Psalm 4:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

One who is intrigued by the variety of languages and desires to master a foreign tongue cannot achieve this through self-study alone; instead, they must learn from those fluent in that language, whether they are Hebrew, Roman, or foreign. Similarly, anyone seeking to grasp the teachings of the prophets must turn to the God of the prophets, asking Him to unveil their meanings, as He is the one who inspired their messages. Therefore, beloved assembly, united in purpose as we navigate this turbulent and difficult sea of existence, sharing in the worship of the Trinity with one spirit and one heart, and striving together toward the harbor of the heavenly realm—please, I implore you, cast your prayers as an anchor for me! Why do I request this?

Christ fulfills the law, bringing righteousness to all who have faith. (Rom. 10:4) This fulfillment signifies completeness rather than termination. One might ponder whether every Song is a Psalm, or vice versa; whether there exist songs that cannot be classified as Psalms, and some Psalms that do not qualify as songs. However, we must pay heed to the Scriptures, for they may suggest that some songs do not express a theme of joy. Those melodies performed on the psalter are referred to as psalms, a tradition which the great mystery of history attributes to the prophet David. It is not the appropriate moment to delve into this topic, as it demands thorough exploration and extensive dialogue. In the meantime, we must seek either the words of the Lord of Hosts following the Resurrection or a believer in the Church who places their faith and hope in Him.

The dawn of triumph emerges Following a timely escape from the adversary, who in essence is singular yet grows into a multitude through an evil alliance, and reflecting on the words, "How my persecutors have multiplied! Many have risen against me" (Psalm 3:2), the Psalmist ultimately asserts that the foundation of triumph is already laid. A successful evasion from adversaries serves as the catalyst for overcoming foes. Consequently, the next psalm carries the title: To the end. And the conclusion of every battle is triumph.

This Psalm is attributed to David and is intended for the triumphant one after he has overcome his adversaries. Instead of the phrase ‘to the end,’ Aquila and Veodotun rendered it as ‘to the victor,’ while Symmachus referred to it as a ‘victory song.’

Aquila and Theodotion interpreted the phrase as ‘to the victorious,’ while Symmachus rendered it simply as ‘victorious.’ However, the term ‘in the end’ indicates that the predictions made in prophecy will eventually come to pass in the distant future. The Prophet concludes the Psalm by prophesying the resurrection of the dead, stating: ‘In peace together I will sleep and rest: for Thou, O Lord alone hast given me rest’ (Ps. 4:9). According to some translations, this psalm is presented by the blessed David as a hymn of triumph to God, the Victor, following his victory over Absalom. It is believed that this psalm was spoken after the end of that conflict.

A Psalm of David, intended for the conclusion, expressed through songs. The phrase 'to the end' is included in this psalm because it conveys, among other themes, the prophecy of resurrection from the dead, a reality that pertains to the future age and signifies the culmination of the current era. The addition of 'in songs' indicates that it recounts the wondrous deeds of the Lord, who granted the prophet triumph over the oppressive Absalom, during which this psalm was sung.

The essence of the Gospel is centered on love, which, as stated in John (1 John 4:8), is synonymous with God, who is embodied in Christ. We are called to undertake all endeavors through Him, as nothing can be accomplished without His presence. The psalmist recognizes in Him the ultimate standard of perfection, a notion reflected in the titles of certain Psalms that begin with the phrase ‘To the end’ (in finem, ts-sl. To the end). At this juncture, the Christian path directs us toward a singular destination, as He invites: ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will comfort you’ (Matthew 11:28).

A fitting conclusion The psalm serves as a melodic expression, accompanied by an instrument known as the psaltirion or kyphar. It embodies a profound message, inviting listeners to engage in a contemplation of truth through a reflection that is articulated in music. This psalm illustrates actions carried out in accordance with divine wisdom, allowing the singer, who leads an active life, to celebrate the intellectual and spiritual truths. In the title of this song, the term "end" is invoked because the ultimate goal is often referred to as the most desirable, and through these words, all other things are regarded as preferable and sought after.

To the completion, a psalm attributed to David—divinely inspired. The phrase "to the end" signifies, according to the translation of the seventy interpreters, that this psalm is among the most beneficial, reflecting upon the culmination of the ages, particularly the era of Christ, the awaited Messiah. The term "in songs" indicates that this psalm is meant to be sung or recited frequently. Today's interpreters render it as: for the foremost musician on the instruments, Hebrew Neginoth, a composition of David.

In both this instance and the 54 additional headers found in the Psalms, we encounter the enigmatic phrase at the end, είς τέλος. This cryptic term is, in our view, as challenging to interpret as the Hebrew lamnatzeach. Presently, many translators, referencing 1 Chronicles 15:21 and 2 Chronicles 1:17, commonly render it as "to the chief of the choir," implying that the psalm is designated for performance accompanied by string instruments (beneginot, LXX εν φαλμοις, Vulg in carminibus). However, it seems evident that a composition intended for choral execution must be entrusted to the leader of the choir.

Ultimately, it is through Christ, who fulfills the law (Rom. 10:4), that righteousness is granted to all who have faith. In this same spirit, the thoughts and actions of all believers must align with what is right. Nevertheless, from the depths of their hearts and voices, they will joyfully proclaim the praises of the Lord even until the conclusion of the age, as inspired by the Holy Spirit in the psalm attributed to David, where he calls upon those who have caused him distress to honor God, for His goodness is abundant. He also implores divine assistance against those very foes. Moreover, within these verses, the voice of Christ expresses solidarity with Adam.