But thou hast saved us from them that afflict us: and hast put them to shame that hate us.
כִּ֣י ה֭וֹשַׁעְתָּנוּ מִצָּרֵ֑ינוּ וּמְשַׂנְאֵ֥ינוּ הֱבִישֽׁוֹתָ׃
7 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Another translator notes that it is because You have redeemed us. He questions why we should recall the ancient stories of our forebears. Indeed, we possess numerous assurances of Your divine care, and we can recount the magnificent victories and astonishing triumphs that have marked our history. Therefore, He proclaimed: 'put to shame,' indicating that You have not only rescued us and liberated us from evil but have also brought disgrace upon those who oppose us.
This passage also refers to the future using the imagery of the past. It is articulated in such a way to convey certainty, as if those events had already occurred. Thus, many messages from the prophets are communicated as if they belong to the past, even though they pertain to future events. For example, the anticipated suffering of our Lord was foretold, yet it states, ‘They pierced My hands and My feet.’ They have counted all My bones; indeed, they have pierced and counted. They have stared and gazed upon Me; rather, they will not behold and observe Me. They have divided My garments among themselves.
It does not state, ‘They will separate them.’ All these occurrences are described as though they have already taken place, despite being yet to unfold, because for God, the future holds the same certainty as the past. This certainty is why things that are yet to happen are framed as if they have already transpired. This underpinning gives rise to our hope. For You have delivered us from our foes and brought shame upon those who despise us.
Consider how He brings about our salvation! The arrows He sends from the heavens penetrate deep into our earthly realm, halting all worldly pursuits, just as one psalm states: From heaven thou hast announced thy judgement; the earth is afraid and silent (Psalm 75.9). In this act of saving us, He brings shame upon the malevolent forces that oppose us; His decrees from above subdue the wisdom of our flesh, which becomes confounded and embarrassed by its own vices and transgressions.
Consequently, the adulterer feels shame for the passions that consume him and the fervor with which he engages in illicit love; the greedy one is humbled by his insatiable thirst for wealth, which grows even as he takes from others; the inebriate is ashamed of his dependence on alcohol, and the wrongdoer of his misdeeds. These individuals experience deep shame even now, but how much greater will their humiliation be when they witness the resurrection of God's holy ones and the fulfillment of the Lord's promise in the Gospel: ‘Many who rest in the tombs of the earth will be raised, some to eternal life, and others to contempt and eternal shame.’
I do not place my trust in bows or any other weapons; rather, I have witnessed Your power, having already triumphed over adversaries through You.
He asserts that we have previously encountered your assistance and safeguarding, O Lord, and through our actions, we have recognized that you rescue those who place their faith in you, while you bring disgrace upon those who oppose us, your servants.
In this passage, the prophet illustrates God's sovereignty over His people, demonstrating that He empowered them with a strength that instilled fear in their adversaries. This imagery reflects the might of oxen, indicating that the people possessed a strength beyond mere human capability. The faithful draw parallels between themselves and their ancestors, acknowledging their connection to the same body of the Church. This reflects their shared hope; if they were unlike their forebears, they would not be deserving of God's grace. By confessing that they have received the same mercy granted to their ancestors, they earnestly seek its ongoing presence.
They proclaim, "let our enemies be delivered," meaning that if God extends His mercy to them, they too, relying on His assistance, shall triumph over their foes. In His name, they will bring low those who rise against them. By invoking His name, they declare their indifference to the power of their enemies, instead dismissing their might and easily routing them, much like an ox effortlessly dispersing a cloud of straw.
Furthermore, highlighting the continuity between the people of God today and those of yesteryear, they assert, "I will not trust in my bow." Just as the ancient Israelites did not conquer the promised land through military strength, today's faithful also refrain from relying on their own might. "Our sword shall not save us" signifies their belief that any deliverance they experience is not due to their own strength but is a result of divine assistance. They acknowledge that their salvation is not rooted in their capabilities: if they have been rescued from hardship more than once, it is because God has been their savior. He has humiliated their adversaries who sought their destruction, rendering their efforts futile under His protection, causing them to leave in disgrace.
The location referred to as Golgotha signifies the site of the Throne, representing Korey, while the sons of Korey symbolize those who are patient, effectively crucifying their flesh along with its desires and passions, in alignment with the teachings of Christ (Galatians 5:24). This understanding is crucial, as it highlights that Christ suffered for all (1 Peter 2:21), inviting everyone to emulate Him. This path allows those who endure suffering to share in His glorification (2 Timothy 2:2; Romans 8:30). It’s essential to reflect on those who neglect their children by allowing them to engage with unwholesome entertainment while dismissing narratives of the Divine.
The ancients were different; they devoted their lives to telling of God’s deeds, with parents using such stories to introduce their children to the knowledge of God (Chrysostom).
Christ, who is God, will condemn the wicked while providing strength to believers. You have caused distress among people, and you cast me, the Jews, away for our lack of faith. This refers to the Mystery of the Holy Trinity: the Hand symbolizes God the Father, the Muscle represents God the Son, and Enlightenment signifies God the Holy Spirit. The crucifixion of Christ generates fear in demons through the name of Jesus. While horned creatures were naturally given horns for battle, we have received the name Jesus Christ for the purpose of prayer (Theodoret). Christ is despised by demons, who feel shame in His presence. This day is indicative of the entirety of human existence on earth as well as the eternal life in the Heaven of the Father. For their disbelief in Christ, God the Father has rejected the Jews and scattered them across the earth. Their lack of faith in Christ has brought scandal upon them, similar to that faced by demons, as the prophet portrays their misfortunes in dire terms. He speaks prophetically, internalizing the struggles of the people. All that was done to Christ has been repaid to them: they insulted Him, and they too are insulted; they mocked Him, and thus they are mocked; they shook their heads at Him, and now others do the same at them (Athanasius). It is advised to turn away from the path of the Jews due to their unbelief in Christ. The words of the holy martyrs, who suffer and die for Christ, echo the voice of Adam. Sleep embodies God’s long suffering. The righteous longed for the arrival of Christ and the salvation offered through His Resurrection on the cross.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS