Psalm 68 (67):36Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Isychius affirms: The God of Israel is indeed Christ, as indicated by Isaiah when he says: “In Thee is God, and (they will say) there is no God besides Thee; for Thou art our God, and we knew not” (Is. 45:14, 15). He grants strength and courage to the Gentiles who turn away from falsehood, calling them Christians in their connection to Christ. Eusebius elaborates that the God of Israel empowers His people so they may declare, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” Praise be to God! David concludes the psalm with a proclamation of blessing, proclaiming: Blessed and glorified be God, who orchestrated all these miracles, reshaped the Christian nation, and adorned it with many heavenly blessings. This interpretation of the psalm has a broader and deeper significance, pertaining to Christ, although misguided Jews attempt to interpret it in a literal sense for their own context, a pursuit they cannot ultimately justify.

They assert that the phrase “Let God arise” implies assistance for carnal and ancient Israel. They categorize foreigners as enemies, as well as sinners; the righteous being termed the righteous of the Jews and good men. They interpret “Make a way for him that ascended into the west” as a reference to the tabernacle, claiming it was commanded by the Holy Spirit to prepare a path for Him. They further posit that God ascended to the western part of Jerusalem, where the temple was situated. The phrase “God in His holy place” is interpreted as referring to the temple, wherein He dwells amidst unified Jews, believers in the one true God. They also assert that this psalm recounts events from the exodus from Egypt, declaring that God liberated the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, describing them as afflicted ones who lived there akin to people entombed, for they could not act of their own volition while enslaved. God guided the people with a pillar of cloud and fire, traversing the wilderness while the earth quaked on Mount Sinai and the heavens poured down manna. The refreshing rain symbolizes divine favor, promoting an abundance of produce. They claim their possession was burdensome due to the devastation in Egypt, yet God restored it, establishing a mighty kingdom. They refer to themselves as God's flock, devoted to Him. They argue that God prepared these blessings for His impoverished people wandering in the wilderness without a homeland. The prophets are regarded as messengers of good news, announcing to the Jews the victory over their adversaries and the dedication of spoils for the glory of the temple, yet this is not properly interpreted, as explained before. The beloved is associated with David or Solomon, and "If ye be honored in the midst of the borders" is taken to mean that if they are established in the promised lands allotted by lot, they will be exceedingly prosperous, adorned with extravagant symbols of wealth. However, there exists no record indicating any Jew possessed such symbols. The following lines, regarding divine commands, are read as references to God's heavenly choice of kings for Jerusalem, leading to its nations’ glory. They consider Zion the mountain of God, rich and flourishing due to its resources. The phrase “The Lord shall dwell unto the end” is futile in truth for the Jews. They identify themselves with the chariot of God, indicating His presence among them, while darkness signifies their multitude. The wealthy are referred to as thousands, believing that divine presence is with them as it was at Sinai with their ancestors. They claim, “Thou hast been honored above all,” referring to Judah's people who triumphed over their foes, receiving offerings, even those who had previously resisted, to coexist with His people who serve Him. The following words are evident: they claim that “Of the Lord are the ways of death,” indicating that He will shatter the heads of the enemies and the sins of those who transgress. Further, God declares, “I will turn,” promising to deliver His people from Bashan, ruled by the giant Og, and rescue them from the depths of the sea of blood, where the blood from the fallen armies of Og filled the streams, letting the feet of the Jews be stained with the blood of the vanquished, while the tongues of their dogs tasted the blood of their enemies through God. They assert that the processions of God symbolize His presence, akin to His footprints on Mount Sinai: Moses and Aaron ascended to the mountain and witnessed the place where the God of Israel stood, with His footstool represented as sapphire stone (Ex. 24:10), while the Holy One signifies heaven. They describe their leaders preceding the people, worshiping God alongside the choir of women with timbrels, recounting events following the crossing of the Red Sea, with Miriam, Aaron's sister, the first to lead the songs among the women. The phrase “In the churches bless God” they cannot interpret in accordance with their aims. Benjamin, the tribe named after Jacob’s youngest son, is depicted as frantic during battles—a weak interpretation. The leaders of the tribe of Judah ruled over the Jews, with Zebulun and Naphtali noted for their valorous and noble military deeds. Ultimately, they claim, “Give commandment, O God, to thy angels concerning us,” for they perceive angels as God's might, asking for strength for the sake of their kingdom and the glory of His temple. They understand references to gifts from kings, like Hiram’s delivery of cedar, for the temple construction. They view wild nations living in remote places as the beasts of the reed, while the rulers from these nations work with them to ensure their access, as those refined like silver through faith are liberated. The event of embassies arriving from Egypt is linked to Solomon’s era when Ethiopia sent her queen. Nevertheless, their interpretations fall short, as it is remarkable how the Holy Spirit has woven together every word's literal and historical meaning with a spiritual and elevated significance, using these spiritual truths to counter the errors of the unfaithful Jews.

