Psalm 5:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"Evaluate them, O God, so they may abandon their schemes." Observe the gentle nature of this prayer. It does not call for punishment, but rather for divine judgment to bring an end to their evil; to thwart their malicious plans. To seek the failure of their sinful endeavors is to desire their well-being. "For the multitude of their iniquities cast them down, for they have grieved Thee, O Lord"—this expresses a profound concern not for personal suffering, but for what affects You, O Lord. Truly, a wise spirit refrains from seeking retaliation for personal wrongs and instead ardently opposes offenses against God. In contrast, many focus on their own grievances, disregarding God's honor and seeking their own vengeance. However, the saints exhibit a different spirit; they ardently resist transgressions against God while remaining indifferent to their own trials.

The restriction on witnessing derives from their multitude of transgressions, signifying an irreversible exile. The unrighteous will be separated from the inheritance where one can possess God through understanding and insight. Just as ailing eyes are shielded from bright flashes of light, what brings joy to others serves as their torment. They will not rise in the dawn to behold God. The severity of this exclusion matches the immense blessing found in the declaration, ‘But it is good for me to be united with God’ (Psalm 72:28).

Let them turn away from their minds. They have directed their thoughts against me, undermining my well-being in the Lord. In response to their abundant wickedness, I will expel them, transforming them into the righteous. Those who afflict the soul that delights in pleasing God kindle His grief and reveal themselves as true worshippers of God.

The bitter and the sweet Those who fail to recognize the Father will encounter the Judge. For what reason? The answer follows: they will abandon their intentions. Indeed, it is accurately stated: from their intentions, because heretics alter their beliefs daily. Consequently, if a devoted church member, knowledgeable in the Scriptures, engages in a debate with them, they promptly inquire about his latest doctrine. They are not concerned with salvation; instead, they focus on winning the argument. They will relinquish their numerous falsehoods and concentrate solely on You. You, O Lord, are inherently sweet; yet, due to their sins and heresies, they have transformed the essence of Your sweetness into bitterness through their wrongdoing.

"With their mouths they speak falsehoods. O God, render judgment upon them." What they articulate is more grievous than what they hide within; for, in their deceit, they devise countless schemes against their neighbors. "Let them wander in their thoughts; because of their great wickedness, I will eliminate them." Therefore, bring them to Your justice, O Lord, for they do not achieve what they intend against us, but instead discover through experience that their efforts resemble a spider's web, facing consequences befitting their intentions. "For they have exalted You, Lord." They have declared war against You, targeting those who are faithful to You.

O God, judge them, as You have declared, for You detest all who engage in such actions (Psalm 5:5-7). Let them turn away from their misleading thoughts, allowing their plans to lead them astray. In light of their numerous transgressions, cast them away from Your presence. They do not honor You, and I am not imploring this for my own benefit, even though I am Your chosen people, O God. Rather, the greater their iniquity, the quicker they alienate themselves from Your grace. It is not only the one who fails to honor You who is deemed wicked, but also the one who offers You dishonorable reverence. I have grieved You, O Lord.

Let us consider what the sacred Psalmist calls out to God concerning those who provoke Him out of jealousy and defiance. "Judge them, O God, that they may abandon their schemes; their great wickedness brings them low, for they have offended You, O Lord." The apostle echoes this sentiment, stating, "Their judgment is long prepared, and their destruction does not sleep" (2 Pet. 2:3). They remain unaware of the time or manner in which God's judgment will strike them, yet they shall ultimately fall into the trap they have set for others. Aware that we cannot evade the deceit of such cunning individuals, much like the adversary's agents, who devise their plots in numerous ways, let us cast all our burdens upon the Lord and seek refuge under His wings, "for He cares for us" (1 Pet. 5:7).

David foretells that his adversaries, specifically those opposed to the holy Church, will not only be barred from the promised inheritance mentioned in the title of the psalm but will also face eternal punishment. God judges them, meaning He will impose a penalty based on His righteous discernment of their worth and actions. Allow their thoughts to falter, indicating that their plans will fail and they will be deprived of the aspirations they hold in their futile quest to triumph over the elect. In accordance with the multitude of their iniquities, cast them away, signifying that due to the extent and frequency of their vile actions, they will be removed from the eternal blessings into utter darkness.

The unrighteous Jewish leaders, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, along with the futility of their assembly, have turned away. Although they sealed the tomb of Christ, they were unable to contain the Everlasting Life within it. Because of their transgressions, they have provoked the Lord and have been deprived of His grace eternally.