Psalm 46 (45):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After discussing the earth, the ocean, and the mountains, along with the spiritual aid provided to them, the prophet shifts his address back to the audience. He highlights these accomplishments, reflecting his profound joy and devotion to the Lord, while proclaiming the triumphs he has achieved for them. It is fitting that the prophet refers to ‘miracles’ rather than merely ‘victories’ and ‘trophies.’ The occurrences did not unfold according to the usual natural order, and the victories were not attained through arms or physical might, but rather through divine intervention, and the events themselves reveal that the Lord was their guiding force. The weak triumphed over the strong, the few prevailed against the many, and the oppressed vanquished their oppressors. All this took place beyond what was anticipated, justifying the term miracles, as these events occurred in a wondrous manner and resonated throughout the entire world.

What actions has the Lord taken in relation to this acceptance? Reflect on the entire world and observe. If you do not approach, you will not witness; if you do not witness, you will not have faith; if you lack faith, you will remain at a distance; yet, if you have faith, you will draw near; if you have faith, you will perceive. How did we arrive at that mountain? Did we not come by foot? Is it not by ship? Is it through flight? Is it by horseback? Concerning matters of distance and location, do not worry or be anxious; He comes to you. For from a small stone, He grew into a vast mountain that fills the whole earth. Why should you rely on earthly means to reach the One who encompasses all creation? Look, He has already arrived: behold.

The divine invitation urges those distant from the truth to draw closer through understanding, as it proclaims, ‘Come and see.’ Just as faraway objects are unclear to the physical eye, nearness allows for clear understanding. Similarly, in spiritual reflection, someone who does not approach God and is not made acceptable to Him through righteous acts cannot perceive His works with the purest vision of the mind. Thus, the first step is to come and draw near; only then can one behold the remarkable and astounding works of God that have left the formerly hostile and rebellious nations in awe and silence. “Come ye children, hear me” (Psalm 33:12); likewise, “come all ye that labour and are heavy laden” (cf. Matthew 11:28).

He highlights the tranquility established through proclamation, as the Psalmist indicates, all conflict has come to an end on the earth. The term 'miracles' signifies the eradication or suspension of conflict, for the Lord has abolished all forms of strife.

In the psalmist's proclamation, a genuine vision of forthcoming events was revealed to him through the Holy Spirit. Recognizing that, following the tumult of conflict, peace has emerged across the globe with the arrival of the Lord Savior, he calls out, “Come and see the works of the Lord, the wonders which He has wrought upon the earth” (Psalm 45:9). The invitation to “come” is directed to the congregation, while “see” signifies a deep desire to uncover the truth. Observe the works of the Lord, which are filled with extraordinary marvels, showcasing profound virtues. The Greek term τέρατα conveys something ‘worthy of astonishment,’ indicating that we should perceive the Lord's works not merely as daunting but as remarkable and impressive. The remarkable accomplishments He has made on earth reflect His glory in this world.

In light of my profound authority, recognizing the swift transformation of circumstances, the tranquility following the tempest, the end of conflict, and the gift of serenity derived from these occurrences, understand, O people, that I am the Sovereign of all and the Omniscient One who has revealed the magnitude of His power not solely to the Jews but to all nations. Upon hearing these words, the apostles rejoiced in triumph against their adversaries, proclaiming, “The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Defender.” Therefore, those who interpret this psalm concerning Gog or assert it pertains to Ahaz might consider whether the declaration, “Taking away the strife to the end of the earth,” applies to those times.

In these words, the prophet David addresses those with greater insight and understanding than others. By "works," he refers to the triumphs of the gospel, which he describes as signs and wonders. These, he asserts, are divine acts accomplished on earth, intended to proclaim the incomprehensible might of His divine nature. They did not conform to the natural order or its laws but transcended them; for instance, the Apostles, who were uneducated fishermen, outmatched learned teachers and philosophers. Few overcame the entire world, exposing the unarmed and impoverished as they stood against mighty kings, the mortal and visible confronting the immortal and unseen forces of darkness.

In this passage, the Prophet appears to remind the Israelites of the extraordinary deeds God performed against their foes, exemplified when the Lord struck down the entire Assyrian army in a single night through His angel, totaling one hundred and eighty thousand warriors. This act served as a testament to God's unparalleled faithfulness and protection of His church, enabling the faithful to draw strength and courage in facing any future adversities. Thus, He does not call upon all in vain, but urges them to reflect on God's works, using this emphasis to challenge the complacency of those who neglect to pay adequate attention to these divine actions.

Ultimately, it is through Christ that humanity is guided toward the fulfillment of the blessed life. This psalm, authored by David, was entrusted to the sons of Korah, who are singers, to proclaim the divine mysteries—namely, the Incarnation, Baptism, Suffering, and Resurrection of Christ the Savior—prophetically unveiled within this psalm in a magnificent way.