Psalm 55 (54):20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Additional proofs of the Son's eternal existence are found in the words of the Psalmist, who refers to Him as ‘He who was before the ages,’ using the term ‘made’ (γενόμενος) in a context that does not apply to Him.

They place their trust in this or that leader who emerged recently. He will bring them low. This exists before time began. For while Christ came in the flesh through the Virgin Mary, He is eternal: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) He will bring them low. This exists before time began. For there is no alteration for them: of them, I speak, with those who remain unchanged. He was aware that some would persevere and, in their obstinacy, meet their end. For we observe them, and for them, there is no alteration: for those who perish in the same vice, in the same division, there is no alteration. The Lord will bring them low, condemning them in their rebellion, as they are elevated in conflict.

There is no transformation for them. They will face humiliation since they possess nothing to offer in exchange for their souls. By having once forsaken the pure blood of Christ, which was willingly given for the salvation of humanity, they hold no intrinsic worth for redemption.

God will listen to my cry, and He who existed before time will bring me low. When the Everlasting God attends to my request, He will render my adversaries ineffective. 'There is no alteration for them, for they do not fear God.' As Simmachus renders it: 'For they shall not change, neither shall they fear God;' this indicates that, observing their unrepentant nature, God will subject them to the aforementioned tribulations.

God will listen to me and bring me low, He who existed before time itself. As the Creator of all ages, He is rightly called the One who predates all existence. St. Dionysius expresses that God is praised as eternal and temporal, the source of all time and ages; He is also the Ancient of Days, exalted beyond and prior to time. Moreover, He is the One who exists prior to all ages, sovereign over them, and His dominion encompasses all eternities. Another observes that it is rightly stated, He who is before all ages. It is asserted that there is no alternative deity for those chastened by You, the everlasting and singular God. There can be no replacement for them as they are devoid of the fear of God.

The initial declaration, God will hear, undoubtedly signifies His face, indicating that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will execute justice against His adversaries and bring them low. By attributing to God the phrase, 'He who existed before all ages,' the believer finds reassurance for himself and all the faithful enduring similar trials. What is the source of our impatience, even during minor hardships, if not our failure to elevate our thoughts towards the Eternal One? This prompts Him to affirm that God, the Creator of time and the ultimate Judge, will undoubtedly respond to the prayers of His faithful servants, showing compassion towards those who are wrongfully mistreated, while justly humbling their foes.

This psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned by David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of his musicians, to be sung with understanding by all. The essence of this psalm culminates in Christ, particularly through His holy Passion. The entire world exists in darkness, and every human is untruthful, while the Lord has come to redeem the original Adam. Let us earnestly pray to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit so we may approach Him with reverence and quell the wicked spirit—the very sin residing in our souls and bodies. He renders this salvation beyond comprehension to those who perpetually yearn, hope, and seek Him.