Psalm 48 (47):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do you see how he interprets the aforementioned phrase: uprooting? He did not simply say 'uprooting;' rather, he meant 'uprooting' in the sense of ongoing action, continual concern, and persistent vigilance. After recounting events from his own time, he references historical occurrences to demonstrate a coherent connection between the two. He states that what we have been told through words, we have witnessed through actions—specifically, triumphs, signs of God's providence, and extraordinary miracles. The Lord has never ceased performing these acts. It is His nature to rescue from peril and to lead us into the knowledge of God. The prophet’s reminder of these long-standing occurrences was not in vain.

Blessed congregation! In one moment you have heard, and in the next you have witnessed. The Church listens to promises and observes their fulfillment; she hears from the prophets and sees the truth revealed in the Gospel. All that is now realized was foretold long ago. Lift your gaze and survey the world; behold His inheritance extending to the farthest corners of the earth. Observe the fulfillment of the prophecy that declares, "All kings shall fall before Him; all nations shall serve Him." Witness the realization of the words proclaiming, "Thou shalt be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Thy glory above all the earth." Look upon Him whose hands and feet were pierced, whose bones were numbered as He hung on the tree, and upon whose garments the lot was cast. (Matt.

As we have been told, so we have witnessed. O Lord, what You assured us regarding salvation, we have indeed experienced. In the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God, we observe where Your promises have come to fruition. Where else but in the Church, which is the dwelling place of God? God Himself serves as the foundation throughout all generations. This aligns with the Lord’s declaration, "On this rock I will build My Church" (Matthew 16:18).

We have listened beyond the city and observed within it; for whom God is an eternal light, the day radiates without the need for the sun, and the moon holds no purpose. His foundation is not of this world, but everlasting.

As we have been told, so too have we witnessed in the dwelling place of the Lord of Hosts, in the city that is our God. Not wishing to acknowledge these prophecies regarding the Church, we have observed their fulfillment through the unfolding events. 'God is the foundation throughout all generations.' This is His proclamation: 'Upon this rock I will build the Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' (Matt. 16:18). After describing the transformation of adversaries, the prophetic message then reveals the song of praise that those who receive salvation will sing to the Gracious One.

As we have witnessed, so too have we experienced in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the dwelling of our God. These declarations emerge following the conflict from those believers who have evaded the grasp of the adversaries of the church, affirming that what has been proclaimed aligns perfectly with what we have come to know firsthand in the stronghold of the Almighty. Historically, we have heard of God's marvelous deeds for His people and His church; now, however, we have beheld His wonders with our own eyes in our present times. Thus, our observations are now solidified by previous testimonies. Theodoret notes: It is appropriate for the enemies of the church to declare, As we have heard, so have we seen.

The core message conveyed by the prophet, speaking on behalf of the faithful, asserts that the same divine power demonstrated in the past for the salvation of the ancestors is now at work for the salvation of their descendants. They have received teachings from their forebears and have discovered through the holy texts how God has lovingly protected His church like a father. Now, they themselves experience this grace, as they can witness it in their own lives. The prophet wisely reflects on the events that span across generations. It is essential to educate both through ancient accounts and contemporary instances so that the unaware may come to believe through what has been witnessed in both times, gaining great benefit from this understanding. In this way, as the blessed Chrysostom notes in his commentary, listening may serve as a substitute for seeing.

The psalm referenced above, penned by David, was entrusted to the sons of Korah, the musicians, with the instruction to sing it on the second day of the week-long celebration, exalting and honoring God. This day commemorates the creation of the firmament, as described by God when He proclaimed, "Let there be a firmament," and thus it became the second day (Genesis 1:6-8). The second Sabbath is interpreted as symbolizing the establishment of the Holy Church, which emerged following the Resurrection of Christ, facilitated by the apostles of the saints who proclaimed the Gospel throughout the world.