Psalm 55 (54):22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, even among silversmiths, those who refine silver are termed excluders, signifying those who compress and distort due to a mingling of the piece. There were indeed many among God’s people who possessed the ability to fully comprehend and interpret the Scriptures; yet, they refrained from addressing intricate questions when no malefactor summoned them again. Was the doctrine of the Trinity rightly honored before the Arians challenged it? Did the concept of repentance receive due respect prior to the opposition of the Novatians? Similarly, was Baptism correctly honored prior to the outwardly marked disputants challenging it? Even the unity of Christ was not elucidated until divisions began to press upon the fragile, compelling those who could thoughtfully engage with these matters—so that the weak would not suffer under the burdensome inquiries of the wicked—to elucidate the obscurities within the law through their dialogues and debates.

Observe how the Apostle draws forth the meaning of this obscurity; he asserts that heresies are necessary so that those approved may be revealed among you. What does it mean to be approved? To be tested by silver, to be validated by the word. What can be made known? It can be demonstrated. Why is that? Because of the heretics. Thus, they were divided by the wrath of His countenance, yet His heart was united. His assertions are smoother than oil, yet are sharp like arrows. Certain texts in the Scriptures appeared challenging, though clouded in mystery; once clarified, they became gentler. Indeed, the first heresy arising among Christ’s followers was provoked by the severity of His declaration. For when He stated, "Unless one eats My flesh and drinks My blood, he has no life in him," they exchanged glances, not comprehending, saying, "This saying is hard; who can listen to it?" They proclaimed, "This teaching is challenging," and withdrew from Him, leaving only the twelve. When they expressed their discontent concerning His pronouncements, He asked, "Will you also leave?" Then Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Take notice, dear ones, and learn piety. Did Peter comprehend the depth of the Lord’s teachings at that moment? Not fully; yet, he recognized the profound goodness in those words he did not grasp. Therefore, if the message is difficult and remains not fully understood, it may indeed seem harsh to the unrighteous; but for you, it will be softened by piety. Once resolved, it shall be as oil to you, penetrating even to your bones. Furthermore, convinced by their indignation towards what they perceived as the Lord’s severity, Peter queried, "To whom shall we go?" followed by counsel: "Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you." Do not resent the nurturing words; they shall prepare you for the feast for which you currently may not be ready. By the divisions among heretics, many challenging concepts are softened: the once difficult words are now smoother than oil, and yet they remain sharp. Armed, they proclaim the Gospel, and every utterance pierces the hearts of those who listen, compelling them towards love for the world. Difficult they were, and yet they have been softened. Even in their refinement, they have not lost their potency; instead, they have become like arrows. Commit yourselves to the Lord, for entrusting yourselves to Him is paramount—let no one take His place. Cast your burdens upon the Lord.

The expressions are compared to the smoothness of oil and butter, while their intentions are likened to the sharpest arrows and spears, as Aquila translated 'arrows' as 'spears.' Thus, the anointed David, having recounted his experiences and reflecting on the wickedness against the Lord, instructs all people to trust in God.

It is observed that although the Jews might be spread throughout various regions, they remain united in wrongdoing, indicating a shared disposition of their hearts. Their words were smoother than oil yet acted like arrows. This description pertains broadly to the Jewish people, who prior to the Lord’s crucifixion, addressed Him with phrases as smooth as oil, referring to Him as Rabbi or Teacher, affirming, ‘We know that You are true and teach the ways of God truly (Matthew 22:16)’ and expressing other kind sentiments. However, beneath these gentle expressions lay sharp arrows, indicative of their desire for His blood.

Similar sentiments can be seen in Saul and his followers, who feigned concern by asking, ‘Is this your voice, my son David (1 Sam. 26:17)?’ Their seemingly soft words harbored malicious intent, much like Judas, who greeted the Lord with, ‘Rejoice, Rabbi,’ before betraying Him (Matt. 26:49). The word ‘arrows’ is interpreted by Aquila as ‘Copy.’ Judas's words, as noted by Simmachus, were incredibly soft, akin to oil and cow's butter, while the underlying intentions were as piercing as the sharpest arrows and spears, as Theodoret comments. Many, while wearing the guise of friendship, would say to those they harm, ‘Have I not wronged you?’ Isychius presents an insightful interpretation: the Jews spoke words of unparalleled sweetness, tempting the wisdom of God, akin to shipbuilders testing the sea's depth with a weighted line, yet failing to grasp its meaning, for no leaden measure can assess the abyss, which represents the wisdom of God. Nevertheless, some interpretations suggest that this prophecy may also pertain specifically to Judas.

The gravity of his actions is further articulated in the subsequent words, describing how while Saul's mouth dripped with oil, strife lingered in his heart, and his words resembled venomous arrows. Although his external expressions masked malignance, the hidden toxicity pierced hearts like swords or arrows. We recognize that Saul often lured David with flattering promises and treated him kindly, only to ensnare him; undeniably, such deceitful tactics were similarly employed by other rulers. This form of temptation is widespread among the children of God. Deceitful individuals, through flattery and manipulation, strive to ensnare and ruin them; however, the Holy Spirit has dismantled the wisdom of the crafty (1 Cor. 3:19). As noted by the seventy interpreters, the essence of this passage reveals that God righteously extended His hand to confront David's foes, for they not only refused to turn from their sinful ways to virtue, but they also profaned His covenant through their transgressions. Consequently, they were cast aside, in other words, they diminished under the wrath of His presence, as their hearts leaned more towards wickedness than righteousness.

Their accusations were cloaked in an illusion of zeal for God, as if they were defending the divine law and worship. Their words were smooth as oil, easily engaging the soul, declaring, 'We see that thou art true, and teachest the ways of God indeed,' and exclaiming, 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.' However, when they called Him 'O Beelzebub the demoniac, he shall cast out demons,' and demanded 'Crucify Him, crucify Him!' their words turned into arrows.