Psalm 18 (17):17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Having summoned a magnificent Church from among the Gentiles, pure and blameless (Eph. 5:27), He delivered Me from the depths of many waters. He rescued Me from the midst of various nations.

Rescue me from the overwhelming waters, which symbolize temptation. David expresses, "will perceive me," indicating human nature. On Pentecost, the Apostles baptized around three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).

In a symbolic manner, he refers to the waters, stating: He rescued me from my powerful foe and from those who despised me, for they were mightier than I.

In the current psalm, the prophet reflects on his personal experience and revisits themes previously discussed. He declares that God has sent help from the heavens to rescue him. He expresses his deliverance from the depths of overwhelming troubles. In Scripture, water often symbolizes both purification and rejuvenation, a theme he has already addressed (Psalm 17:16) as a doctrine that cleanses and revitalizes those who accept it. However, water can also represent destruction and despair, particularly when it is abundant and deep. Thus, the mention of many waters signifies the multitude of afflictions or adversaries the prophet faced. When he says, "He shall take me up," he indicates that God has lifted him out or drawn him toward Himself; akin to how a rescuer saves someone from drowning by grasping them and bringing them to safety.

He will descend from His exalted position to rescue me and lift me out of the overwhelming waters. He will save me from my powerful foes and those who bear enmity against me, for they have elevated themselves against me. The purpose of recounting the glorious deeds of God is made clear: it is to reveal that David did not extricate himself from the depths of despair through his own efforts or human assistance, but rather by the intervention of God's mighty hand. It is at this moment that God dispatches His help from above, delivering us through miraculous and extraordinary means. Thus, this divine assistance contrasts with the earthly support we often and foolishly depend upon. The expression, "He will lift me out of the overwhelming waters," conveys metaphorical significance.

God the Father dispatched His Son from heaven to redeem humanity and will once more welcome Him, who has risen from above, having endured trials and tribulations from numerous adversaries, and who suffered in the flesh for mankind's salvation.