Psalm 37 (36):32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For the Lord speaks of what was anticipated in the book of Wisdom, declaring, ‘It is woe to us even to see’; for His existence is unlike that of others. Thus, there are those who seek to take His life. Can it be that the Lord, who protects Him, who resides with Him, and who remains ever present in His words and thoughts, abandons Him? What then happens to the prophecy that states, ‘And He forsaketh not His saints’?

The same truth is articulated in various forms to aid in its retention through consistent study. It is asserted that the Lord will not overlook the plight of the righteous when the wicked conspire against them; He will not refrain from intervening in such circumstances but will ensure the righteous find refuge from the snares laid before them. This divine care was evident in Abraham’s life when Sarah was seized on two occasions, and Isaac too was subjected to similar threats. Jacob experienced this protection when faced with jealousy from his brother and father-in-law, while Joseph encountered it amid animosity and false accusations. However, is it necessary to list every instance? Those who seek can easily gather numerous examples from the Old Testament and find parallels in the New Testament. He will render judgment against him in due time, specifically at the moment of his trial.

God stands on our side. The sinner, observing that the righteous person articulates truth and contemplates wisdom within his heart (for he renders just decisions with his speech and holds the Lord's commandments in his inner being), seeks to condemn him as sinful. Yet the Lord offers protection. Thus, let us not fear the malevolence of the sinner, for God is with us.

The Prophet conveys a singular message in various forms to ensure that the insights are deeply ingrained in our hearts. He observes that the Lord does not abandon the just man under the scheming of wicked individuals, nor does He grant them approval to act against him, but rather orchestrates events in such a way that the righteous will evade their traps. This pattern is illustrated through the experiences of Abraham during the twofold capture of Sarah, as well as Isaac when he faced similar challenges. Jacob encountered adversity from his brother and father-in-law due to jealousy, and Joseph bore the brunt of envy and false accusations. Should we list each example? For those who cherish the ancient accounts, it is not a hard task to recognize the continuity with the new revelations.

To be vigilant entails observing, looking out for, and keeping an eye on the one who is just, as the sinner seeks to bring about his demise. The term "sinner" encompasses not merely the one who acts unjustly, but also the adversary, who is the originator and enforcer of sin.

These two verses illuminate the preceding verses, as the Prophet articulates the same ideas using varied expressions, aiming to engrave them more deeply in his consciousness through contemplation. The sinner observes the righteous individual, keenly paying attention to his words and actions, with the intent to silence him, and once silenced, to inflict harm or even bring about his demise. This is particularly evident in judicial settings, where either a judge or an unjust accuser seeks to condemn or annihilate an innocent soul. However, the Lord will not abandon the righteous to the hand of the wicked; He will not permit a just man to be entirely ensnared by a sinner. Therefore, He grants him wisdom to discern the schemes of his adversaries. By communicating wisely before them, he can sidestep their traps. The judge will not render his verdict upon the righteous unjustly, for God ensures that His justice remains untainted.

The adversary and the malevolent assembly of the Jews, in their human guise, sought to terminate the life of Christ the Lord, aiming to bring death to the One who is immortal.