Psalm 58 (57):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet, to prevent any grievance regarding their lack, the written tablets conveyed what they had not heeded in their hearts. It was not that they were devoid of this writing, but rather they chose to disregard it. Before them lay that which their consciences would have compelled them to recognize; as if the voice of God rang out from beyond, thus stirring man deeply, as Scripture reminds us, "For there shall be doubt in the thoughts of a wicked man." (Prem. 1:9). Where doubt arises, law is present. Yet, because humanity, in their desire for worldly things, becomes estranged even from themselves, the written law was established: not because it was absent in their hearts, but due to their heart's rebellion, they find themselves called back by Him who is omnipresent. (Rom. 2:15). Therefore, what does the written law proclaim to those who have abandoned the law inscribed in their hearts? (Rom. 2:15). "Restore the wayward at heart." (Is. 46:8). Who has informed you that you would not permit another to approach your spouse? Who instructed you regarding the principle that no one should steal from you? Who has taught you that you will not endure injustice, or whatever else may apply generally or specifically? Many will assert loudly what they refuse to endure. Consider this: if you are unwilling to bear all manner of wrong, are you truly isolated? Do you not dwell within the community of humanity? Your fellow beings were created alongside you, and every individual is fashioned in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), unless earthly barriers obscure His creation. Thus, what you would not desire for yourself, do not impose on another. You perceive wrongdoing in that which you refuse to accept; this knowledge is laid bare by an innate law—it is inscribed upon your heart. When injustice occurs at your hands, a cry rises from within; how can you accept this grievance while tolerating it in the hands of others? Is theft a virtuous act? Certainly not! Would you declare adultery to be just? All respond with a resounding no! Is the act of taking a life virtuous? There exists a universal outcry against it. Is it commendable to covet the possessions of your neighbor? No! This is the consensus of mankind. Furthermore, if you have yet to admit it, consider the intruder who seeks to trespass upon your domain: kindly share your thoughts on the matter. When questioned, all individuals assert that such actions are wrong. Likewise, concerning acts of generosity, it is distressing not only to avoid harm but also to give and share. If a hungry soul approaches you, and another possesses bread in abundance, yet withholds it despite knowing your need, it grieves you both when you are hungry and when you learn of another's want. If a stranger arrives in your land seeking shelter and is turned away, he proclaims the inhumanity of your city, noting that even among barbarians he could find a welcome. He feels this injustice because he suffers from it; you may not feel it yourself, yet it is only natural to empathize with him as a fellow stranger; and consider how his plight may trouble you if you deny what you would not withhold from a native of your country. I ask all: is this true? Indeed, it is true. Are these matters equitable? They are indeed. But heed the words of the Psalm. Therefore, if indeed you speak righteousness, judge righteously, O children of men. Let your justice not merely reside in your speech, but manifest in your actions. For if your actions do not align with your words, you may utter noble sentiments, yet your judgments bear witness to wrongdoing. Now, let us address the current situation. This voice is the sweet call that resonates with the ears of the Church, the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Body, the Church, striving amidst the challenges of humanity, enduring slander and deceit. You need not fear the one who threatens you if you do not hold affection for the flatterer. He, of whom this voice speaks, acknowledges and notes that all men express righteousness. For who would dare to claim otherwise, lest they be deemed unjust? Thus, as though hearing the voices of all and observing their words, He proclaimed, "If you truly speak righteously, if your judgment is not false, if it is not merely a sound from the mouth while other intentions hide in the heart—judge rightly, O children of men." Heed the voice from the Gospel that echoes in this Psalm: "Hypocrites," the Lord admonishes the Pharisees, "how can you speak good when you are evil?" ... "Either make the tree good, and its fruit will be good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit will be bad." (Matthew 12:33-34). Why seek to paint a deceptive façade over your clay wall? I know your true nature, and I am not misled by your visible surface; I am aware of your hidden thoughts, of what you try to conceal. For He had no need for testimony from man regarding humanity; for He Himself understood what resides within people. (Jn. 2:25). He knows the depths of humanity, having crafted man and chosen to dwell among us to redeem humanity…

The heading states: 'In the end, that thou mayest not divide, unto David in the pillar' (Psalms 57:1). How often does the noble ascetic himself declare his own crowning in this victory! It is likely that the Holy Spirit frequently receives this declaration in miraculous ways, as it transcends human abilities and exceeds natural bounds. To express such sentiments is unique to the incorporeal and immaterial essence, untouched by human frailty.

A mortal, whose nature includes irritability, can suffer harm from one who has received no cause for it, particularly from one honored with numerous blessings. Despite the good he has done, he is led to greatness through mere authority, finding himself a fugitive from his own domain, pursued to potentially fatal outcomes by his benefactor. He faces life's challenges by moving from place to place, residing in desolation, seeking refuge in remote heights, lacking even the basic necessities, enduring hardships while living exposed to the elements. He often found himself in peril of losing his life to his persecutor, who once attempted to slay him with a spear, while even the residence he occupied was besieged by his own retainers. He constantly sought information about those he associated with, what he consumed, where he was, and his intended direction.

When he bore all this, he encountered two chances to eliminate his foe, Saul—one time when Saul inadvertently fell into David’s hands in a cave, and another time when he lay sleeping in a tent. David stood over the slumbering leader, poised to satisfy his anger, yet he refrained from raising his hand against him, instead commanding, 'Let him not be killed.' This pronouncement is undeniably reflective of God’s will—a declaration prohibiting the destruction of mankind! Just as artisans carve inscriptions deeply into stone, with repeated chisel strokes enhancing the images, so the Holy Spirit engraves this crucial saying upon the pillar of our remembrance, illuminating these teachings for us to engage during our trials. It seems to me that this was the intent behind the Holy Spirit's intercession—guiding future generations through the prior virtues of holy individuals, as emulation leads us toward a comparable goodness.

When the soul is stirred to exact retribution upon one who has wronged it, and emotions boil over within, the person who gazes upon this pillar, erected for David by the Holy Spirit, and reflects on the words spoken by David against his would-be murderer, will surely quell the turmoil within, calming distress through the aspiration to respond similarly. The elevation of one who has achieved the heights of this psalmody can be perceived in the very expressions used within it. He no longer laments how his adversaries tread upon him nor seeks mercy to assist him. Instead, having ascended beyond such concerns, from a vantage point of elevated insight, he rebukes those who dwell in the valleys of human existence, proclaiming: 'What do you say and do, O men? Do you speak truthfully? Do you judge justly? I perceive that your hearts dwell on earth, and each impulse of your heart is already a deed rather than merely a thought. As soon as evil arises within the mind, hands engage swiftly in the act.'