Psalm 35 (34):18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If it was His intention for the statement, "I have revealed Your name to the men whom You gave Me from the world," to be grasped by everyone, including those who have yet to come to faith in Him and would be part of His universal Church, encompassing all nations—of which it is sung in the Psalm, "I will confess Thee in the great Church" (cf. Psalm 34:18)—then it is clear that this is the exaltation by which the Son honors the Father, declaring His name to all peoples and multiple generations. His declaration, "I have revealed Thy name to the men whom Thou hast given Me out of the world," mirrors an earlier proclamation, "I have glorified Thee on earth" (John 17:4). In both instances, He employs the past tense rather than the future, reflecting His awareness that this was divinely ordained and affirming that He had accomplished what He was certain would come to pass.

Only those who boldly declare can state, I HAVE DECLARED THE TRUTH OF GOD IN A GREAT ASSEMBLY (Psalm 39:10). Why might the term ‘great’ have been included? This gathering likely did not possess greatness previously. It is deemed great because individuals have congregated from every corner of the globe, with nations called from the east and west, the north and south. In another instance, we find mention of a significant gathering, I will extol Thee, O Lord, in a great assembly; among a multitude of people, I will exalt Thee (Psalm 34:18). A truly great assembly comprises those who are numerous, distinguished from the restless crowd that indulged in eating and drinking, only to rise and engage in frivolity (Exodus 32:6).

In the heavenly realm, Simmah signifies the gathering of many. This was both a prophecy and its realization. Throughout the earth and across the seas, the divine David praises God through the faithful. He refers to all the congregations of the universe as one body, a collective assembly of believers.

Let us make our confession before You in the congregation of many. In Psalm 21, verse 26, David declared, “My praise is from Thee in the great congregation.” Therefore, we should seek the meaning of this passage there. I will praise among the people of significance. Instead of "significance," Simmachus has translated it as "numerous." This clarifies the previous statement: in the congregation of many.

Inner Understanding Can you relate this to the Passion of our Lord? The very sufferings of Christ have unfolded so that we may be prepared. The closer you draw to God, the more countless are the adversaries that rally against you, and their afflictions will remain persistent. They entice you, scornfully dishonoring you, and gnash their teeth at you. You ought to cry out, ‘Lord! When will You take notice? Restore my spirit from their malevolence, from the lions, my only Son. Our soul is unique both in number and in love.

We will give praise to You in the assembly of many, I will exalt You among those enduring trials. Here, the Psalmist again commits to the Lord that he will express gratitude upon receiving salvation from his adversaries. He declares, Let us acknowledge You in the assembly of many, meaning: I will not conceal Your mercy but will make it known to all. Rephrasing this sentiment, he says, I will exalt You among the people. It appears the Prophet had in mind the Church of Christ, where God is continually honored for rescuing humanity. The Church of Christ is indeed vast, encompassing the entire world, and remains resilient; the gates of hell shall not overcome it (Matthew 16:18). Furthermore, the triumphant Church will also be magnificent, as it is prophesied: ‘I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language’ (Rev. 7:9).

The Church encompasses many believers across the entire globe, drawn from diverse nations and united in their faith in Christ our Lord. Initially, humanity is burdened by sin; however, through the sacrament of holy baptism, these sins are shed, empowering individuals to become steadfast and resolute in their holy faith, glorifying God with favor.