Psalm 56 (55):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Those who distance themselves from the righteous are my adversaries. Throughout the day: it has been stated, From the peak of daylight. What is meant by the peak of daylight? This understanding is crucial. It is no surprise, for it is the zenith of the day. Perhaps this explains their separation from the righteous, as they could not grasp the peak of the day, which the Apostles illuminate through twelve radiant hours. Thus, those who condemned Him as a man on that day went astray. But why did they allow the light to fade from the righteous? Because the day shone above, as they remained oblivious to the one who was hidden in that light. If they had comprehended, they would never have crucified the Lord of Glory. (1 Cor. 2:8)

All day long, my adversaries have sought me. David understood that Saul was conspiring against him, influenced by unseen forces. As it is written, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but ... against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). There are countless foes arrayed against me from on high. Yet, I will prevail over them all, placing my trust in You. This confidence has fortified me, instilling a fearless spirit in the face of those who have long waged war against me.

The phrase "all the day" is interpreted by Symmachus as "all the day," indicating a constant and uninterrupted presence. The Prophet expresses that he was not fearful of the success enjoyed by others, which led them to wage war against us. He refers to the peak of the day as the fleeting prosperity of this current life, which is momentary, inadequate, and transient. Consequently, he explains why we should not be intimidated by those who deride our circumstances of abundance.

My adversaries have tormented me continually. He refers to my adversaries, which could include the Babylonians, malevolent spirits, or, from a different perspective, the allies of Saul, who continually demean and oppress me. They are numerous, attacking from positions of elevation. In this context, the "height" mentioned by David, as explained by Theodoret, signifies strength and authority, or perhaps prosperity; for one who strikes from a lofty position will effectively strike those beneath him, ensuring that their attack lands accurately.

The psalm opens with the prophet lifting a prayer for divine favor. He expresses his lament regarding Saul and the numerous adversaries he faced at home, enduring unjust persecution. When he sought to escape their oppression, he found himself ensnared by another severe affliction caused by outsiders, from whom he struggled mightily to find freedom. Ultimately, as a wanderer and a beggar, he sought refuge in a cave. Referring to Saul as merely a man, he aimed to highlight the distinction between human frailty and God's sovereignty, almost saying, ‘To You, O God, I turn: You are compassionate toward me, as mankind seeks to trample me.

This psalm is to be sung as it points towards Christ, the fulfillment of the law, and celebrates the boundless glory of His divine majesty. It serves as a reminder for those who found themselves exiled during the times of Saul and David, or held captive in Babylon, as well as for all who, in this earthly life, are distanced from the sacred realm of the heavenly Jerusalem. The strength of this psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit and attributed to David, deserves to be etched upon a pillar or within the heart, ensuring it is forever remembered due to God's profound mercy toward humanity. It reflects the significance of the inscription upon the Pillar of the Cross, representing those estranged from God through the breach of His divine laws. As Gregory of Nyssa noted, this psalm should be inscribed for the everlasting remembrance of God’s inexplicable humanity. Throughout the day of Christ's Passion, the throngs of Jews persistently reviled Him.