Psalm 35 (34):27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"Let them continuously proclaim, 'Let the Lord be exalted,' - those who seek tranquility for His servant" (cf. Ps. 34:27). The servant of God, the community of believers, the Church of the Lord. Those who yearn for peace in His Church should lift up the Lord rather than the servant, saying without ceasing, 'Let the Lord be exalted.' Who are those that should proclaim this? 'Those who seek tranquility for His servant.' This voice clearly belongs to His people, the voice of His servant, as heard in the lamentations of the psalm, which stirs within you because you are part of that community. What one has sung resonates in all hearts. Blessed are those who recognize themselves in those collective voices as in a reflection.

The only begotten Word of God, who became incarnate yet remains fully divine, inquires of the Father regarding the wrong inflicted upon us by demons and requests the downfall of the prideful. At that time, some will feel shame while others will celebrate, offering gratitude for their salvation.

May those who desire blessings for me and wish for my peace continue to find joy and delight; and when they observe that I have achieved it, let them offer their praises to You, O Lord.

Let those who long for my righteousness celebrate and take joy! The phrases celebrate and take joy express the same sentiment in a parallel manner. He calls for those who wish for justice on my behalf to rejoice. My justice entails that they should not harbor animosity towards me in vain, but rather embrace and love those who currently oppose me, for I have shown them countless benefits. According to the teaching of Saint Cyril, those who seek not the righteousness found in the law, for it is impure, but rather that which is most complete in Christ, are blessed with the joy that Christ provides from God the Father. They should proclaim, "Let the Lord be glorified," as those who desire peace for His servant.

The temporal and the eternal Those who inflict suffering often exclaim, ‘How wonderful it is, O soul, that you have experienced transient joy and passing delight!’ Yet the just respond, ‘Let the Lord be exalted for what is everlasting and steadfast!’

Until now, the Prophet has prayed for the shame of the wicked; he now directs his prayers toward the righteous, those who have supported him, recognized his innocence, or desired that his truth be unveiled, asking that they may rejoice and celebrate. He also speaks to God on behalf of those who wished him peace, seeking deliverance from all adversities. In conclusion, he reaffirms his commitment to express gratitude for the blessings received, declaring that his tongue will proclaim God’s righteousness and continually offer praise throughout each day. This reflects his intention to consistently engage in sharing God's justice and glorifying His holy name, ensuring that the remembrance of this profound grace remains ever present in his heart.

Those who hold the belief that Christ has indeed risen experience joy. The Lord Jesus Christ, wishing for tranquility among his disciples and the community of believers, declared peace even prior to his crucifixion, saying, “My peace I leave with you.” Following his resurrection, he further reassured them with the words, “Peace be unto you.” In that eternal realm, the faithful, affirming the reality of Christ's incarnation, suffering, and resurrection, offer gratitude to God (John. Ch. 19 and 20).