Deliver Israel, O God, from all his tribulations.
פְּדֵ֣ה אֱ֭לֹהִים אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מִ֝כֹּ֗ל צָֽרוֹתָיו׃
5 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 6 commentaries
O Lord, rescue Your people, whom You have molded for Your reflection, from their struggles, which they face both externally and internally.
Rescue Your people, O God, whom You have made ready to behold You, from their afflictions, including not just the external burdens they endure, but also the inner struggles they face.
It is appropriate for a sovereign to present this supplication to the Lord. The appointed ruler must exhibit a profound concern for those under his authority. Thus, even the revered David prayed not solely for his own needs but also for the welfare of the people he governed. Furthermore, the deliverance of a just and victorious leader is a shared blessing for all. However, these declarations bear a deeper significance. Israel experienced division during the reign of Saul, under Mephibosheth, and also in the time of Absalom. Consequently, the Prophet asserts, If I rely on Your assistance and triumph over those who oppose me; then Israel, having ended its conflict, shall find tranquility and receive Your grace.
Having sufficiently prayed for his own needs, David now turns to God on behalf of the entire nation of Israel, who shared in his afflictions. The people endured hardships alongside their king not only during the conflicts with his adversaries as he ascended to the throne—assuming this psalm was composed during that period—but they also suffered greatly during the reign of Saul. Moreover, in the face of Absalom's rebellion, they mourned for David, whom they referred to as Israel, reflecting their lineage from Israel, also known as Jacob. It is fitting to consider that David may identify himself as Israel, being of that same line.
One might also apply this prayer to Christ, who, as a man, intercedes for the deliverance of believers enduring persecution from those opposed to their faith, including both persecutors and Hellenists. Previously, we remarked that Christians, enlightened by faith in Christ, can rightly be termed Israel, for Israel signifies the mind that perceives God. Theodoret notes that it is appropriate for a king to offer such prayers to God, as one tasked with leadership should be concerned for the welfare of those under his care. Thus, it is no wonder that the blessed David prayed not only for his own well-being but also for the people entrusted to him.
David was not just a member of God’s people; he was their king and leader. Therefore, after offering a heartfelt prayer for himself, he included a prayer for his entire nation and a collective supplication. He recognized that he could not address the specific needs of each individual. God declares, “Deliver, saith God, Israel from all his afflictions.” Here, the term Israel encompasses all twelve tribes, emphasizing that his plea was not solely for his own deliverance from hardship but also for God to liberate all of Israel from every form of suffering and distress.
Israel will be regarded as those who witness God; those who have faith in Christ the Lord will behold Him with the eyes of their hearts. They will be safeguarded from both visible and invisible foes and ultimately freed from sorrow, for God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more mourning or illness (Rev. 21:4).
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS