that He detests sinners, represented by the unclean spirits dwelling in the flames.

What do these stars represent? It is the Lord who greets the humble. The humble are transformed into stars. As Daniel states, “But the righteous shine like the stars of heaven” (Dan. 12:3). “But He who brings down the sinners to the ground.” Reflect on the contrast present. Angels descend to the earth, while humanity ascends to heaven. The Lord is the one who welcomes the humble. Humility calls out to the heavens, whereas arrogance leads to the earth. Yet, He who brings down the sinners to the ground.

Simmachus interpreted it as He who uplifts the humble. This reflects the uniqueness of God's providence. He offers His protection to individuals who, due to their humility, face hostility; meanwhile, He brings to justice those who wrongfully oppose them. He elevates the former to honor and renown while erasing the legacy of the latter. The dignity of the holy Apostles shines brightly; the courage of the martyr hosts stands strong, yet the memories of their adversaries fade into forgetfulness.

The Lord, as it is stated, either honors and uplifts the humble and lowly, nurturing and guiding them with a fatherly love; conversely, He brings down the proud and sinful, as this signifies a fall to the earth. This can be aligned with the teaching: The Lord resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). The words of Theodoret note that this illustrates the distinct providence of God. For some, who may suffer due to their humility, He elevates with His protection; for others, who face unjust aggression, He permits their demise; some He endows with glory and renown, while others He allows to be forgotten even in memory. Thus shines the radiant legacy of the holy apostles and the assembly of martyrs, while the names of those who opposed them fade into obscurity.

This prophetic declaration is meant to bolster the hope not only of the Jewish people but of all believers, ensuring that our faith remains steadfast even in challenging times. Thus, we can affirm that the Patriarchs, who lived according to the law, did not lack the burdens that God has assigned to those of us living under grace, enabling both us and them to seek true rest beyond this life. If doubts arise in times of suffering, and we question God's promised assistance, let us remember to humble ourselves with the aim of rising. Furthermore, if we find ourselves envious when witnessing the prosperity of the wicked, let us recall the prophet's words, noting that their elevation serves only to bring about a more profound fall. When David declares that he humbles sinners to the ground, he carefully identifies their arrogance, which elevates them above the heavens, as if they were not mortal.

This psalm was composed in the aftermath of the Babylonian exile, likely during the later period of Nehemiah’s leadership, who was particularly focused on the reconstruction and fortification of Jerusalem. At the time this psalm was penned, it appears that Jerusalem had been restored, and the dispersed people who had been scattered among the nations were being gathered back to their homeland, with their wounds being healed. For all these blessings, Israel is called to offer gratitude to the Lord, the all-knowing and all-powerful One, whose nature allows Him to graciously lift up the humble but condemn the oppressors; therefore, Israel is called to exalt the Lord in a manner befitting Him.