Psalm 45 (44):17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Another (Akilah) states, “thou shalt have thy sons.” In mentioning the nation and the ancestors, when he said, “Forget thy people and thy father's house,” he intended to convey that she would experience immense blessings even amidst her situation of barrenness. He further emphasizes that the one who was once childless will become a mother of innumerable descendants. Although you may feel estranged from your family, you will be blessed with numerous children, so glorious, radiant, and renowned that they will fill the entire cosmos. I believe this refers to the apostles who emerged as teachers within the Church. Moreover, while highlighting their strength, authority, and honor, he proclaims, “thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.” Is it necessary to elaborate on this assertion?

Thus, if it was foretold to this exalted queen, the heavenly city, long ago, and this prophecy has been realized before our very eyes: ‘In the place of thy fathers shall be thy sons; thou shalt make them princes over all the earth’; for her offspring become her leaders and her ancestors throughout the world; if nations come to her, acknowledging her boundless virtues throughout eternity; then undoubtedly, all that is articulated here in somewhat obscure and figurative language, regardless of interpretation, must align with the most straightforward meaning of the referenced location.

In light of the command to leave behind the people and the house of one’s father, the reward for obedience is the reception of sons in place of fathers, sons graced with such honors that they become rulers over all the earth. Who are these sons of the King? They are the children of the Gospel, having triumphed over all the earth. It is declared, "Their broadcasting shall go out into all the earth" (Rom. 10:18). They shall take their places "on a throne of two thrones, judging the two thrones of the tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28). If the patriarchs are referred to as the fathers of the bride, then the Apostles must also be acknowledged.

Your sons will replace your fathers. For it is stated to her: ‘Forget... Forget your father,’ and He adds, “In place of your previous fathers,” signifying that instead of mentors, you will have sons. The term ‘sons’ can refer to the holy Apostles, in light of the Lord’s words: “Your sons, about whom will they drive out?” (Luke 11:19), or to the leaders of the Church who have become children of the Church, whom the Lord Jesus elevated to rulers of the entire world, as expressed in the command: ‘Go... teach all nations’ (Matt. 28:19).

In the Hebrew scriptures, it is stated: “Instead of your fathers shall be your sons; you shall make them princes over all the earth.” This message can be interpreted as referring to the Father, the Son, and the sons of Korah, but is specifically directed to the daughter, rather than about her. Thus, if this address is aimed at the daughter-bride, who is selected from among the nations, and it is proclaimed to her: “Forget your people and your father’s house,” we need to identify the fathers of the bride to understand the sons that follow. The phrase “instead of your fathers” pertains to those concerning whom Jeremiah remarked: “Our fathers inherited only lies, emptiness and that in which there is no use” (Jeremiah 16:19).

Let the Jewish people ask what sons have they who could be princes "over all the earth." Surely they cannot identify such leaders, for they have neither governed nor do they govern; instead, they find themselves in profound servitude. In contrast, the holy Apostles, with the patriarchs as their forebears, continue to reign over land and sea even after their earthly departure, like certain local rulers and governors chosen by Christ, the sovereign ruler of all. Those who came after the Apostles, rightly regarded as the true children of the Church—namely, the triumphant martyrs—were likewise appointed to positions of authority, with all now submitting to their leadership. Some choose to do so out of love, while others are compelled by fear.

In place of your ancestors, there will be your descendants. This statement is attributed to David in reference to the Christian community. Previously, they had been instructed to depart from the household of their forefathers, but now he reassures them, declaring that your offspring—those Christians who have embraced faith and have been spiritually reborn through holy baptism—will be established as rulers instead of your forebears. These children of the church have grown to become patriarchs, priests, and spiritual leaders within the same body of believers. Further evidence of this is found in the promise: I will appoint leaders over all the earth. The church of Christ proclaims that your descendants are to serve as spiritual authorities over the entire creation.

"Your sons instead of your fathers" (Psalm 44:17). Those who, in accordance with the Law of Moses, had faithfully served and honored God in bygone days held a secondary position in the Church after the Apostles. The Apostles were indeed successors of the Hebrew synagogue. However, as they became followers of Christ and emulated their Teacher in every aspect, they demonstrated through their conduct and stature that their forebears, once justified by the law, were truly their descendants.

Ordination grants humanity the divine authority and might of the Creator. Without His presence, nothing could come into being. He Himself descended to this world to elevate us to a state of blessedness. This very authority has been conferred upon us through the priesthood He instituted, following His ascension. This explains the existence of sacramental acts, as they are unattainable without priests. Thus, after establishing us as caretakers of all creation, He now appoints us, through the priesthood, as guardians of the highest spiritual treasures. As the Psalmist declares, ‘I will set me princes over all the earth’ (Psalm 44:17). For the Lord has entrusted us with the keys to Heaven and the wisdom essential for our salvation.

The exalted status of kings is further affirmed when their successors share in their glory and honor. David tells his son Solomon that his royal lineage's grandeur will remain intact even after he passes, provided that the offspring demonstrate the same glory and moral excellence as he does.