Psalm 65 (64):14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Hence it is proclaimed that the flock of sheep shall be clothed. For it is not solely other sheep that partake in the saving baptism, but the sheep themselves. “And the hoary shall multiply the wheat.” Those who inherit poverty and choose a life of godliness will yield their fruits unto God, some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, some a hundredfold. “They shall cry out, for they shall sing.” All those mentioned will joyfully sing to God, who has granted humanity such transformation. Some writers, having superficially interpreted the psalm, claim that it was fulfilled only after the return from captivity, suggesting that in addition to liberation, the Jews were granted fertility and ample rainfall, resulting in the Jordan overflowing, which they refer to as the river of God. However, historical evidence shows that this did not occur, as the Jews endured prolonged hardship, as noted by Ezra. Moreover, within the psalm, there is a clear prophecy regarding the salvation of the Gentiles, stating, “unto Thee shall all flesh come,” and “Hear now, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are in the sea afar off.” I find my interpretation of this psalm aligns with these declarations. Meanwhile, those enamored with fables and dreaming about the rebuilding of Jerusalem recount their mythical tales, suggesting these events have yet to transpire but will occur following the calling of the Jews, thereby distorting other doctrines with their fabrications. We, however, shall dismiss their empty speculations and adhere firmly to the Divine truths, echoing David, “Thy law is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my paths” (Psalm 118:105).

Gregory the Theologian and Athanasius declare that the earth's valleys will be filled with wheat, which is necessary for a time, while the well-tended depths of souls will yield spiritual and everlasting nourishment. Thus, the Gentiles’ souls, which previously produced no fruits, will overflow with spiritual blessings. They will cry out in joy and sing. Consequently, all the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall celebrate with heartfelt gratitude, as they have received liberation and been blessed with abundant goodness and remarkable times, which will cause them to sing praises to their Redeemer and generous benefactor. The conjunction "for" is unnecessary here; it would be better stated that they shall call and sing. This psalm is understood in one historical context, but when viewed from a higher perspective, it serves as a prophecy of the Gospel's proclamation. It can also be related to the only begotten Son. The Lord declares that He has visited the earth, which refers to the entire universe, as the term "earth" represents the nations that dwell therein. As Zechariah foretells, the east will shine upon us from above (Luke 1:78). You have enriched her with the wine of reconciliation, as noted earlier (Ps. 59:5). The gospel message has flourished, enhancing this earth—humanity—with virtues. The river of God signifies our Savior, and the waters symbolize His teachings: for He states that rivers make the city of God glad (Psalm 45:5); from this river, like a stream, the divine Apostles flowed forth to nourish the entire world. You have prepared this nourishing word for the nations; you, Lord, have established it through divine teachings and entrusted these teachings to your Apostles, commissioning them to feed the hungry souls; this reflects how true sustenance is provided, as you have arranged it, and not otherwise. The furrows of this earth represent the depths of human hearts, and David's prayers often reflect the need for these hearts to be watered so that they may generate the brilliance of divine love, becoming gentle and soft, devoid of cruelty. The sprouts of this land symbolize virtues, with their yield being faith. The drops represent teachings, from which divine words flow; or the thoughts derived from sacred scripture, which, like dew, refresh the soul, allowing it to rejoice, flourish, and grow. The summer, or season of goodness, is a splendid time for preaching, with Christ as its crown, since He has adorned and beautified it through His deeds and words. The phrase "you shall bless," indicating praise and glorification, may refer to the Father; for thus the Father honored the Son, saying, "This is my beloved Son" (Matt. 3:17). Regarding the fields, hills, and valleys, we can simply say that the Holy Spirit conveys through these images the presence of Christians in every area: the fields will be occupied by priests and church leaders; the hills will house those who live in solitude and ascetics, while the valleys will welcome those dwelling in caves and dungeons. They will each bring a sense of gratitude and joy to their surroundings. Alternatively, low places can symbolize humble souls who do not harbor pride, while the mountains represent those inflated by vanity who have humbled themselves by embracing divine wisdom; ravines depict those who have fallen into sin's depths. Beautiful desert places signify virtuous souls—those of the Gentiles who are capable of producing fruitfulness. The sheep represent the Apostles, who shepherd and govern the flocks of Christ’s word; they were endowed with the grace of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as noted: "Remain in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Or the sheep symbolize local bishops, overseers, and priests who, through holy baptism and the grace of priesthood, have donned Christ: "For all of you, he says, have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Moreover, it appears that those Jews freed from Babylon, as referenced in this psalm, did not receive such significant blessings and abundance in the historical sense. Thus, it is most fitting to interpret this psalm as one of profound significance.

The abundance of the earth's harvest is sourced from the nourishment of plants, which derives from the rains that fall from the clouds. Thus, it is appropriate to say that clouds pour forth moisture, akin to God’s chariots, ensuring that wherever God directs His way, blessings flow from His steps, creating a cycle of abundance. In the subsequent verse, he emphasizes God’s grace by noting that the rains touch even the uninhabited regions; he extends his observation to hills and valleys, illustrating that no corner of the earth is devoid of God's riches, and His generosity envelops the entire globe. The diversity of creation is acknowledged as well, with hills adorned with flocks and fields ripe with grain. Here, joy is attributed to inanimate elements—not because they possess understanding, but because their beauty delights the eyes of humanity, prompting those who benefit from them to continually offer praise and thanks to God. The praises for God’s omnipotence, wisdom, and goodness voiced in this psalm are meant to offer comfort to the people, encouraging them to seek divine deliverance from captivity with renewed hope. This psalm can also be understood on a deeper level, representing the calling of nations and the blessings of God revealed to the Church, in line with the interpretations of Augustine and Theodoret.