Psalm 36 (35):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He offers His mercy not because they possess knowledge, but so that they may come to know Him. His righteousness is given not because they are just in spirit, but so that they may become just in spirit, based on which He judges the unrighteous. This understanding diverts one from arrogance, the root of all sins, for a self-assured individual views the origin of his existence as stemming from himself. In doing so, he separates himself from the true Source of life, from which alone one may obtain righteousness, leading to a life of virtue. He also distances himself from the eternal Light, which ignites the rational soul, enabling it to generate and reflect light.

Extend Your grace to those who acknowledge You (Psalm 35:11). He prays for preferential compassion for the righteous because they have come to know God. Subsequently, we find that even the common people are marked by their eagerness for understanding when the Lord states, I will remind those who know Me of Raab and Babylon (Psalm 86:4). In other words, I will not forget the harlot Raab and the confusion associated with Babylon. As Origen explains, it is among those who know Me that the harlot is remembered, while the chosen people often do not recognize Me. Thus, among those who know Me, I will remember Raab, for she is worthy of her reward due to her faith.

Grant to those who have consistently pursued the knowledge of God and chosen to engage in righteous deeds a share in Your humble and just care. The Prophet spoke of these individuals in both aspects, yet he distinguished them according to the nuances of language. His intent was not to suggest a separation between those who lead with faith and those who possess a sincere heart; rather, he sought mercy for some and truth for others. By affirming that complete virtue lies in adhering to sound doctrine and performing good deeds, he assures mercy and truth to those who have embraced these principles.

He constantly implores, O Lord, to extend mercy to those who have come to understand the true God and to grant righteous assistance to those who are upright yet gentle in spirit. Theologian Cyril emphasizes that for those who possess knowledge, he requests the continuation of mercy, and for the sincerely righteous, the ongoing provision of justice, by which they will be rewarded according to their deeds. It is important to note that the righteous and the knowledgeable are not separate categories; rather, divine knowledge is intrinsically linked to the persistence of a pure heart, one that remains untainted in any manner.

In this passage, the Prophet turns his focus to prayer, beginning by appealing to God to extend His mercy to all the faithful. He then specifically seeks God’s assistance in facing his adversaries. Additionally, he emphasizes that the profound mercy he has previously mentioned is reserved solely for the righteous, referring to them as sons of men, while likening the wicked to cattle. In Matthew 25, Christ states: ‘Amen I say to you, I do not hear you.’ The Prophet implores God to extend His mercy to those who earnestly seek Him, meaning that His great mercy should be directed towards those who truly know Him—His friends and children—who engage with Him as companions, who call upon Him, who listen to His commandments, and whom He responds to in their prayers.

The compassion of God extends from the righteous on earth to the heavens, where they will receive it eternally and without exception. The faithfulness of God assures the promise of everlasting blessings, designated for those who love and revere Him with a sincere heart.