Psalm 65 (64):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let us first prepare the paths for inspiration: let the hardness of our hearts be softened by a portion of the word of God. We observe how the faithful believe, and as a result of their faith, others come to believe, creating a chain reaction of belief. It is insufficient for a single person, upon becoming a believer, to possess this alone. Likewise, the seed produces abundantly: a handful of grains are sown, and the fields flourish. The droplets of rain rejoice as they sprout. Before it swells into the expanse of a river, beginning in its droplets—in those who are ready to receive it—it will rejoice. For infants and the weak are provided with some aspects of the commandments, as they cannot grasp the fullness of the truth.

The term ‘reins’ signifies the innermost being, while ‘veins’ relates to devout reflections. The small heavenly graces bestowed upon her will uplift her spirit and ready her for the emergence of seemingly contemplative fruit. The nature of these gifts can be discerned from the words about Christ: ‘It shall come down like rain upon the fleece, and like a drop upon the earth’ (Psalm 71:6).

You shall take her reins. This clearly indicates a prophecy of what is to come, rather than a recounting of events gone by. Enrich her abundance; in other words, sustain, O Lord, like the reins of others, to enrich their understanding and inspire them toward productivity. Those who illuminate will rejoice in her blessings. The refreshing dewdrops, delivered by the instructors at the opportune moment, will bring joy and promote her growth.

In her depths, you will find sustenance, and her vitality shall increase. In her droplets, the radiant shall exult in the act of giving life. Having prophesied bountiful seasons for the earth and an abundance of harvest, David petitions God for the fulfillment of all these promises—that the earth’s soil may be nourished with rain, its fruits multiplied, and its landscapes rejoiced by showers, while the grass fades under the gentle dew. The expressions ‘drink, be glad, and rejoice’ are metaphorical, drawn from the likeness to humans and spirited animals engaging in drinking and celebration. Athanasius similarly refers to the profound depths of the heart as furrows.

In these words, the speaker implores God, requesting that He extend His mercies to humanity by providing the earth with timely rain, thereby enriching it with bountiful strength. This illustrates how all of creation serves as a powerful testament and messenger of God’s paternal love, demonstrating His care in nurturing the sustenance we rely upon daily. It is as though the speaker is saying: ‘O Lord, may Your grace continue to flow, watering the earth with nourishing rains, multiplying the life within it—its fruits and plants—so that the land, once parched, may rejoice and be filled with joy, much like one who laughs or smiles.’

Ultimately, this represents the fulfillment of the prophecy found in this psalm, which was revealed to David by the Holy Spirit, for the glory and honor of God, who has chosen Zion as the location of the covenant. In this same psalm, the prophet foretells the return of the people of Judah from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem, a certainty affirmed by Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who spoke with prophetic authority about this anticipated return, assuring us that this psalm should inspire us with the hope of achieving the freedom we seek. This can also be interpreted as the liberation of humanity from the bondage of sin, leading to the freedom of the Heavenly Jerusalem through the grace of Christ the Lord, to His everlasting praise. This also signals the calling of all people, in line with the words of the prophet Joel: ‘I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh’ (Joel 2:28).