Psalm 31 (30):16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Two types of adversaries need our attention as we consider for whom we should intercede. It is essential to avoid harboring hatred toward any enemies, regardless of who they are; this prevents the dual pitfalls of nurturing our own animosity and enduring the harm inflicted by the adversary. Instead, we should love the good and bear the trials that come our way, ensuring that only one source of evil exists. The adversaries we should actively pray against are the devil and his minions. When individuals oppose us, they often become instruments of these spiritual enemies.

Into Your care are my lots. Even though my adversaries scheme to ensnare my spirit, my portion remains secure in Your grasp, and You will reward me in Your appointed time, for I place my trust in You. Therefore, I implore You to rescue me from my foes during this hour. Although my enemies gather to conspire against my life, I am assured that You are my God and my protector. Free me from the grasp of those who seek to harm me and from those who oppress me. "Flee from deceit," the Apostle declares (Acts 3:26). Even if deceit pursues you, such as infidelity, greed, impatience, and wrath, let those matters be left behind.

Into Your hands are my circumstances. See vv. 14 Rescue me from the grasp of my foes and from those who pursue me. The Prophet further reveals the way of salvation.

Into Your hands are my lots, for Your own hands encompass the totality of my existence, encapsulating both my life and my death, my joys and my trials. Here, “hands” signify the omnipotence of God: as it is written, The Lord kills and brings to life; He brings down to the grave and raises up (1 Sam. 2:6). Therefore, whenever it pleases You, I may either thrive through victory or face demise as the defeated one. The lots referred to concerning God signify the blessings that the Almighty has promised to His faithful followers, rewards that He will bestow in due time. According to the esteemed Athanasius, the fate of each individual rests in God's hands.

In these words, the righteous man reveals that despite the many trials he faces, he remains steadfast, for his hope is not placed in the deceitful assistance of humanity but is firmly anchored in the omnipotent God, against whom no one can stand. Even if my adversaries conspire against me and attempt to take my life, I place my trust in You, O Lord. Why? Because I declare in my heart, You are my God. I have a mighty defender, and apart from His will, no one can seize my life: for my destiny is in Your hands, meaning that the course of my life or death is not left to mere chance but is determined by Your authority and purpose. I will live only as long as You allow; I will die only when You permit it: for rescue me from the grasp of my foes and from those who pursue me.

The time designated is the period of the profound suffering of Christ the Savior; in this moment, it embodies the divine will of God the Father, in accordance with which Christ the Lord willingly endured anguish for the salvation of humanity, as He expressed: ‘Father, not my will, but yours be done’ (Luke 22:42). The adversaries of Christ consist of demons and those who opposed Him. The circumstances under God's control result in the redemption of mankind, rooted in His divine will and destiny, which seeks to redeem and forgive humanity, as He states: ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy’ (Rom. 9:15).