Psalm 59 (58):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For they will be turned in the evening (Psalm 58:14), suggesting that even if it is late, following the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will indeed be turned in the evening and afterward they will experience hunger like dogs. They are compared to dogs rather than to sheep or cattle; like dogs, Gentiles, and sinners, because even those who regarded themselves as righteous have come to recognize their transgressions. Therefore, it is wise for a sinner to embrace humility, for there is no one more hopelessly lost than one who perceives himself as whole. And they wander around the city. We have previously clarified that this city represents a surrounding community; it encompasses all nations.

They will return in the evening. The repetition serves to reinforce the earlier prophecy regarding them. (Ps. 58:14) To avoid any misunderstanding that the prophet is being inconsistent when he states, ‘I will be wasted by Thy power’ (Ps. 58:12), he emphasizes the phrase ‘shall return’ to clarify the ambiguity found in these passages. The imagery of dogs, which, after coming together for a meal, end up devouring each other instead of eating, illustrates this point. Consequently, they often depart without having touched the food.

The Prophet stated that in the final days, those who stray will not be able to justify their actions without contradicting his declaration, "I will be consumed by Thy might." He emphasizes this by likening them to famished dogs wandering the city at night, existing without any spiritual nourishment. The condition of humanity has shifted: the Jews, once the chosen people, have fallen into wickedness and become like dogs, while the Gentiles, once seen as outsiders, have received the privilege of being called sons.

The prophecy that David spoke of regarding the Jewish people is echoed here to reinforce its significance through repetition. Nyssa explains that this repetition serves to illustrate that those who fail to lead virtuous lives in this world will ultimately be excluded from the exalted realm of Jerusalem in the next. Therefore, it is stated that those who indulge in licentiousness and stray from the path of virtue, forsaking their human dignity for a beast-like existence, will find themselves deprived of the heavenly city and instead tormented by the absence of divine blessings. Conversely, those who triumph over their adversaries and prevail, as the Psalmist expresses, progress from strength to strength, continuously achieving victories, declaring: I will sing to Your strength, etc.

At the conclusion of his prayer, David finds reassurance in the fulfillment of his aspirations. Although he refers back to the same imagery he used earlier about ravenous dogs, his intent has shifted; he ironically asserts that his adversaries will become silent in a different manner—specifically, that their plans will not come to fruition as they envisioned. Previously, he lamented that they barked like dogs, driven by an unquenchable thirst and avarice to inflict harm upon him. Now, mocking their unlawful endeavors, he indicates that they will grow weary after a full day of fruitless toil and will ultimately be compelled to relinquish their ambitions. In this self-congratulatory tone, he contrasts his current statements with his earlier grievances.

The exile of David from his home at the hands of Saul symbolizes the entombment of Christ the Savior's sinless body, which lay in the grave, heralding the truth that this event should be inscribed not only on stone but also in the hearts of the faithful, for the eternal glory and honor of God. This psalm represents the heartfelt supplication of Christ the Lord to God the Father during His redemptive suffering. Christ, who committed no sin, redirected sinners towards the path of salvation. Embrace the Gospel, for at the Last Judgment, it will be declared to the unrighteous: Depart from Me, cursed.