Psalm 35 (34):25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let them not exclaim in their hearts, "We have triumphed," as we might desire (Psalm 34:25); that is to say, we have done all we could: we have put Him to death, we have removed Him from our midst. Let them not proclaim, "We consumed Him completely." Thus the martyrs declare: if the Lord had not been with us, they would have devoured us swiftly. What does it mean, devoured us? Consumed us into our very being. This is the essence of what you take into yourself when you internalize it. The world would attempt to engulf you; you must, instead, take the world into you: conquer it and make it part of you. Just as it was commanded to Peter, "Kill and eat" (Acts 10:13), put to death within them all that they are, and transform them into what you are.

The only begotten Word of God, who took on human form while remaining fully divine, inquires of the Father regarding the transgression committed against us by the forces of darkness, seeking to humble the arrogance of the proud. In that moment, some will experience shame while others will celebrate, expressing gratitude for their deliverance.

If You, O Lord, intervene, they will rejoice once more, transforming my afflictions into gladness, and they will elevate my trials through their own blessings.

Let them not utter in their hearts, “It is well, it is well for our spirits!” The phrase “has become” is absent, which is essential to convey the idea: “It has become well for our spirits! Or, it has transpired according to our wish!” Further, may they declare, “Let them gather him.” O, how I wish my foes had not proclaimed, “We have devoured him,” referring to having done so by the sword’s edge, for they are eager to make this claim once they have put me to death. Someone remarks that the one who plunges into the abyss and does not emerge is consumed by it. This speaks prophetically of Christ’s death and resurrection.

He interprets the previously mentioned statement by cautioning against their glee, emphasizing that should he continue his judgment, they will merely find cause to celebrate again, using his suffering as an excuse for their joy and regarding his trials as their own gain. They should not inwardly declare, “Our soul is good,” meaning they should not profess love for themselves. He reiterates this idea with the phrase: “let them say below, let them devour him,” which implies they should not take pride in having consumed him like lions. Rather, let all his adversaries, having lost rightful hope for triumph, face collective humiliation. Those who now pat themselves on the back for their perceived victory and take delight in his afflictions should be overwhelmed with disgrace. Furthermore, their shame should not be fleeting, but profound, enveloping those who malign him, particularly those who take pride in their strength and exert it against him for malevolent purposes.

Although the wicked Jews celebrated internally at Christ’s crucifixion, believing He would be forever overtaken by death, they were, in fact, found guilty. For it was through Christ's triumph that death was ultimately vanquished (1 Corinthians 15:54). The Spirit of God rejuvenates the faithful, and during the flood, the entirety of humanity strayed into error, causing the Spirit to depart from all except for Noah, who was found righteous.