Psalm 46 (45):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Jewish people witnessed miracles, yet this did not lead to their salvation. Just as sunlight does not suffice for sight without a clear and healthy eye, in the same way, mere miracles are inadequate. For this reason, after discussing the miracles, the prophet encourages those desiring to gain from them to separate themselves from the surrounding evils to truly know the God of all. ‘Be still, and know that I am God, not the idols and statues of this world. Quiet yourself, and I will present you with numerous evidences. This is encapsulated in the phrase, ‘I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth,’ meaning that through My deeds, I will reveal My greatness and majesty to you. The essence of God, divine and indescribable, stands exalted in its nature; yet since you cannot perceive it, I will demonstrate it through My works, not only in Palestine and Jerusalem but also among you Gentiles. Thus, God receives glory, conquering and demonstrating His power through miracles in Babylon, in Egypt, in the wilderness, and throughout the entire cosmos, so that He might be known everywhere.

Pharaoh also realized that it is futile to pursue God, which is why he scorns Israel, saying: ‘Ye are feasting, ye are feasting,’ and, ‘Let us pray to the Lord our God’ (cf. Ex. 5:17). Yet, the laziness beneficial for a person who engages in reflection is that which fosters silence essential for receiving saving truths, in contrast to the idle pursuits of the Athenians, who ‘engaged in nothing further than to tell or to hear something new’ (Acts 17:21). This kind of idleness is mirrored by some today, who fill their free time with the invention of incessantly new doctrines. Such idleness delights the unclean and malicious spirits. It is noted: ‘When the unclean spirit departs from a man ... it says: I will return to my house from which I came out.' ‘And when it arrives, it finds his house “empty and swept” (cf.: Matthew 12:43-44). Therefore, let our inactivity not provide an opening for the enemy; instead, let us fill our inner abode with Christ through the Spirit, ensuring it remains occupied! The prophet first granted peace to those disturbed by adversaries and then instructed them to ‘Free yourselves’ from indulgent enemies, allowing you to contemplate the eternal truths in quietude. Thus, the Lord says: ‘Anyone who does not forsake all his possessions cannot be my disciple’ (Luke 14:33). Consequently, we must set aside the affairs of marriage to devote ourselves to prayer, relinquish concerns about wealth, the pursuit of earthly recognition, the enjoyment of pleasures, envy, and any malice towards our neighbor. In doing so, when our soul is at rest and untroubled by passion, the light of God may shine in it clearly, much like a polished mirror. ‘I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.’ This is a clear reference to the Lord’s suffering, as affirmed in the Gospel: ‘And I, when I am lifted up... will draw all to Myself’ (cf. Jn. 12:33). ‘And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up’ on the earth (cf. Jn. 3:14). Therefore, since He was destined to be exalted on the cross for the nations and to attain elevation for all the earth, He proclaims, ‘I will be lifted up among the nations; I will be lifted up in the earth.’

He was displeased with the summons from the holy figures Moses and Aaron: Let my people go so they may serve the Lord our God (Exodus 5:1). I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10). The Lord was lifted high, particularly among the angels and archangels, the patriarchs, and the prophets. They recognized His greatness and did not equate Him with earthly images or idols, yet He was not honored among the pagan nations who sought their deities in caverns and hollows. Christ rebuked Mary Magdalene for weeping over Him as if He were deceased, searching for Him within the grave as if He had not risen. Thus Christ asked her, ‘Mary, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? (John 20:15). Has He been taken away? She heard His voice, recognized Him, and longed to reach out to Him, but the Lord replied: ‘Do not cling to Me; I am ascending to My Father (John 20:17). Are you astonished that in the tomb you did not discover Him whom you expect in heaven?’ Or perhaps He admonishes her, for only unwavering faith can truly touch Christ? Just as the woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage was made whole by her faith and touched Him, as He remarked: Someone touched Me; I perceived power emerge from Me (Luke 8:46). Upon hearing these words, she understood she had been healed by that power and immediately confessed, realizing she was the one who had reached out to the Lord. To her, He said: Your faith has made you whole; go in peace (Luke 8:48). The Lord was exalted on earth, as He proclaimed: When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to Myself (John 12:32), for His purpose was fulfilled both in heaven and on earth.

In those times, God did not eliminate all conflict; rather, it was only in Palestine that peace was experienced under Gog and Magog, and under Ahaz, only the tribe of Judah knew peace, for Phakeus, the son of Romelin, was besieged by the Assyrians. Yet, under the dominion of Christ, this prophecy came to pass. Initially, the small principalities and feudal kingdoms collapsed, leading to a lack of prolonged peace as cities remained fortified in fear of unexpected assaults. However, during our Savior Christ’s era, the Roman Empire, having overthrown the fiefdoms, prepared all to receive the message from the evangelists. Unafraid, as if part of a singular realm, they traversed everywhere, proclaiming the salvific truth to the nations. Thus, these prophetic words were literally fulfilled: when warfare is ended to the ends of the earth, the bow will be broken, the weapons will be shattered, and the shields will be consumed by fire. For those who prefer an allegorical interpretation, let them consider the end of hostilities waged against the Church and the divine peace bestowed upon humanity, through which they will recognize the veracity of the prophecy.

Maximus identifies six forms of tranquility that enable us to know God: first, freedom from the behavior that leads to sin; second, overcoming irritability; third, distancing ourselves from a careless lifestyle; fourth, engaging in a life of charity; fifth, avoiding the entrapments of material possessions; and sixth, relinquishing our own will entirely. This embodies true submission to God. Synesius of Cyrene stated that calmness is the ultimate good, reminiscent of a bountiful land, yielding every kind of blessing to the soul of the wise. "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth." As the supreme God by nature, He will be acknowledged as great among the nations because of His miracles, and in heaven, all spiritual beings comprehend His inherent majesty; it is essential that this majesty be recognized on earth as well. Some suggest that this indicates His sufferings, acknowledging that the Lord had to be lifted up on the cross, taking upon Himself this elevation for all creation when He declares, "I will be lifted up among the nations, I will be lifted up on the earth." Origen interprets "I will be lifted up" as God's voice speaking after all conflicts have come to an end, when the bow has been broken and the instruments of warfare rendered powerless.

A similar sentiment can be found in Psalm 4:5, which advises, "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent." The essence of this teaching is that the adversaries, upon calming their tumultuous emotions, should yield to the God of Israel and honor Him as He deserves. Should they persist in their wrath, they must understand that God's might is not limited to the region of Judea, and it is well within His power to extend His reach into all nations, glorifying Himself throughout the earth. The previously mentioned words underscore that God possesses ample resources and strength to protect His Church.