Psalm 61 (60):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

So, let us briefly consider the essence of faithfulness and compassion, as it is significant to assert that "All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness." Compassion is mentioned because God does not consider our worthiness, but rather His own benevolence, enabling Him to absolve all our transgressions and guarantee us everlasting life; while faithfulness is noted because He consistently fulfills His promises. Let us recognize this and act accordingly; as God has extended to us His compassion and faithfulness—compassion in the pardon of our iniquities, faithfulness in fulfilling His commitments—let us likewise embody compassion and faithfulness, showing kindness to the vulnerable, the impoverished, and even to our adversaries; the truth is, we should not sin and should refrain from compounding our sins. Now, who embodies this but the few of whom it is said, "He who endures to the end will be saved"? With a heart inclining to His grace and faithfulness, who will seek Him? And for what purpose? Whoever seeks Him seeks enough. Why add "for Him," when many seek to understand His compassion and faithfulness in His writings? Yet, having learned, they live for themselves rather than for Him; (2 Cor. 5:15) they pursue their own interests, not those aligned with Jesus Christ: (Phil. 2:21) They proclaim compassion and faithfulness, but not grace and truth. In their preaching, they are aware of this, for they would not preach if they were ignorant. However, one who loves God and Christ, proclaiming grace and truth, seeks it not for personal gain, but for the good of His followers, that is, His faithful ones, serving the truth they understand: so that those who live may no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for all. (2 Cor. 5:15)

Symmachus provides a clearer interpretation: Grace and truth will protect him. This indicates that God’s mercy and truth will be the foundation for his eternal life. Theodoret points out the challenge in comprehending the profound and just mercy of God, for His plans are unfathomable.

He then offers another request, “Thou prepare mercy and truth, that they may preserve him.” These words can be understood in two ways: since mercy and truth are the foundational pillars of kingdoms, some believe it is fitting for David to seek the gifts of compassion, humility, and righteousness to help secure his reign. Others interpret that David is asking for preservation as king through God's mercy and truth, implying that the sustenance of his kingdom relies solely on God's grace and faithfulness. The verb "prepare" suggests that God has already equipped the means by which He can protect His servants. According to the Septuagint's translation, this implies that the mercy of God extended to mankind, along with the truth by which He fulfills His promises, is beyond comprehension, an unfathomable depth that transcends all understanding and reason. Ultimately, he resolves to continuously engage in singing songs of praise to honor the holy name of God, composed to fulfill his commitments. Notably, there exists a beautiful harmony between the two elements of praise, as David sought God's aid no less amid peril than he expressed gratitude when rescued from it. Thus, he declares, "I will sing unto Thy name for ever, to pay my vows day by day."