Psalm 32 (31):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

No one should anticipate that when the end arrives unexpectedly, akin to the time of Noah, there will remain a chance to declare the faith that brings one nearer to God.

Every holy figure will lift prayers to You, seeking forgiveness for my transgressions, as a testament to thorough repentance for all. This suggests that he aims to serve as an example of contrition, or perhaps it foretells a time when all nations will acknowledge their sins in relation to David. Even amidst overwhelming struggles, many will not approach him. He asserts that the one who truly repents will not be overwhelmed by various trials.

"For this reason, every faithful follower shall earnestly seek You during times of great need." The prophet refers to "the time of great need" as the era of the New Covenant, wherein believers across land and sea exalt God with songs reminiscent of David. Thus, he anticipates this moment and expresses to the Lord, "I do not appeal to You alone for this transgression, but all who have come to know You will join in this prayer on my behalf, as we, inspired by Davidic words, adopt his lyrical expression to exalt You." "The floods of many waters shall not come near him." Simmachus rendered it as:

For this reason, each monk shall turn to You in times of need. This phrase signifies that due to my transgressions, every righteous individual is encouraged to seek God's assistance. Knowing that upon confessing, forgiveness is granted, he will follow my example during his own moments of remorse. This period of need refers to moments of capacity for repentance. My transgressions serve as a lesson for the penitence of the faithful, for the unfaithful do not repent. Another interpretation may exist. David foretells the path of Christians who, after the coming of Christ, in periods of need, offer prayers through psalms that recount their sin, petitioning God for forgiveness, as Theodoret notes. Even in the floods of numerous adversities, they shall not draw near to him.

The sole remedy that He, familiar with transgressions, must embrace is the plea for forgiveness. O divine healing! While there may be numerous remedies for the ailment of sin, this singular antidote, when received with a sincere heart, vanquishes the toxicity of every sin.

David, inspired by a prophetic vision, declares that many individuals, learning from his example, will seek God for the forgiveness of their sins in order to be liberated from the misfortunes that afflict sinners. It is for this reason that You, in Your abundant grace, pardon the sins of the repentant, providing them the hopeful assurance to cry out to You and seek Your favor. Every devout person, every genuine penitent who detests his wrongdoing and strives to embody Your righteousness, shall indeed pray in times of need, that is, before the opportunity for grace elapses, while life continues and God extends a call for repentance. As Isaiah proclaims, “Call upon the Lord while He is near; seek Him while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6).

In the pursuit of forgiveness for sins, an individual may seek the intercession of the saints before God, as the prayers of the righteous hold great power. This is supported by the words of the elders in the Book of Judith, who stated, “Pray for us as a holy woman” (Judith 8:31). Prayer is essential throughout all the days of this earthly existence, continuing until the moment of death, as the Apostle instructs us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). During times of turmoil, a contrite heart can find solace in the prayers of the saints, for God's grace, accompanied by the overwhelming troubles of life, shall not prevail. The imagery of the flood, holy baptism, and repentance illustrates the theme of overcoming sin and dispelling demonic influences.

In the midst of overwhelming tribulations, they will not approach Him. Every monk will offer prayers to You, and through Your divine guidance, even when faced with numerous hardships akin to perilous waters, he shall triumph over all afflictions.