Psalm 35 (34):16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Should the house of God not turn into a place of trade, is it then acceptable for it to be a venue for indulgence? When we voice this concern, they fiercely oppose us. However, we find solace in the psalm that states, "They gnash their teeth against me" (Psalm 34:16). We understand the means of our healing, even though the afflictions are heightened for Christ, for His message is tormented: "They gathered scourges against me, and knew not" (cf. Ps. 34:15). He endured the lashes from the Jews and continues to be struck by the slanders of misguided believers. They increase their accusations against their Savior without realizing it. Let us follow the example of the Psalmist as much as we are able: "I, when they overpowered me, clothed myself in rags, and wearied my soul with fasting" (cf. Ps. 34:13).

The Prophet indicates that their methods have varied in an effort to quell their anger: at times, they have sought to ensnare me with cunning speech; at other times, they have pursued me relentlessly, like a roaring lion.

The companions of Saul, as he expresses, sometimes experienced my favor and at other times mocked me, viewing me as feeble. Yet now, they have manifestly transformed into ferocious adversaries. The act of gnashing teeth occurs when, overwhelmed by either intense fear or fury, teeth clash against one another. He states that stirred by wrath, they nearly grind their teeth upon me, seeking with them to obliterate my very being. It is noted that the Jews frequently tested Christ by sending the courtiers of Herod, deriding Him and ridiculing Him while He hung on the cross, as noted by the divine Cyril. Isychius remarks that they perhaps gnashed their teeth due to their malice, desiring almost to erase Jesus; furthermore, gnashing of teeth is also associated with slanderous speech.

Inner Reflection

Can you relate this to the suffering of the Lord? The very trials of Christ unfolded so that we might be prepared. The closer you draw to God, the more adversaries seem to arise against you, and the afflictions do not cease. They tempt you, scornfully bringing you shame and gnashing their teeth in hostility. You ought to cry out, "Lord! When will You take notice? Deliver my soul from their wickedness, from the beasts that threaten me, Your only Son. Our soul is unique in both count and devotion.

The witness of the Father Some claim that the strength of the teeth represents wickedness. He desired His Father to serve as a witness against those who mocked Him.

There is a dual significance here: they ground their teeth at me, a reaction typical of the stubborn when their hearts are troubled. Unable to articulate their own righteousness, they resort to grinding their teeth, revealing their ulterior motives through thinly veiled menace. However, let us connect this to the grand design of humanity, so that the members may not struggle to bear what they know their Head has suffered.

He continues to outline the depravity of the enemies, indicating that although they were unable to achieve their malicious desires, God's Providence protected His servant from harm by those wicked persecutors. Yet, despite this divine safeguarding, they remained unsatisfied; unable to inflict physical injuries upon him, they resorted to verbal assaults, ridicule, and intimidation. He notes that their ranks were in disarray, illustrating how those who conspired against me to inflict damage became divided, as God fractured their unity. Nevertheless, they did not relent; they did not repent, or as the original text indicates, they did not find peace, but continued to provoke me. Their attempts to harass me varied, encompassing both scornful remarks and savage threats, much like lions ready to strike, instilling fear within me.

The people were in turmoil: some shouted in opposition to Christ, demanding, "Let him be crucified," while others who had faith pleaded for His life, proclaiming, "No one can perform the miracles He performs." Yet, the wicked did not turn from their ways; instead, they tested Him, saying, "Prophesy to us, who is it that strikes You?" They spat upon Him and mocked the Lord, treating Him as an ordinary man, and their rage was like that of demons, eager to see Him put to death (Luke 22:63-65).