Psalm 33 (32):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Joy of True Possession All individuals, regardless of their way of life, seek happiness, yet not everyone achieves the fulfillment they desire. While everyone longs for joy, it is only a select few who embrace righteousness that will truly find it. I question whether anyone seeks joy solely to commit wrongdoing. Where can true joy be located? Is it in wealth, in gold and silver, in properties, lands, homes, inheritances, fleeting worldly honors, or in temporary fame? People often pursue joy through material possessions; however, consider what you truly wish to possess, for in that pursuit, you may discover joy.

The Jewish people may not always receive the respect they deserve, yet they honor those chosen by divine excellence from all nations. We are referred to as the 'tongue' because the Lord is our God and we are ‘the people whom He has selected for His inheritance.’ This designation of 'tongue' signifies our gathering from many Gentiles, while 'people' indicates our calling as a replacement for those who were rejected. As it is stated, ‘many are called, but few are chosen’ (cf. Matt. 20:16), the blessing is not for the called alone, but for the chosen ones; ‘blessed are they that are chosen.’ What is the reason for this beatitude? It is the anticipated inheritance of eternal blessings.

Blessed is the tongue that praises Him, who is the Lord, their God. In these phrases, he designates as blessed those who have faith in Christ.

The Prophet teaches us that we ought not to laud those who take pride in their wealth, but rather those who place their faith in God and receive His assistance. The chosen ones, referred to as God's inheritance, were originally the Jewish people, and later encompassed the Gentiles, who embraced the light of faith. As it is written, Ask, and I will give Thee the nations for Thy inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession (Ps. 2:8).

Praised is the tongue, for it belongs to the Lord our God. Fortunate, He declares, is the nation that is governed by God Himself. As the holy Cyril teaches, this is the Christian community, to whom the Redeemer has promised: and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). We, who have been chosen as an inheritance, align with the sentiments of the esteemed Basil; we are the Christians, this gathered people from diverse nations brought together by faith in Christ. Instead of the cast-aside people of the Jews, we have attained their dignified status and have been made the chosen tribe of God. The Redeemer has selected us as His inheritance, in accordance with the declaration, I will give thee nations for thy inheritance (Psalm 2:8).

The Prophet reflects on the immense power of God's wisdom and goodness, asserting that blessed is the nation whose God is not a lifeless idol, but rather the Almighty, Omnipotent, and Most Blessed Lord, whose glory has been extolled thus far. Truly, we experience complete prosperity and blessing when we acknowledge this great Lord as our God, and He, in turn, regards us as His chosen people. This is why the Prophet proclaims, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Essentially, those who do not recognize any deity but the One by whom the heavens were formed are truly blessed.

In the Hebrew context, this psalm lacks an inscription, leading to the inference that it relates to Psalm 31. It serves as an Old Testament reflection on the Lord's assurance: do not fear, little flock (Lk. 12:32). The psalm may have originated from a miraculous triumph achieved by the small remnant of God's people over formidable pagan nations. Acknowledging God's extraordinary assistance, the psalmist urges the faithful of Israel—those who are righteous and just—to raise their voices in acclamation through joyful and triumphant shouts (1Ezdr. 3:11), singing a unique new song (vv. 1-3). In this granted victory, the Lord has magnificently demonstrated His unwavering love for truth (v.

Blessed are those who have renounced idolatry and embraced the true faith in our Lord Christ, participating in the Holy Mysteries of His Body and Blood, thus receiving the promise of eternal life. Those who lack faith in Christ bear a significant burden of sin.