So they saw, and they wondered, they were troubled, they were moved:
הֵ֣מָּה רָ֭אוּ כֵּ֣ן תָּמָ֑הוּ נִבְהֲל֥וּ נֶחְפָּֽזוּ׃
10 Church Fathers comment on this verse
then events unfolded in such a way that they, astonished by the extraordinary occurrences, withdrew. The conflict shifted dramatically, leading them to scatter in fear and confusion, overwhelmed by the presence of a small, disorganized group.
Observe how the rulers of the earth have united (Psalm 47:5). Consider the groups from the north as they gather, proclaiming, "Come, let us ascend to the mountain of the Lord, that He may instruct us in His ways, and we will follow in them" (Isaiah 2:3). They assembled together. But upon what foundation, if not this vital cornerstone? (Ephesians 2:20). They beheld it and were astounded (Psalm 47:6). What ensued from their wonder at the magnificence and majesty of Christ? They were troubled and stirred, trembling overtook them (Psalm 47:7). What was the source of their trembling if not the awareness of their transgressions? Let kings flee one after another; let them recognize the true King.
Consequently, it is stated elsewhere, "But I am appointed by Him as king on His holy mountain Zion."..... Then tidings spread of a king seated in Zion, to whom dominion was granted even to the furthest corners of the earth. Rulers ought to fear the loss of their reign or the potential removal of their throne. Just as the unfortunate Herod trembled, leading him to slay innocent children for the sake of a child (Matthew 2:16). Yet, in his fear of losing his dominion, he proved unworthy of knowing the King. Had he only worshipped the King alongside the Magi, rather than maliciously coveting power, he would not have slaughtered the innocents and would not have perished in guilt. He condemned the innocent, while Christ, even in His infancy, became the crown of those lost lives. Thus, rulers should tremble in light of the proclamation, "Yet I am established as king by Him on His holy mountain Zion, and He will grant an inheritance even to the distant parts of the earth to the One He has made king..." Therefore, it is also declared to them, "Therefore, take heed, O kings; learn, O judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with reverence and rejoice in Him with trembling." What was their response? They experienced birth pains as a woman in labor. What are these pains of labor but the struggles of a repentant soul? Take note of the similar concept of anguish: "By Thy fear, O Lord (Isaiah says), we have conceived; by Thy Spirit of salvation, we are brought forth" (Isaiah 26:17-18). The rulers were compelled by the fear of Christ, understanding that through labor they attained salvation by believing in Him whom they revered. Labor pains are akin to those of a woman in childbirth: when one speaks of labor, expect the act of bringing forth. The old self endures suffering, yet a new creation emerges.
Those who witnessed these events were filled with wonder and awe. They were struck with astonishment at the assistance God provided to His holy ones. They marveled at the divine support granted to the saints.
When the rulers of the earth observed these matters, they united and assembled together. THEY, witnessing these occurrences, were filled with wonder (Psalm 47:5-6). These kings are remarkable because they have mastery over their physical forms; they trace their lineage back to the patriarch Abraham, who imparted the knowledge that it is possible to triumph over sin. Hence, He is truly the King who remained untainted by shame and in whom the burdens of guilt and sin held no sway. The sons of Heth spoke to this individual, declaring, “Thou art a king from God unto us” (Gen. 23:6).
