Psalm 31 (30):17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let those who doubt my belonging to You recognize that Your countenance shines upon me and that my service is devoted to You. Deliver me by Your grace.

When You return, all that causes sorrow will come to an end. This is the sole path to my salvation, provided You shine Your countenance upon me.

Shine Your face upon Your servant. Here, "enlighten" signifies a request for assistance, as if to say, You, Lord, in withholding your aid, seem to turn Your gaze away from me, avoiding the sight of my sinful shortcomings. The term "face" represents the visitation and closeness of God. Save me by Your compassion, the Lord implores, not for my own merit, but because of Your grace, for You have declared in the book of Exodus, I am merciful (Exodus 22:27).

He reiterates his plea, now incorporating additional reasoning to encourage God to show favor. "Make Your face shine upon Your servant," meaning either reveal Your presence or gaze upon me, as both expressions convey the same idea. Just as God’s anger over our transgressions causes Him to turn away His gaze, as indicated in Scripture, when He is reconciled, He illuminates His face—looking upon us to bring enlightenment and joy. Initially, he requests reconciliation with God, should he have offended Him, emphasizing his role as a servant committed to submission and obedience. Following this, he pleads, "Save me," recognizing that reconciliation leads to salvation for those who have been restored to God’s favor.

The countenance of God, Christ our Lord, who embodies the brightness of the Father’s glory and represents His very essence (Hebrews 1:3). Illuminate Adam and all who dwell with him in the shadows of the abyss, and through Your compassion, rescue him from the depths of hell and from the torment and degradation imposed by the demons eternally.