Psalm 64 (63):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Individuals who were fearless were not truly human. In truth, all experienced fear; that is to say, all used their reason to comprehend the events that unfolded. Thus, those who lacked fear could more fittingly be compared to livestock than to wild beasts, cruel in nature. A lion may roar and growl, yet he remains part of humanity. However, indeed, every person was filled with dread, particularly the believers who quaked at the thought of the impending judgment. Each individual trembled, and the deeds of God were declared. What does it signify that they witnessed His actions?

And every individual was filled with fear. Those who beheld my aforementioned adversaries experienced distress, realizing the futility of their schemes and plots against me, and any observer was struck with apprehension, understanding that God is the protector and supporter of those who endure injustice. The words of the Divine. Athanasius notes that after having addressed the rise of foes against the holy messengers, namely the Apostles, he also mentions their eventual downfall. He states that their cunning will ultimately prove weak and ineffectual, with their arrows being so feeble that they cannot harm the innocent. Consequently, as they devised so much yet achieved nothing, they were overtaken by confusion in their hearts.

The prophet elaborately delineates the outcome of God's justice. He implies that individuals who are astonished by this remarkable occurrence, and who previously perceived God's Providence as insignificant, will start to rethink their earlier disbelief. Some will even share these revelations with others. David does not limit the example of God's mercy revealed to him to a select few; rather, he proclaims that it will be recognized and celebrated universally. For this reason, he encompasses all humanity, indicating that every individual will revere the divine, compelled to acknowledge God’s work and share it widely.

In light of the fulfillment of the law, which is found in Christ our Lord (Rom. 10:4), consider this psalm, authored by the Holy Spirit through David. In it, the prophet, sorrowful over his adversaries, seeks divine assistance against them, hoping that they will be repaid according to their actions. Primarily, this psalm serves as a prayer to God the Father and to Christ the Lord during His passion, as well as to all His faithful followers, including the righteous and the martyrs.