Psalm 35 (34):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Two forms of evil Who would not fear the profound darkness? Who would not tread carefully on the treacherous ground? If one finds himself in darkness and on a precarious path, where can he firmly place his foot? These represent the two forms of evil that serve as the gravest punishment for humanity: darkness, signifying ignorance; and slipperiness, symbolizing indulgence. The Psalmist anticipates their future existence but does not desire their arrival. For, inspired by the Spirit of God, the prophet articulates them as they unfold through God’s execution of justice: through a judgment that is true, good, righteous, holy, fervent, free from wrath or bitter envy, seeking not the persecution of adversaries, but the rightful punishment of moral failings.

Cause them to flee, directing that they be chased by unseen angels. In Scripture, we see that the Assyrians were defeated by a celestial being, and the firstborn of Egypt were struck down by the avenger. Through shadows and stealth, He refers to the fallen, for those who trip and are downcast do fall. To affirm the validity of the plea, the Prophet states: For they concealed the ruin of their trap from me, and carried away my soul without purpose.

Let their path be one of darkness and treachery. This is a solemn and weighty curse. David invokes this judgment upon them: When they attempt to flee for safety, may their path become obscured so that they cannot discern where to go, and treacherous, causing them to stumble. Furthermore, may the angel of the Lord pursue them. He asserts that not only should his foes face these dire misfortunes, but they should also be relentlessly chased by the angel of retribution. Thus, what anguish will these wretches endure when they are unable to see due to the enveloping darkness, cannot tread with assurance because of the treacherous ground, and are pursued mercilessly by the fearsome angel?

In other words, not only will they be compelled to escape, but they will also be thrust into ruin without any aid. Those who flee typically find assistance by knowing their destinations and navigating safe, smooth paths, or at least by proceeding at a measured pace when the way is not optimal. Yet in this case, all such supports vanish: the Prophet predicts that they will be driven to flee into darkness along a treacherous path where neither sight nor footing can guide them. Moreover, the Angel of the Lord will pursue them from behind, urging them forward on a perilous route, such that they may even stumble into the river and meet their doom.

The path represents the purpose and progression of the emergence of evil. This darkness signifies the obscurity of the mind; it becomes a struggle when the unrighteous are ensnared by the shadows of their wrongdoing. As they are blinded, they stumble more readily, and due to their refusal to repent, they are pursued by angels into an everlasting state of anguish.