Psalm 36 (35):13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The reason for humanity's downfall is that the first man did not experience the absence of hell; rather, it was the influence of arrogance that led him there, with the wicked hand of the sinner—specifically, the arrogant hand of the adversary—pushing him forward. The tempter declared, "I will set my throne to the north," and similarly coaxed him, "Taste, and you shall be as gods." Indeed, our pride is the source of our fall, drawing us into the shadow of death. Yet, while pride inflicts wounds upon us, humility serves as our remedy. God, embodying humility, comes to heal humanity from all the injuries caused by arrogance. Therefore, when he refers to the foot, it signifies man's passions that arise from having turned away from God and experienced a fall.

The prophet declares that those who engage in wrongdoing have stumbled (Psalm 35:13). Where is this place? Is it not where pride dwells, not where the hands of evildoers operate? Or is it where they were once rooted, only to fall in that very spot, on the solid earth, at that precise moment? While these statements may appear unclear, the prophet clarifies the location by stating: In that place, there is distress akin to that of a woman giving birth (Psalms 47:7). This refers to the profound anguish endured by those who have embraced faith, which embodies Christ within the Church (see Gal. 4:19). Further, David reflects, I will remind those who know me about Raab and Babylon; observe the aliens and Tyre alongside the people of Ethiopia, for they were present there (Psalms 86:4).

"Let not the prideful tread upon me, nor let the hand of wickedness draw me near." "Then those who practice iniquity shall stumble and face destruction, unable to rise again. Simmah interprets this as: 'where those who commit iniquity fall, they shall remain fallen and will not be able to get up.' The prophet seeks to maintain the balance of nature and not be misled by the false accusations of the unrighteous, for he understands the fate that awaits those who choose the wrong path. He asserts that those who have strayed into this perilous way will find it impossible to return to the right. This mirrors the words of Psalm 6: 'There is no one in death who remembers Thee, in Sheol who will give thanks to Thee’ (Psalm 6:6).”

There is a distinction made between that location or time designated by God. It is not stated in the future tense—"they shall fall"—but rather in the past tense, "they fell," indicating that David perceives their downfall with prophetic vision. Those who commit wrongdoing are represented by Saul, his allies, and every evildoer. Chrysostom explains that the term "there" implies a place of pride, suggesting the sentiment is one of caution: let me not be in that place where the fallen rise only to find themselves unable to ascend again. Similarly, Origen interprets "there" as referring to the afterlife, in alignment with the teaching that there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The prophet finds solace in the unwavering assurance that his prayers will be granted. To strengthen his resolve in this hopeful expectation, he points out the eventual downfall of the wicked, even though it may not yet be visible. His intention behind this observation is not unfounded. From the elevated perspective of faith, he perceives their destruction from a distance and communicates this urgency, suggesting it is imminent. By declaring they have been destroyed, he implies that they tread a perilous path, indicating that their prosperity is not secure. Furthermore, he asserts that their downfall will be catastrophic, leaving no hope for restoration.

The demons, due to their arrogance, were cast down from heaven into the abyss, as they can no longer endure eternally. Similarly, the unrighteous Jews, who exalted themselves in pride against Christ the Lord, fell at the very place where He was raised upon the cross. Their disobedience renders them incapable of yielding to Christ. This also serves as a sign of God's Final Judgment, where all who commit wickedness will be condemned to Gehenna for eternity.

In the presence of Your sacred dwelling, where You nourish the faithful, the wicked shall be brought low. Thus, all those who oppose the truth will be humbled before the Church, and all unrepentant sinners will be admonished by her.