Psalm 18 (17):41Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

You have turned my adversaries away from me, leading them to follow in my footsteps. You have annihilated those who despised me and have also dealt with others who remained steadfast in their animosity.

My adversaries strengthened my resolve; by fleeing from me, they inadvertently provided me with support. The demons that oppose us bolster our strength when they are unable to instill fervent thoughts in our hearts. Those who despise me have exhausted themselves—namely Saul, Ahithophel, Absalom, and countless others.

My adversaries have fled from me, turning their backs, which is typical for those who are in retreat. You have utterly destroyed those who oppose me, like Saul, Ahithophel, Absalom, and countless others.

You have strengthened my foes. You, O Lord, have caused my adversaries to retreat in an unexpected manner: You have made them flee from me, for those who flee present their backs to their pursuers. This suggests that my enemies have essentially become my rear guard. Alternatively, the preposition 'in' may be absent, which would rephrase the thought as: You have turned them from me, so that I might confront them from behind and strike without compassion or trepidation. You have destroyed those who oppose me; in other words, you have completely uprooted them from the land—like Saul, Ahithophel, Absalom, and many others. The Apostles could likewise assert this, as they faced hostility from both Greeks and Jews yet emerged victorious, for Christ empowered them to tread upon serpents, scorpions, and all the might of the adversary.

We will witness the retreat of our adversaries, seeing only their backs as they flee rather than their faces in pursuit. We shall vanquish them as dust scattered by the wind and obliterate them like refuse found in the streets.

The Apostles, who faced hostility from both Greeks and Jews yet triumphed over them, can affirm this truth. Christ bestowed upon them the power to conquer serpents, scorpions, and all the might of the adversary (Luke 10:19).

The prophet demonstrates through his experiences that God was his supporter during his triumphs, leading to the conclusion that his confrontations with adversaries were just and rightful. Although the Lord sometimes permits the wicked to experience temporary successes, ultimately they reveal their opposition to Him through the outcomes of their actions. In contrast, God manifests His favor only to the righteous, such as David and others of his character, affirming their alignment with Him. It is understandable that David would utilize military language when recounting his victories, expressing a determination to vanquish his foes entirely, which may seem at odds with the humility expected of all faithful believers who should reflect the nature of the Heavenly Father.

Adversaries and evil spirits lose their strength; they retreat in the presence of the Holy Cross. Meanwhile, those who oppose Christ, such as the Jews, find themselves in ruin, having fallen away from God's grace and the former honor of being His chosen people.