Psalm 35 (34):23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To what verdict do You refer? Is it that You are filled with grief and tormented by toil and anguish? Do not many wicked individuals experience similar suffering? To what conclusion are we led? Hence, is it not just that You remain steadfast amid such trials? No, the truth lies in My verdict. What then follows? Listen to My verdict: it pertains to My case, O God and Lord. It addresses not My punishment, but the reason behind it; not what the thief shares with Me, but that for which it is declared, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake" (Matt. 5:10). This particular cause is distinct. Punishment is meted out similarly to both the righteous and the wicked. Thus, it is not the suffering that makes one a martyr, but the reason for that suffering.

The unique Son of God, who took on human form while remaining divine, inquires of the Father regarding the wrongs committed against us by demonic forces. He seeks to disperse the arrogance of the proud. In that moment, some will feel shame, while others will celebrate, offering their gratitude for salvation.

You are the Sovereign, O Lord; you oversee all things, and nothing is beyond your sight. Consider the actions taken and do not abandon me without your guidance. Yet, render your judgment swiftly. The subsequent words convey the same intent.

Rise up, O Lord, and declare my cause. These words are directed to God as if addressing a human, as we have often noted: He calls to us, saying, awaken and come to my defense, for Your patience makes it seem as though You are unaware of my plight. And - Listen - as we have interpreted in Psalms 5:2, do not overlook my case, O Lord! My God, and my God, and my Lord, attend to my plea. Here, the common verb must be grasped - Listen! - and this is referred to as judgment. The expressions - My God and My Lord, along with other similar phrases, delivered in uninterrupted succession, indicate a heartfelt and fervent petition to God, providing solace to the soul: for it is written, I remembered God and was comforted (Ps. 76:4).

The Vigilant Judge As is frequently true of humanity, we refer to Him who is perpetually alert, who remains ever observant; therefore, we must understand that He is particularly watchful when administering justice.

The prophet resumes his prayer, articulating the same sentiments through fresh expressions to convey the deep movement of the spirit. He implores, “Lord, you have witnessed, O Lord, the great suffering of your humble servant: do not remain silent, even if you have not noticed, or cannot, or choose not to defend the one who trusts in you. O Lord, do not withdraw your presence, do not abandon me during my trials, unlike those who distance themselves. Instead of remaining silent or appearing as a mere bystander or one who sleeps, arise and, as a just and mighty Judge, carefully consider my situation and the struggles I face with my persecutors.

The Savior, Christ, calls out to God the Father during His profound suffering, yearning to rise from His endurance and to confront His fierce struggle against the malevolent Jews, who respond to His goodness with malevolence: while Christ seeks their salvation, they respond with death. In a similar manner, the faithful turn to the Savior during their times of tribulation.