Psalm 68 (67):23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This is why the tax collector did not even feel worthy to raise his eyes to heaven (Luke 18:13), for upon introspection he was overwhelmed; yet he left justified (Luke 18:14), as the Lord proclaimed, "From Bashan I will turn.” Bashan can also imply drought, illustrating how the Lord withdraws from desolation, or scarcity. Those who believe themselves to be overflowing, though they are famished, and who feel fulfilled while being utterly void, have not truly turned towards Him.

"I will turn to the depths of the sea." If I am to be converted, why to the depths of the sea? Indeed, the Lord's saving turn is towards Himself, and He is certainly not the abyss of the sea. Might it be that the Latin phrase misleads us, and that ‘depth’ was used to convey what is meant by ‘profound’? For He does not transform Himself; rather, He transforms those who are submerged in the weight of their sins in this world's depths, echoing the cry of the one who says, “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord.” And if this is not the case, I will convert but will be turned toward the sea's depths; our Lord is thought to have declared that in His mercy, He has turned even to the depths of the sea to save those in the direst circumstances of sin. Although one Greek variant I found does not read ‘in the abyss,’ but ‘in the depths’ (ἐν βυθοῖς), reinforcing the original understanding, for even there, God directs His attention to those who cry out from their depths. And even if it is interpreted that He too must be changed there to rescue such individuals, it does not negate the intention; thus, He is turned, or rather, in order to save them, He is so positioned that His foot is dipped in blood. As the Prophet states regarding the Lord, "That Your foot may be stained with blood" (Psalms 67:23).

Theodoret conveys that Bashan translates to shame; and shame is the outcome of sin, which He will redirect us from. Athanasius elaborates that Bashan signifies bitterness, or sorrow. Therefore, the statement implies that He will divert from the exceedingly bitter abode, that is, the house of Israel, to Himself. He will turn within the depths of the sea. The Lord liberated the Gentiles from this shame through the depth of the sea, namely through holy baptism, which He describes as the immersion into the deep waters of salty and bitter sin. The prophet Micah expresses a similar sentiment: he will turn us and grant us understanding, and will bury our iniquities, casting all our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). According to Athanasius, the depths of the sea symbolize the abyss of sin and pleasure, representing the most severe and egregious sins. From such profound depths of sin, God turned the Gentiles toward the radiance of virtue; in this context, the phrase “in the depths of the sea” should be interpreted to mean “from the depths," and the preposition “in” is to replace “of” according to reciprocal usage.

The bloodshed often symbolizes the triumph over spiritual foes, achieved through the sacrificial blood of Christ. This encapsulates the victory of Jesus, attained through His suffering, as depicted in Isaiah (see Isaiah 63:1-6).

In these reflections, the meaning of the prophetic declarations emerges: Although the intent and spirit of the Messiah's reign is to rescue humanity from death and to bring even the wayward into obedience, His Church will perpetually face adversaries, necessitating the continuous act of subduing, trampling, and rendering them desolate. In particular, the Lord will not withhold judgment against the foremost entity— the mightiest of the earth, a ruler who, as the pinnacle of authority, stirs the nations under his dominion, who extends his power without turning towards righteousness, while progressively sinking deeper into iniquity.

The Lord has declared in His eternal purpose: even when My Church is besieged and harassed by formidable adversaries, such as the kingdom of Bashan, or scattered across the eastern regions, I will rescue her and restore her from Bashan; though she may seem completely engulfed in a multitude of tongues and wearied from the east to the west, I will gather her and bring her back from the depths of the sea (see Isaiah 11:11, 12).

“Indeed, O Lord,” the prophet echoes in response to this divine decree, “the triumph of You and Your Church over idolatry will be so immense, so conclusive, and so degrading to Your foes that it is challenging to represent with the grandeur it deserves. In tangible imagery, it can be articulated that when Your enemies lie prostrate at Your feet (Psalms 109:1), Your feet will be stained in their blood, and the tongues of Your dogs will lick it, particularly licking the blood of this chief adversary.”

To emphasize this message, the Prophet includes the words of God Himself, declaring His intentions to rescue. This conveys God's authority to resurrect; the liberation of the Israelites from the depths of the sea and from the grasp of formidable foes is akin to a resurrection.

Furthermore, the Prophet signifies God as being stained and darkened with blood not to depict cruelty, but to express His righteous wrath. This illustrates to the faithful how valued and cherished they are by God, especially when He rises in protection of them. It is acknowledged that David, known for his gentle spirit, was also capable of holy fervor, finding joy in the downfall of the wicked while reflecting on God’s purposes. It is important to recognize that God acts through His servants to deliver just retribution upon the unrighteous, a role that belongs collectively to the Church. The subsequent phrases, that thy foot may be wet in blood, and the tongue of thy dogs lick the blood of thine enemies, are more vividly expressed in the Hebrew, indicating that thy foot may be wet in blood, and the tongue of thy dogs lick the blood of thine adversaries, which is spilled by them all.

The journey towards the West invites reflection on the Passion and death of Christ the Savior, who, by divine power, liberated Adam and others from the depths of the underworld. The name of God signifies the East, for He embodies the unapproachable Light and the eternal Godhead, while the path to the West represents communion with human suffering, likened to the darkness of night when contrasted with the brightness of the mountains. This illustrates that God’s presence fills all space. Thus, whether you are seated, walking, engaging in activities, eating, or fulfilling any physical needs, regardless of whether you face the East or the West, do not hesitate to offer your prayers. We are instructed to pray continuously and in every location. Even when your head is covered, maintain your prayers, but ensure that you do so with attentiveness.