Psalm 47 (46):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He found all the ways of wisdom and gave it to His servant Jacob and His beloved Israel. After that He appeared on earth and spoke among men” (Bar. 3:36-38)—demonstrating that the Lawgiver is also the Incarnate One, and the Incarnate One is indeed the Giver of the Law. This sentiment resonates in the phrase, “gathered to the God of Abraham.” In the Hebrew text, rather than saying “with God,” it states “he is Eloi Abraham.” How did this occur? “The mighty (elect) of God on earth are greatly exalted.” Who are these “elect of God” if not the apostles and all believers? With their power evident, they are described as exalted above all. It is fitting that they are referred to as orb-holders. Indeed, did not those who faced opposition from the entirety of creation—including demons, devils, nations, cities, pagans, tyrants, punishments, tortures in furnaces, and the forces of nature—overcome everything, rise above all, and remain undefeated? Do not those who have exhibited such strength even beyond death possess great power? Are they not mighty, whose words are more enduring than adamant, unyielding to the passage of time, but instead growing stronger each day as the proclamation of the gospel spreads across all nations? For all of this, let us offer our thanks to the God of humanity, to whom be glory and power, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

When Christ approached him, he sent his friends to relay his request, asking for the healing of his servant who was gravely ill. Upon the Lord's arrival, he sent the message: "I am not worthy that you should come under my roof; just speak the word, and my servant will be healed" (Luke 7:6-7). Notice how he maintained his dignity! Initially, he spoke of being under someone else's authority, yet also acknowledged that he held authority over others. He stated, "I am under authority, and I am in authority; I am subordinate to some and superior to others." It was as if he implied, "If I am subordinate to authority, command those under me." Everything was created by you, and nothing came into being without you. Therefore, he requested, just say the word, and my servant will be made well. He expressed his unworthiness for the Lord to enter his dwelling. As Jesus admired his faith, he criticized the disbelief of the Jews. They viewed themselves as healthy, yet they were critically unwell, having rejected their Healer, which led to their demise. As He opposed their pride, He proclaimed, "I tell you, many will come from the east and west who are not of Israel’s lineage; they will join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." Abraham did not father them by blood; instead, they shall recline with him in the heavenly kingdom as his spiritual children. What does this mean regarding his descendants? Not by natural birth, but through following in his faithful footsteps. However, the natural heirs of the kingdom, specifically the Jews, will be cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12). In that darkness, those born of Abraham’s flesh will face judgment, while those who emulate Abraham's faith will share in his heavenly kingdom.

And do they truly belong to the God of Abraham? The powerful gods of this earth are lifted high. Those who were once called gods, the people of God, His vineyard—of whom it is stated, "Judge between Me and My vineyard" (Isaiah 5:3)—shall be cast into outer darkness, and will not join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, nor be gathered to the God of Abraham. Why is this so? Because they were proud and claimed the earth for themselves, forgetting that every person constitutes the earth. As it was declared to humanity, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Gen. 3:19). However, humanity must rely on God, finding hope and assistance not within oneself. The earth does not provide rain or shine for itself; instead, just as the earth anticipates rain and light from above, so must humanity look for mercy and truth from God. The proud among the earth, called mighty gods, were exceedingly lifted up, failing to recognize their need for a physician and consequently languishing in their afflictions, brought low by their sicknesses even to death. The natural branches were removed so that the humble wild olive could be grafted in (Rom. 11:17). Therefore, beloved, let us cling to humility, love, and piety, being cautious not to fall into the trap of self-pride.

Acting as shields and champions for the faithful, they prevented calamities from shattering the community, having driven away the foes, they urged the believers to rejoice, proclaiming, ‘All the Gentiles clap their hands: cry unto God with a voice of joy. As the Lord is the most high, the most terrible: the King is great over all the earth.’

Theodoret observes that the assurances given to Abraham have come to fruition; the Lord of all pledged to bless all nations through His Seed, leading these nations and their rulers, having abandoned their household idols, to gather with the God of Abraham and acknowledge Him as their deity. The Divine Apostles, tasked with ministering this calling, established the heights of theology through miraculous acts. As divine authority from the earth was elevated, it was stated that these aforementioned princes and rulers joined with Christ. According to Chrysostom and Theodoret, the apostles of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, overcame both demons and tyrants. Consequently, they rose above earthly existence, untouched by worldly pleasures, disease, or adversity. This is affirmed by the Great Basil, who interprets the words of Isaiah—who established the earth and what is upon it, giving breath to its inhabitants and spirit to those who tread upon it—by stating that those who disregard earthly matters, elevating themselves above all, are deemed worthy of the Holy Spirit's gift. Furthermore, Theophylact of Bulgaria expounds on the phrase "I will stand on my guard," observing that it is characteristic of the saints to keep their hearts diligently protected from worldly distractions when seeking knowledge from God. As they aspire towards the divine, they elevate their thoughts above material concerns, reaching for spiritual heights. God desires lofty hearts, as reflected in David's words: "The powers of God are highly exalted from the earth," along with the imagery of "The chicks of the kite soar on high."