Psalm 68 (67):30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, it is requested for the sake of the relationship with the temple to affirm the grace given, ensuring that the beginning and the entirety may partake of the communicated gift. Consequently, the Prophet initiates the foretelling of the conversion of kings. "To You shall the kings bring gifts." For, having turned away from persecution, they will bestow a dignified honor befitting God. Just as they themselves receive tribute from their subjects, they will come as servants to present gifts to You. Our own eyes bear witness to this, as we observe the realization of the prophecy.

Thus, he implores that, after liberating this body from decay, it may be adorned with immortality, an act the Lord will perform in His own time, when He descends from heaven, and the dead shall rise imperishable.

Theodoret articulates: "Establish, O Lord, the grace that You have granted on account of Your sanctuary, which You have taken from us and exalted above all dominion, authority, and power." To You will kings offer gifts. He explains that the monarchs of all nations will present You with gifts, O Lord, which include temples, properties bestowed upon them, and other varied offerings. They will bring forth these items, having recognized You as their eternal King and God. It may also be interpreted, with a slight adjustment in cases, that from Your earthly temples kings shall present gifts to the highest Jerusalem, for by offering these gifts in the physical temples, they simultaneously express their homage to Your magnificence in heaven.

The esteemed Athanasius observes that He refers to the church as His temple, and those who have placed their faith in Christ as royalty, as it is declared, "You are a royal priesthood." Thus, it is conveyed that having been summoned by faith from the earthly temple, that is, the church, to the exalted Jerusalem, they shall bring gifts to Him—certainly, gifts of the spirit.

The initial portion of the prayer seeks the inner affirmation of the Church. "Since God, Thy Father, has proclaimed and determined through Thy mission that Thou, O God Incarnate, shouldst empower or further bolster Thy realm, the Church, strengthen in us what Thou hast accomplished for us, prolong the marvelous preservation of Thy Church, the edification of Thy new creations within it, the sharing of Thy merits, and the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit which Thou bestows. We hold no entitlement to these blesssings, but Thou shalt safeguard and entrust Thy creation." Following this supplication, the prophet provides a glimpse of the fulfillment of his prayer, which extends to the entire Church. "When Thou, O Incarnate God, dost fortify Thy work on earth, from the temple—Thy mysterious dwelling (see Rev. 21:22)—to all of Jerusalem and throughout the expanse of Thy Church, the true Jerusalem, (Gal. 4:26) many nations and rulers will come, bearing gifts or tokens of submission and service to Thy Kingdom.”

The latter portion of the prayer calls for the Church’s protection from its enemies. The "beast of the reed" could refer to either the wild and unclean creature that lurks in the reeds or to its Egyptian origin, as reeds are predominantly found in Egypt (see Isaiah 19:6), serving as a symbol of Egypt (see Isaiah 36:6; Ezekiel 29:6, 7), or it may represent an adversary armed with a sharpened arrow or spear made from cane. Regardless, the prophet clarifies that this riddle concerns nations eager for conflict. The particulars may not have been entirely clear to his time, nor perhaps revealed by the ultimate events. "Restrain the beast of the reed; namely, thwart, crucify the ambitions of the foes who, like feral beasts (Psalms 73:19; Psalms 79:14), attack Thy inheritance, once uniting all their might under the imagery of two beasts from the sea and from the earth (Rev. 13:1-11). Restrain the throng of bulls, representing the powerful among nations, akin to mighty bulls among mere children. Expose this wicked host that, in its pretense of being Thy true Church, like a dove with silvered plumage (see Psalm 67:14), covers itself with a façade of purity. Devastate the nations that seek war, disrupting the peace of Thy gracious kingdom."

With the prayer concluded, the prophet once more envisions its outcome and magnificent repercussions. "The leaders shall come from Egypt to Jerusalem; Ethiopia will quickly extend her hands to bring offerings unto God." This event was foreshadowed by the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Jerusalem, yet it was set to be fulfilled in its fullness after the Babylonian captivity (see Psalms 86:4; Isaiah 19:24; Zephaniah 3:10). This fulfillment commenced with the coming of the Messiah, starting with the eunuch of the Queen of Candace, and may continue to unfold (see Psalms 71).

To further inspire them towards humility, he emphasizes their deep reliance on the continued grace of God.

The subsequent phrase, "from Thy temple which is in Jerusalem," is intricately linked to the earlier message, as it clarifies the reason for God's favor toward the Israelites over others: He had chosen to establish His temple in Jerusalem, intending to exalt it through His might, where the ark of the covenant resided. Consequently, the prophet illustrates God's presence within that sacred space. God's selection of this sanctuary was purposeful, as from there He dispensed His mercies to the people, providing them with the guidance they sought. Therefore, it is fitting for the prophet to petition for His power to be revealed from the temple, for through the covenant and promises, every grace could be sought from this location.

This raises the question of why David mentions a temple that had yet to be constructed. The answer lies in the understanding that the term "temple" refers to the tabernacle of the Old Testament, where the ark of the covenant was already housed. As he acknowledges that God granted victories over the foes, he likewise attributes their outcomes to God, stating that the conquered kings will not only pay tribute to him and his descendants but will also come to recognize God as the mighty warrior. By this argument, he more effectively encourages the faithful to bring forth a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God.

The name of God represents the East, as He is the unapproachable Light and the eternal Godhead. Journeying towards the West symbolizes a connection with human suffering, resembling the darkness of night when compared to the radiant light of the mountain. This illustrates the omnipresence of God. Thus, no matter if you are seated, walking, engaged in various activities, eating, or addressing physical needs, whether facing east or west, always feel free to pray; for we are instructed to do so continually and in every location. Even with your head covered, maintain a prayerful attitude, ensuring that you pray with mindfulness and not carelessly.