Psalm 3:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Gospels reveal that a vast crowd gathered around Him during His suffering and while He was on the cross.

The Word did not require the gate to be opened, for He is the Sovereign of all, and no part of creation is inaccessible to the Creator. However, we are in need of it because He has elevated us through His own flesh. Just as He lifted this body above all in death, He used it to prepare the path to the heavenly realm.

I will not be afraid of those who surround me in opposition. Arise, O Lord, save me, my God. If You are with me, that is sufficient to dispel the darkness threatening me. For You have struck down all those who falsely contend against me; You have shattered the strength of the wicked. Therefore, grant me complete deliverance; and just as You have disciplined those who unjustly harbor animosity toward me due to their wrongdoing, whether they be my kin or strangers, Israelites or Amalekites, and even Saul himself; so now I ask for Your salvation. The phrase, "You have shattered the strength of the wicked," means "You have taken away their power"; it is a metaphor drawn from animals, which, when deprived of their teeth, pose no threat and can be easily defeated.

What does the Psalmist mean when he speaks of the adversaries, saying, ‘Around them that attack’? The term around implies encirclement from every direction—both front and rear, as well as from the sides. In this way, the demons assail us directly by luring us with the allure of physical things, from behind by provoking the recollection of wicked thoughts through expectations, from the left by overwhelming the spirit with unchecked carnal desires, and from the right by attacking the soul with the weapons of vanity and arrogance.

"I will not fear," he says, "by placing my confidence in Your mediation. The prophet refers to his adversaries as 'attackers,' which can denote those who rallied against him, specifically the allies of Absalom in a historical context, or metaphorically, demons in a spiritual sense. Regarding these demons, their assault occurs all around us and should be understood in this manner: they strike at the forefront by attempting to instill in us hope for favorable outcomes in our endeavors, and from behind as they remind us of our past transgressions, attempting to taint our spirits. They attack from the right too, encouraging our good works while simultaneously inciting within us vanity, and from the left as they clearly seek to lead us into sin."

Assured by His resurrection, He had no dread of death, understanding that it would endure for only three days and serve a greater purpose for humanity.

Empowered by faith and sheltered under God's protection, he demonstrates his bravery. He seems to proclaim, ‘If You are with me, I can overcome many shadows that encircle me.’ With this assurance, he confidently declares, ‘I will not be afraid.’ This reflects a culmination of experience and indicates a steadfast attitude of the spirit. While the initial wave of fear may affect even the strongest believers, it is soon swept away by their returning clarity of thought, as trust prevails and fear vanishes. In contrast, those devoid of faith see their initial dread amplify, eventually leading to a complete breakdown of spirit and hopelessness.

He predicts that countless adversarial powers will attempt to obstruct the resurrection of the saints, filled with jealousy over their salvation. David declares: “Their word I count as nothing,” placing his trust in his protector, the vanquisher of death, who has shattered the bronze gates and demolished the iron bars, opening the eternally sealed gates of death. Along with his disciples, among whom David is one, he has paved the way for the resurrection.

Through divine guidance, he expresses that, while relishing this providence, he feels no fear of his adversaries, even if they come against him in vast numbers. Yet, he implores the Lord to rise and deliver him should they prepare to assault him once more. Here, God is described as resurrecting—not in a literal sense but in a metaphorical one. He comes to our aid when He rises, whereas He is likened to being asleep when He does not manifest His assistance. He asks in another passage: “Why do You sleep, Lord?” The Prophet cleverly combines the calls to action in the phrases: “Arise” and “awake,” as if to convey: I, inspired by Your guidance, rise to offer prayer, and You, moved by my supplication, rise up and contend on my behalf.

A host of wicked individuals and evil spirits assailed the Lord Christ; yet upon His resurrection, all adversaries, both seen and unseen, were vanquished. The believer in Christ, however, is unafraid of the forces of darkness, standing firm through the might of the Holy Cross. Christ came into the world to find and redeem those who are lost. He is the way, the truth, and the life.