Psalm 66 (65):18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider, dear brothers, how easily and routinely people, ashamed of their fellow humans, condemn wrongdoing. This person has acted improperly; he is of low character; he is a scoundrel—this is what is said, perhaps for the sake of reputation. Reflect and ensure that you detect no sin within yourself, that you do not conspire to commit the very acts you criticize in others, denouncing them not for their wrongdoing but for their exposure. Turn your gaze inward and become your own judge. In the quiet sanctuary of your heart, where you and the One who sees are alone, let sin be loathsome to you, so that you may find favor with God. Do not hold it in esteem, which means do not cherish it; rather, disdain it and turn away from it.

I understood that the Lord would not heed my supplications if I engaged in wickedness. Akilah interprets this as, "the Lord will not hear the empty desires of my heart." This signifies that when I raised my prayers to God, I earnestly sought what was right, being aware that it would be futile to petition if I did not adhere to His ways. Additionally, there are those who appear to take pride in their righteousness before God, believing that their lack of wrongdoing will grant them an audience.

The Simmach interprets it in this way: If I have contemplated wickedness in my heart, may the Lord not listen to me; meaning, if I sought freedom from my chains and desired to go back, but intended to commit any unjust acts upon my return, may I not receive God's favor. The evidence of my actions confirms this truth.

He states that when he sought assistance from God, he found no wickedness within his heart. He reinforces this assertion with a strong declaration, saying that if he were to be aware of any wrongdoing in himself, may God not listen to him in the days to come, regardless of how fervently he calls upon Him.

He proclaimed, “I will share what the God of my soul has accomplished," thus he testifies about the blessings he has received through his commitments and recognizes the gracious gifts bestowed by God. Firstly, he states, "I will call upon Him with my mouth." This implies that "The Lord of my soul has done this; He has given me faith and instilled in me a longing for prayer. Through this divine gift, I have come to understand my own neediness and the kind benefactor who I must turn to." He further identifies another blessing: "I was lifted up under my tongue," meaning he learned not just to pray but also to uplift God in praise, giving thanks and glory openly and privately for the mercies he had received.

Ultimately, for the eternal psalm of exaltation to God, in anticipation of the forthcoming resurrection of the faithful, David, guided by the Holy Spirit, composed this psalm. Within it, he articulates a prophetic expression of gratitude to the Lord from those who have returned from captivity in Babylon, symbolizing demonic oppression, and offers special thanks for the realization of the blessedness bestowed upon all the faithful after the conclusion of worldly trials and tribulations, which are set to culminate in the resurrection of the faithful. This can be accomplished in various ways and ultimately at the culmination of time during the general resurrection. Praise is directed toward Christ's humanity, while His divine nature receives glory, with both aspects being exalted together. The reference to all the earth encompasses all nations. Just as the Jews were liberated from Babylonian bondage, so too are all people freed from the anguish of the devil through the Incarnation of God and the Saviour.