Psalm 62 (61):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Who can withstand such immense trials: whether in open conflict or through treacherous ambush? Who can bear such burdens amidst clear adversaries and deceitful companions? Who will face these overwhelming challenges? Is it a man who would dare? And if a man were to attempt this, could he rely on his own strength? It is not merely a matter of rising and falling; my soul surrenders to God, for my endurance comes from Him. In the midst of profound tribulations, what is patience if it is not the hope for what remains unseen, pursued with perseverance? (Rom. 8:25) My anguish shall arise, yet my solace will follow; my grief shall emerge, yet my purification will come as well. For does not gold shine in the refiner's fire?

The Psalmist once more speaks to the soul, encouraging it to serve God faithfully. He proclaims, "O obey God, O my soul, for from Him is my endurance." Through this, he reveals the intensity of our trials and echoes the Apostle's assurance that God "will not forsake" us "to be tempted more than" we can endure (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13), affirming that "from Him is my endurance."

Both my soul must submit to God. He once more speaks to the soul, encouraging it to maintain faithfulness to the Lord. He highlights the magnitude of temptations and echoes the words of the Apostle: "He will not leave you to be tempted more than you can bear" (1 Cor. 10:13).

This raises the question, “Did he deny me a place of eternal rest by refusing to give a proper burial to my body?” My home is in the sanctuary of the Lord, and I shall find peace on His holy mountain. I will no longer run from human reproach, for the love of the Lord upholds me. Neither death, nor sword, nor persecution can sever my bond with the love of Christ. The righteous dwell in the presence of God, while the wicked are cast away. The descendants of the betrayer Judah are rejected; it is said of them, “Let his sons who are steadfast and impoverished depart, and let them be expelled from their homes” (Psalms 108:10).

Do not abandon, O soul, your dedication to the Lord, but rather, empowered by His assistance, endure the challenges that come your way.

He reiterates the earlier statement by affirming that his spirit—meaning himself—will remain faithful to God, who grants him endurance amid trials. This sentiment echoes the resolve of the Maccabees, who inspired their spirits toward bravery and honorable intentions. The term "however" is unnecessary in this context. Theodoret expresses a similar thought: Do not abandon your commitment to God, but rather, fortified by the assistance He provides, persevere through the challenges you face.

He reiterates the initial verses to emphasize that despite the significant temptations he faced, he remained unafraid, relying on God's assistance. It’s as if he expresses, “Let the adversaries rage, yet, O my soul, do not be troubled; rather, quietly yield to God, who will support you, for He is my God, my Deliverer, and my Advocate.” For this reason, I shall remain steadfast, unwilling to retreat into the territories of my foes, choosing instead to dwell perpetually within the host of my God. In verse 8, he asserts his dependence on God for all things—both the outcome and the means. The outcome signifies liberation from all evils and the attainment of the highest good, encapsulated in the terms salvation and glory. The means consist of divine assistance and our faith in God.

Referencing Psalm 38, this Psalm signifies the fulfillment of the law through Christ the Lord, as stated in Romans 10:4. It was inspired by the Holy Spirit and composed by David, and entrusted to Edithum, the leader of the singers. He should express it with heartfelt sincerity, proclaiming the unwavering hope in God, who empowers us to endure for Christ the Lord, whose worth is beyond measure and who was offered up to liberate us from the chains of suffering and death for the salvation of all humanity. Only the Redeemer can calm our turmoil. The Church proclaims, “Glory to Thee, O Christ God, our hope, glory to Thee.”