Psalm 31 (30):20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Value of Reverence Even those whom You discipline are greatly cherished by You, yet in order to prevent them from becoming reckless, You withhold the full expression of Your lovingkindness, as it is beneficial for them to experience reverence.

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From Reverence to Affection Through the law, we have a sense of fear towards God, while through faith, we place our hope in Him; yet, grace remains concealed from those who only know the fear of retribution. Burdened by this fear, the soul struggles against sinful desires, and fear, acting as a stern overseer, clings tightly.

The prophet indicates that the abundance of God's goodness remains veiled and is not fully evident in our current existence. If what we anticipate were visible to us now, the assertions of the unbelievers would lose their impact. However, what can presently be perceived only through faith is destined to be unveiled in the coming ages.

How vast is the abundance of Your goodness, O Lord! Just as one who has been illuminated by the Spirit offers gratitude for what is to come. David often employs the term 'col' to convey the idea of 'very,' highlighting his astonishment. Magnificent is Your goodness, which You preserve and safeguard for us. The phrase ‘Thou hast hid’ is preferred over ‘hast kept,’ reminiscent of the words, ‘Thou hidest me in Thy village’ (Psalms 26:5). It is expressed as ‘hid thou,’ indicating that what is concealed is also preserved. You have created the one who trusts in You, shaping him in due time.

In this passage, the Prophet expresses, “The multitude of Thy goodness, O Lord, which Thou hast hidden for those who revere Thee.” The term "kol" is employed not to draw a comparison but to enhance the message. Consequently, Aquila and Symmachus interpret it as: “Great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast concealed, prepared for those who honor Thee.” This statement conveys that, although the blessings and rewards for those who revere Thee are plentiful, magnificent, and astonishing, they remain hidden, O Lord, and the faithful must endure toil and hardship. Yet, at times, Thou dost reveal the fruits of their victories, providing encouragement to the ascetics. To illustrate this, the Prophet further states: “Thou hast made them who trust in Thee visible before the sons of men.” He then elaborates on the depth of care that the Lord bestows upon them.

The vastness of Your goodness, O Lord, which You have kept hidden from those who revere You. David, reflecting on the patience of God and the assistance and justice that come from it, proclaims that Your goodness is exceedingly great, O Lord, concealed and revealed at times to Your faithful servants, where the delay and forbearance are intended to cultivate their endurance. You have made known Him who places his trust in You before all humankind! He declares, O Lord, that You have acted and fulfilled Your goodness, making it apparent to those who rely upon You, with the intention of showing many that You are their protector and source of strength.

Although the righteous endure trials in this present age, a vast treasure of goodness awaits them if they remain steadfast in the next. This goodness has been concealed by the Lord for those who revere Him until the appointed time. He often unveils it in this life, granting glimpses of it to those who place their hope in Him, even in the sight of those who deride them. For now, He protects them beneath His countenance, allowing them to remain hidden as long as His presence remains veiled. However, in the future, He will amplify His mercy toward them when He discloses the fortified city surrounded by angels, the holy city of Jerusalem, the mother of the faithful.

The richness of divine kindness is evident in the abundance of blessings bestowed. The Lord's goodness is revealed in His discipline, in His mercy, and in His assurance of everlasting rewards for those who are faithful. However, it is essential to understand that this goodness is known only by those who have experienced His presence. Unfortunately, those who are not worthy are unable to partake in this divine sweetness.

He states, "How vast is the abundance of Your goodness, O Lord!" Such goodness, immense as it is, could only be truly understood if the Psalmist had, at moments, experienced it through reflection.

The Holy Prophet, sensing that God had responded to his plea and enveloped him in divine comfort, illustrates the goodness and mercy of God towards His faithful. Here, goodness signifies God's benevolence, and the inquiry conveys considerable depth; David does not merely assert that God is good but revels in the marvel of the goodness he has personally encountered. His words stem from genuine experience, having been rescued from his troubles in a wondrous and unexpected manner. Consequently, he encourages the faithful to elevate their hearts beyond mere earthly understanding, fostering the expectation of receiving far greater blessings from God's grace than what human reasoning can perceive.

Christ, our Lord, showed compassion even toward the wicked Jewish leaders. Despite enduring immense suffering on the cross, He interceded for them, saying, "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34). Their lack of gratitude for the profound mysteries of salvation led to these truths being hidden from them, while they were revealed to those who embraced faith in Christ, who obtained salvation before the very eyes of the Jews.