Such are the rulers of the earth—they have disciplined their flesh and united in heart and mind, as it is written that the community of believers shared one heart and one soul, with no divisions among them (Acts 4:32). They gathered not merely in location but in a unified spirit and thought. To him who has endured the trials, it is said, “Come, sit down at the table” (Luke 17:7). Only a person of great integrity can transition from an unworthy lifestyle to one of honor, moving from the earthly realm to the eternal, transforming their habitual carnal existence, and renouncing all that defined that life, embracing new ethics and fundamentally changing their previous ways and associations. Thus, it is significant that to such a person it is proclaimed: “If you cross over the water, I am with you” (Isaiah 43:2). God is present with those who face challenges, not with those who withdraw. The kings who once held differing opinions, upon reaching agreement and becoming one, found peace—the One who reconciles all (Eph. 2:14), abolishing hostility through His own sacrifice and dismantling the dividing wall that separated them. They were amazed, either by Him who is known at the entrance of their homes or by the transformation of men, once servants of the devil, now devoted to the righteous service of the Lord Jesus, having become His disciples. As rulers of their own bodies, they gained profound self-awareness, for it is no simple task to conquer the soul, quell desires, subdue the carnal inclinations of the flesh, and relinquish indulgences. Paul battled against becoming a captive of the law of sin. The kings were astonished at the grace bestowed upon those who had excelled in righteousness and were troubled by the possibility of someone falling from that height of virtue into vice once more. Human nature is fickle and prone to wander, swaying between virtue and the allure of sin. This led them to anxiety and fear, filled with dread at the words of the Psalm, “In the places of the wicked, the righteous groan” (Proverbs 28:28). Consider how deeply Peter wept, for he was caught off guard by sin, and because of bodily corruption, his virtuous spirit was led astray. Christ justly admonished him, as Peter had placed unwarranted faith in his own resolve, neglecting the reality of his fallen nature. Peter was restored from his sin through grace, but Judas remained a transgressor, mourning perpetually. While Judas was with the apostles, he was deemed righteous, but he fell victim to the devil's schemes; now he is in the company of the ungodly, lamenting his punishment instead of experiencing grace. When individuals like Judas or Saul, whom the Lord has called into His kingdom, succumb to sin, even the strongest among us tremble.
They assembled like warriors ready for combat, yet upon witnessing the unwavering resolve of the Church they opposed, they were filled with astonishment. It is noted that they experienced distress and were greatly agitated.
The rulers of the earth united to wage battle against Jerusalem and the body of believers, collaborating and supporting one another in their efforts. However, upon witnessing the divine strength of the church, they were astonished, for prior to this revelation, they had not been filled with wonder. Their astonishment turned into fear, and this fear led to deep agitation, causing them to abandon their initial arrogance and reconsider their perspectives.
The Revelation of Christ Once Christ was revealed within them, the rulers of the world trembled.
In this passage, the prophet recounts the deliverance of Jerusalem from peril. The crux of the narrative involves several kings who conspired to assault the Holy City and lay it to waste; however, their plans proved futile, dissipating like vapor. The prophet articulates this more emphatically, noting that at the mere sight of the Holy City, they were overtaken by dread, trembling as one might witness a woman in labor, overcome with profound fear. While the exact historical context referred to by the Prophet is uncertain, it appears linked to the reigns of Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Asa, kings of Judah. Regardless, the Prophet succinctly indicates that the people of Judah recognized that God had defended and safeguarded His city, countering the might of His adversaries with His unmatched power.
Thus, it is clear that the battle was not fought through human wisdom, but that it was God who orchestrated it, dismantling the enemies’ understanding, instilling terror in their hearts, afflicting them with maladies, and enveloping them in a peculiar astonishment.
Refer to Psalm 29. This psalm, authored by David, was entrusted to the sons of Korah, the musicians, for them to sing on the second day of the Seven Days, exalting and honoring God regarding the creation of the firmament in the heavens on that day. God declared, "Let there be a firmament," and it was established, marking the second day (Genesis 1:6-8). The second Sabbath is interpreted as the formation of the Holy Church, which has emerged following the week of Christ's Resurrection, through the saints' apostles as they proclaimed the Gospel to all nations.
The rulers of the earth assembled and came together. In response to the confederated kings who advanced upon Jerusalem during Jehoshaphat's reign, the Lord made His presence known as the protector of those who reside in Jerusalem. Not only did these allied forces fail in their efforts against the city, but they also met their end in the conflicts that arose among themselves (2 Chronicles 20:23); they were, as noted in the subsequent verses of the psalm, thrown into confusion, and I am distressed (verses 6-7). Similarly, the adversaries of the Church of Christ, which cannot be overcome by the gates of hell and is safeguarded by its all-powerful Head, who resides at the right hand of God the Father—the God-man, Jesus Christ.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS