Psalm 37 (36):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Despite the rapid efforts of all their attendants, striving to prevent the sick man’s anger, he constantly asks, "When will it be ready? When will the garment be sewn? When will it be served?" Those who look to You are eager, yet Your frailty leads you to believe that what is accomplished swiftly takes an eternity. Thus, behold our Healer, aligning Himself with the struggles of the suffering soul, asking, "How long must I bear this? How long will it take?"

The Arians, backed by the king's power, sought to reclaim one of the temples; during the spring of 386, with the support of Empress Justina, they made this demand. Yet, in the heart of a devoted servant of God, the fear of retribution cannot overshadow the glory of devotion. Deceit did not triumph, for faith remained steadfast. The vineyard mentioned by Isaiah dwells in the hearts of believers: a beloved vineyard has flourished on a mountain (Isaiah 5:1). This vineyard, planted by the Lord in our hearts, echoes God's promise: I have cultivated you as a fruitful, complete, faithful vine (Jeremiah 2:21). Let no one uproot this vine from the garden of our souls; blessed is this vineyard. Thus, it is declared of the saints, from the bounty of wheat, wine, and oil, they have prospered (Psalm 4:8). Abundance of wine from the presses is desirable, so that the wine may flow into your vessel from the vineyard of Sorek; this cup is delightful and excellent (Psalms 22:5). Sorek symbolizes a vineyard of renewal and righteousness. Therefore, we are encouraged to sing to God a new song! Proclaim His beginning and praise His name from the ends of the earth (Isaiah 42:10). In this vineyard, clusters of grapes flourish, unlike iniquity. The vineyard of the Israelites was abandoned due to its iniquities, not truth (Isaiah 5:7). Let us bear fruit in Christ to secure our eternal reward! Those who put their faith in the Lord shall inherit the earth (Psalm 36:9), the land of the living, the heavenly territory that produces the fruits of heaven. David professes, I am confident I shall witness the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 26:13). This land, through the diligent labor of humanity, supports life, while it bestows the goodness of the Lord without toil; the righteous will occupy it over the long term, and the pious will inherit it. As David rightly affirmed: But those who trust in the Lord shall inherit the land. This earth shall endure; heavens and earth may pass away, but the words of the Lord will remain (Matthew 24:35). Therefore, the paradisiacal earth where those who adhere to the Lord's words dwell cannot be lost. On this earth, Adam was set to gather the fruit of eternal life, yet he failed to uphold the Lord's commandments and thus could not attain what was intended for him. Those who protect the Lord's words can confidently declare: I have trusted in the Lord unwaveringly, and He has supported me (Psalm 39:2). Because Adam lacked trust in the Lord—fleeing and fearing to confront Him (Genesis 3:8-10)—the Lord did not choose to regard him; the eyes of the Lord are fixed on the righteous (Psalm 33:16). The Lord cared so little to see Adam that He called out with the words, Adam, where are you? (Genesis 3:9). One seeks out what is believed to be missing. Faith brings us into the presence of God, while disbelief exiles the unrighteous. You distance yourself from God’s presence when you choose to abscond, for the Lord says, ‘According to your faith be it unto you’ (Matthew 9:29), and those who do not comprehend will remain uncomprehending (1 Corinthians 14:38). Adam sinned and lost his standing: having been cast out of paradise, he was sent to a place for repentance. He was granted a period of grace, allowing him to survive post-exile, while Eve would find salvation through the cupbearer, by the faith of Abel, through the grace of the prophets and the Church yet to come.

The latter is akin to the evil attributed to the devil. Those who remain steadfast under the Lord’s guidance will possess the earth, enduring trials with gratitude and anticipating divine assistance. They will receive the promised land designated for the meek, a heavenly abode. Often, such individuals will enjoy both the rewards of earthly life and the blessings of longevity. There is also a heavenly realm, just as there exists a celestial Jerusalem. Cyril refers to this earthly inheritance as the land prepared for the saints, for their portion is the magnificent city of the holy ones, elevated and sanctified, where God Himself serves as the High Priest.

One must not become a partner with the unrighteous, nor should one aspire to mirror the deeds of those whose success you envy. To emphasize this point, it is added that wrongdoers will ultimately perish, illustrating the previous remarks, for they shall fade away like grass. Ultimately, it is declared that those who wait upon the Lord will inherit the Earth, reinforcing the previous encouragement to trust in the Lord and occupy the land. Those who patiently endure and remain steadfast in their hope for His promises will be rewarded, as the Lord remains faithful to fulfill His assurances. Therefore, although the wicked may appear to thrive temporarily, their prosperity will be short-lived; they will eventually be removed from the Earth and face eternal punishment. In contrast, those who reject deceit and injustice, and who expect their reward from the Lord, will inherit the Earth, signifying that they will experience peace as if the land were their everlasting possession. For the people of Israel viewed the population of their homeland as one of God’s greatest blessings, which makes this understanding relevant throughout the psalm. Nevertheless, when the righteous depart to be with God, leaving the earthly inheritance behind, they receive in exchange the promise of Heaven and a new Earth, along with all its treasures, as He will delegate authority over all His possessions (Matthew 24:47).