Psalm 59 (58):18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What would I be without Your assistance? To what depths of despair would I sink if You did not bring healing? Where would I be if You had not approached me? Certainly, I was gravely wounded and faced peril, yet this wound of mine truly needed the touch of the Supreme Healer. For the Supreme Healer, nothing is beyond cure. Reflecting on all the blessings we possess, whether by nature, intention, or through our transformation in faith, hope, love, good conduct, justice, and reverence for God; since all these gifts are bestowed by Him, he rightly concluded, ‘My God is my mercy.’ Overflowing with God’s grace, he found no name more fitting for God than His mercy. Oh, a name that should inspire no one to lose hope!

I will raise my voice in praise of Your might. And I, representing the Gentile nations, who have experienced Your strength, will celebrate Your grace revealed in the light and on the day of Your resurrection, for through the resurrection You have become our advocate and sanctuary in times of trouble. Thus, I present these psalms as an offering to You, O God, who shows compassion to me. I have always relied on Your assistance, and through Your guidance, I have avoided the disasters that threaten me. Therefore, I recognize You as the one true God, and I name You the wellspring of mercy and humanity. The blessed David, having perceived this truth long ago with prophetic insight, anticipated the sufferings of the Jews, and he committed himself to continually sing praises unto the Lord, fulfilling this vow through the hymns sung by the faithful.

I will declare Your strength, and in the morning I will celebrate Your steadfast love. They who choose to defy You will face numerous hardships, yet I will sing of Your compassion, and when Your radiant light breaks forth to illuminate the world, I will extol Your boundless mercy in all the congregations. You have been my advocate and safe haven during my times of trouble. You are my support; to You, I lift my voice, for You are my defender, O my God, my compassion. Your assistance has always been with me, and through Your watchful care, I have evaded the tribulations I encountered. Hence, I acknowledge You as the one true God, and I refer to You as the wellspring of mercy and kindness. Blessed David perceived this from a distance with prophetic insight, foreseeing the trials of the people of Israel, and he made a promise to continually sing praises to the Lord, fulfilling this commitment through the expressions of the righteous.

These statements are straightforward and require no further clarification, as David expresses his gratitude to God, his benefactor. Furthermore, David instructs us on the songs and praises we should echo in thankfulness to the Lord, as a response to our obligation of gratitude. He has revealed His advocacy and compassion to us through the incarnation—compassion because He came to redeem the world, and advocacy because He liberated us from bondage by confronting the foe.

Individuals long for powerful figures to serve as their protectors and aids. You desire and strive to have God as your support and guardian. This is a heartfelt Christian aspiration! He is a true Advocate and Guardian! “O God, cry out for my help! O Lord, help me! You are my Helper; I sing to You: as God is my Advocate, my God, my Mercy” (Psalm 69:2, Psalm 58:18)!

He reiterates this idea using different expressions to enhance his fervor and grateful heart toward the Ultimate Provider. By referring to God as his supporter and intercessor, he acknowledges his own frailty and attributes his redemption solely to God's grace. Consequently, he affirms that he has every reason to celebrate and honor Him.

The exile of David at the hands of Saul symbolizes the entombment of the sinless body of Christ the Savior, which triumphed over death. This event is inscribed not only on stone but also in the hearts of the faithful, bringing everlasting glory and honor to God. This psalm echoes the supplication of Christ the Lord to God the Father during His redemptive suffering. Jesus, who manifested no sin, guided transgressors towards the path of salvation. Place your faith in the Gospel, for at the Final Judgment, the words will be spoken to the unrighteous: Depart from Me, cursed.