Psalm 55 (54):16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We are siblings, united in one God, sharing faith in one Christ, listening to one Gospel, singing one Psalm, responding “Amen” together, proclaiming “Hallelujah,” and celebrating one Easter: why do you stand outside while I am within? Often, a man feels ashamed, and when confronted with the truth of the claims against him, he exclaims, "May God reward our ancestors!" Thus, he perishes while still alive. Furthermore, you urge him to reconsider. At the very least, abandon the evil of separation; why compound it with the evil of hostility? Acknowledge in me what you possess; if you harbor resentment towards me, then spare Christ in me. This error is something they often vehemently resist. They possess the Scriptures and are well aware, through their daily study, that the Catholic Church extends across the globe, effectively rendering all divisions void; they understand that no justification exists for their schism. Consequently, they descend into lower places, fully aware that their actions are wrong. The former group, consumed by the fire of divine wrath, was not swayed from their malevolent leaders by strife. Fire came—fire ignited by their contentiousness—a consuming fervor. For in their midst resides wickedness, surrounding them wherever they dwell. They are not destined to persist in this state, yet they fight fiercely in defense of their temporary enmity. Wickedness is found among them, deeply rooted, and their hearts are most proximate to this corruption.

Consequently, David likens these ditches and dry fountains to hell because of their darkness, which served as a grave for them; in that state, they gradually perished.

Some interpret that this is a response to the malicious plotting against Christ by Jews and malevolent spirits, thus causing them to incur the wrath of death and the descent of demons into the realm of the afterlife. The latter he describes as the living, in reference to the immortal spirits: “let them descend,” he says, “into hell while still living, as demons by their very nature.”

Furthermore, it is suggested that the phrases “let them come” and “let them descend” should be viewed prophetically, symbolizing that death shall indeed come upon them, and they shall descend into the abyss. This reflects the justice inherent in their punishment, for their lives are characterized by wickedness and deceit. Due to the ephemeral nature of life, he considers the present existence as merely a temporary state, whereby we are visitors rather than permanent residents. In Theodoret’s words, blessed are those who regard this temporal life as an exile and not their true home. As Athanasius puts it, since they rejected You—who are Life—death shall claim them instead. They conspired in their hearts, saying, “Come, let us kill him.”

Evil resides within their very dwellings, affecting them deeply, not just superficially. Thus, David states, “Let death come upon them,” for evil dwells in the city of their habitation; they harbor wickedness not merely on the surface but in the depths of their hearts. Through the term παροικων, David refers to the homes of the Jews, indicating their temporary nature, as those dwelling places were destined for destruction by the Romans within a short time.

Since my enemies, blinded by their might, have completely forgotten their mortality, act so that the earth of the living may consume them, and simultaneously cast their pride and arrogance into the depths of hell." The rationale he provides indicates that David did not merely seek to defend himself against foes, but rather he prophesies the judgment that awaits the wicked, who unjustly malign the church of God, for wickedness dwells in their midst. This underpins the dire oath previously mentioned; those who embrace vice find themselves consumed by the earth, destined to endure eternal torment. The phrase "in their midst" conveys that vice perpetually accompanies them, sharing the same residences.