Psalm 59 (58):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Here is my strength, O Lord, and I shall place my trust solely in You; I will not rely on my own abilities. For what righteousness have I achieved that would warrant Your mercy and justification? What do You see in me except for my sins? All that is Yours is the creation of Your own hand; everything else consists of my wicked actions, which You have erased. It was not I who sought You first, but You have come to rouse me, for Your compassion is ever before me. Before I can accomplish any good, Your grace will precede me. What can I say to the distressed Pelagius?

My God, Your mercy will go before me. You consistently alert me to my requests, O Lord, and amidst the multitude of humanity, You do not delay in responding to my prayers. My God will reveal to me my adversaries. The Prophet acknowledges the foes of the Savior as shared adversaries. He then foretells what shall befall them.

He proclaims that his God is ever eager to listen; His compassion anticipates my requests and extends grace to me even before I voice them, showcasing His readiness to assist. Furthermore, he asserts that God will reveal His strength against my adversaries. What does this mean? It encompasses everything I desire, or what is fitting and just for them to endure; such an implication is necessary here. A similar sentiment is reflected in the subsequent expression: And upon my enemies my eye has looked, as elaborated in Psalms 53:9.

He consistently shields us and cherishes His creation to such an extent that His Divine Providence not only accompanies us but also goes before us at all times. The prophet who has known this love declares, ‘My God, who is gracious to me, will precede me’ (Psalm 58:11). When He perceives the seed of a good inclination within us, He swiftly nurtures it and fosters its development in every possible manner, as He has promised: ‘Before they call, I will answer’ (Isaiah 65:24). He not only inspires holy aspirations but also orchestrates opportunities for their realization and guides the lost toward the path of salvation.

For this reason he also submits himself under the mighty hand of God in order to receive grace, as if to express, ‘You are the source and protector of my power. With Your providence, I find safety and stability; therefore, I do not rely on my own strength, but I entrust my strength to You. My faith in Your protection is not in vain, for You are my God who intercedes on my behalf. From my earliest days, You have shielded me: You are the only God I revere. I say this sincerely, for Your mercy has gone before me, and I believe it will continue to do so, preventing me from facing destruction. Even now, You will extend Your aid against my adversaries. David rightly asserts this regarding himself. In his youth, he was divinely forewarned and empowered to defeat the lion, the bear, and the formidable giant Goliath without armor; moreover, he was anointed for kingship as a young boy.

The exile of David within his home due to Saul represents the entombment of the sinless flesh of Christ the Savior, who overcame death. This truth is meant to be inscribed not only upon stone but also within the hearts of the faithful, celebrating the eternal glory and honor of God. This psalm conveys the prayer of Christ the Lord to God the Father during the time of His redemptive Passion. Christ did not engage in sin, but instead guided sinners toward the path of salvation. Embrace the Gospel, for at the Last Judgment, the proclamation will be made to the unrighteous: Depart from Me, you cursed.