Psalm 66 (65):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is through His warmth that we are revived; when we stray, we become frigid, but we are warmed again as we draw near to Him. Therefore, let us implore Him to preserve us in His righteousness, for in Him we will rejoice as His righteousness prevails forever. This gift is not only for believing Jews... His gaze is upon the Gentiles as well. What shall we do? The Jews may grumble, saying that what He has offered us is also granted to them; to us, the Gospel, to them, the Gospel; to us, the Grace of Resurrection, and to them, the Grace of Resurrection. Does our reception of the Law benefit us? And does it not benefit them? The grace extended to them is the same as that given to us. Let there be no conflict, let there be no arguments. Let not those who are hardened in spirit lift themselves up. O miserable and decaying flesh, are you not in sin? Why does your tongue protest? Let your conscience speak. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23) Understand your own limitations, O humanity. The Law was given to you that you might recognize your transgressions: (Rom. 5:20) for you have not adhered to or fulfilled what you were entrusted with. The consequences you face are not the justifications outlined by the Law, but rather the transgressions you have committed. Therefore, if sin has increased, why do you resent the abundance of grace? Do not harden your hearts, for the bitter should not lift themselves up. He seems to have uttered a curse against those who are bitter with the phrase, ‘Let not the bitter exalt themselves’; indeed, let them be lifted, but not on their own merit. Let them humble themselves and find exaltation in Christ. For whoever humbles himself shall be raised, but whoever elevates himself shall be brought low. (Matthew 23:12) Let not those who are bitter within themselves be lifted up.

A few Hellenes, who persist in their wickedness, regard themselves highly because they were not taken away with the people. The prophetic message warns them, ‘Let not those who lift themselves up, let them not uplift themselves; for they provoke the righteous Judge against themselves, bringing upon themselves rightful retribution.’

Theodoret states: We will rejoice there, at the Jordan, as the Gentiles do at the Holy Font; for even then, the Jordan was parted for the people, and now, this same Jordan, having welcomed the Creator and Sustainer of all, brings forth salvation for humanity. His gaze is upon their tongues. As he articulates, God's eyes are directed toward the nations, desiring to claim them as His own through faith. Therefore, know, O Jew, that God has withdrawn His visitation from you and directed it toward the nations. According to the revered Athanasius, the "eyes of God" can be seen as a reference to the Apostles, while those who afflict the Jews are likewise noted. Let those who suffer not elevate themselves. Here, he refers to the Jews as bitter for their constant complaints and opposition against God. He urges the Jews not to uplift themselves or claim that they are the sole recipients of God's knowledge and love, for they have caused Him grief. The prophet Ezekiel designates the Jews as a provoking house, saying: Be not afraid of their appearance; for they are a provoking house (Ezekiel 3:9). The same Jews are described as troubling for having given the Lord Christ bitter gall to consume, and when He was thirsty, they offered Him vinegar mixed with bitter wine. The words of the prophets are veiled and intricate for the reasons articulated in chapter 12 of this book's preface. Reader, you may still view the troubling, opposing nations and demons as having a visitor and a providential God. Theodoret highlights that, in their wickedness, the Greeks hold themselves in high regard, thinking they are not swayed by the masses. To them, the prophetic word issues the command: Let those who grieve not elevate themselves, for they grieve against their righteous Judge and bring upon themselves a just retribution.

The reference to all the earth signifies all nations across the globe. Just as the Jews were liberated from Babylonian bondage, so too has humanity been freed from the agonizing clutches of the devil through the Incarnation of God and the Savior.