Psalm 63 (62):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, this is what befell them; they were overwhelmed by the invading foes. They became akin to the foxes. The foxes represent the rulers of the earth during the time when Judea fell. Pay attention to recognize and comprehend that these rulers are referred to as foxes. Herod the king is explicitly labeled a fox by the Lord Himself. "Go and tell that fox," He commands in Luke 13:32. Observe closely, dear brethren: they did not desire Christ the King, and thus they associated with the foxes. When Pilate, the governor in Judea, condemned Christ at the insistence of the Jewish leaders, he posed the question to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" (John 19:15). They had proclaimed Him the King of the Jews, for He is the true Sovereign. However, they turned away from Christ, declaring, "We have no king but Caesar." They spurned the Lamb and opted for the fox, and justly, they received the portion of the foxes.

He predicts the exact way in which they will meet their end. They will be taken down by weapons. This will occur at the hands of their adversaries. They will become prey, much like a fox. This will not come from formidable foes, but rather from neighboring strangers, who, similar to foxes, may occasionally launch an attack but often retreat when confronted. The initial impression conveys that many who perish in battle will not receive burial, but instead will be left for wild animals to devour.

They will be handed over to the hands of soldiers. David previously declared that his adversaries would perish, and in this context, he now also describes the manner of their demise, specifically that they would be turned over to the hands of warriors. This phrase indicates their certain fall in combat. The reference to the parts of the fox implies that, once Saul and my other foes are slain in battle, the foxes and other creatures will consume their remains as if they were left unburied. Alternatively, according to Theodoret, foxes symbolize that they will not be defeated by valiant and strong warriors but by the humble, cunning, and weak. The fox, being insignificant, crafty, and weak, represents those who will dismantle my foes—deceptive and lowly individuals.

The essence of these words conveys that although David's adversaries currently loom over him, they will ultimately face downfall and demise. God will swiftly bring them low, not only leading them to ruin but also leaving their remains exposed on the earth. To be part of the foxes signifies being torn apart and devoured by wild animals. The Lord often warns the wicked of this fate, which inevitably comes to pass. They fall by the sword and become the victims of voracious wolves and dogs, and God does not grant them the dignity of burial. Indeed, this fate can also befall the righteous, as both the wicked and the just may experience untimely deaths.

A Psalm inspired by the Holy Spirit for David, in which he calls upon God while he finds himself in the wilderness, expressing his sorrow over his straying and his yearning to journey from the desolate land to the house of God in Jerusalem. This prayer resonates with all believers in Christ the Lord who traverse the barren wilderness of this earthly existence and, with patience and hope, aspire to enter into the realm of eternal rest. The earth lay desolate, unmarked by the presence of Christ. He who truly loves God always yearns to dwell and commune with Him.