Psalm 35 (34):22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What does it signify to remain silent? Ultimately, you hold the authority to assess this. Regarding judgment, it is recorded: I was silent; will I remain silent for eternity? Concerning the delay of judgment for the wicked, it is stated, You acted, and I did not respond; You assumed I was just like you. How can He, who communicates through the prophets, who speaks directly in the gospel, who conveys truth through evangelists, and who expresses Himself through us when we proclaim the truth, remain mute? So what occurs? He does not respond regarding judgment, nor does He on matters of instruction or teaching. Yet, to this, the Prophet seems to summon and foretell: "Thou hast seen, O Lord: be not silent;" which implies that it is imperative for You to judge. O Lord, do not distance Yourself from me. Until Your judgment arrives, remain close to me, as You have promised: behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.

The only begotten Word of God took on human form while remaining fully divine, inquiring of the Father’s judge regarding the wrongdoing inflicted upon humanity by demons, requesting the dispersion of the arrogance of the proud. In that moment, some will experience shame, while others will celebrate, offering gratitude for their salvation.

You are the righteous Judge, O Lord, overseeing all things, and nothing is beyond your view. Consider what has transpired, and do not allow me to be without your care. Yet, render your judgment swiftly. The subsequent words convey the same truth.

He expresses, Lord, consider my suffering; please do not remain silent, nor allow this to continue, for those who are patient often remain voiceless; and do not abandon me, for I find no assistance from anyone else.

The prophet once more turns to prayer, expressing his anguish with renewed words to convey the deep stirrings of his spirit. He calls out, "Lord, You have observed, O Lord, the immense suffering of Your humble servant: do not remain silent, whether it seems You have not noticed, are unable to help, or choose not to defend those who place their trust in You. O Lord, do not pull away, do not desert me in my time of struggle, as those who distance themselves do. Furthermore, do not merely be passive or appear as if You are resting; instead, rise up, and as a righteous and mighty Judge, attentively consider my situation, my trials against those who persecute me. Awaken, I implore You, O God, to my cause, and adjudicate according to Your righteousness, O my Lord. Should Your justice, which is wholly opposed to wickedness, reveal that I am unjustly afflicted by my foes, rescue me from their grasp, that they may not exult in my misfortune.

The Lord observed both the outward and inward wickedness of the Jews, for all things lie bare before the omniscient gaze of God. Yet, Christ the Lord intercedes with God the Father for humanity, seeking deliverance from the malevolent forces of demons (John 19 and 20).