Furthermore, when we contemplate the perseverance of the Saints, who, like incorporeal beings, committed themselves to long periods of fasting, vigil, and various bodily sufferings, it becomes clear how they engaged in a spiritual battle against sinful desires and the various temptations of the flesh. They fought tirelessly against internal struggles, oppressive authorities, and malevolent spirits, tirelessly opposing them until the end. While they subdued and mortified their outer selves, they rejuvenated and sanctified their inner beings—this enabled them to receive the gifts of healing and miraculous abilities.

When one assesses the greatness of these acts and their deviation from our natural state, it inspires awe and leads one to glorify God, who bestowed upon them such extraordinary grace and power. Despite their earnest intentions, without divine assistance, they could not have transcended human limitations or overcome incorporeal adversaries while still dwelling in the body.

The Psalmist prophetically affirms this by stating, "Wonderful is God in His saints," and further declares, "He shall give strength and power to His people." It is essential to grasp the depth of these prophetic words: although it is proclaimed that God will grant strength and power to His people—reflecting His unfailing nature—it is specifically in His saints that His marvels are evident.

Just as the sun shines its rays universally, only those who have opened their eyes and do not shield them can perceive its light; those with pure and unclouded eyes enjoy the radiance that is clearly visible to them. Meanwhile, the sight of those afflicted by illness, darkness, or other obstacles may be obscured. Similarly, God generously provides help to all, as He remains the ever-sustaining, redeeming, and illuminating source of grace and goodness. However, those who experience His grace and the ability to perform good deeds and attain holiness—sometimes even performing miracles—are not all people but rather those who have demonstrated goodwill, love for God, and faith in action. They have resolutely distanced themselves from all evil, adhered faithfully to God’s commandments, and fixed their spiritual vision on the Sun of Truth—Christ, who not only extends His supportive hand to those making efforts but also through the Gospel, today encourages us with the words: "Whosoever confesseth of Me before men, of him will I also confess before My Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 10:32).

Do not serve the trivial deities that you assume can be found on earth, nor the powers of the heavens. Rather, worship God, who traverses the heavens of heavens, who abides above the visible heavens and those perceived by creatures, who resides in the very heavens of old (קדם, see Psalm 42:2), and yet infinitely beyond these ancient heavens; who walks in the heavens of the east (for קדם has this meaning too), of the eternal, uncreated sun, which emanates from the presence of this uncreated light.” “Behold, He will give forth a voice of authority. If He speaks, He does so with a mighty voice. You witness this powerful sound in the thunders of nature, yet behold, it shall also resonate in the seven mysterious voices and thunders of His judgments (see: Rev. 10:3; Ps. 23).” “Render, render strength to God: and that even the most ignorant of this Almighty may come to know Him; behold His sign: upon Israel, you shall witness His exaltation, the clearest indications of His wondrous majesty; yet His profound power is above the clouds.” “How awe-inspiring You are, O God, from Your sanctuaries, which are Sinai and Zion.” “And this same God, who magnificently reveals Himself to Israel, serves as the universal Source of strength and refuge for all nations.” “But can this God be visualized? He can only be acknowledged, cherished, and praised. Blessed be God!”

Furthermore, He desires that we not only exalt God with our words but also encourage one another in faith; for true glory is rendered to God when we believe in Him and rely on His safeguarding. Thus, when he speaks of God's might found in the clouds, he follows with, “Marvelous is God in His saints.” Here, the phrase "in His saints" does not refer to righteous individuals or the heavens and earth, as some interpret, but to the holy armies of God; for the Hebrew text articulates it as, “O fearful art thou God from thy holy hosts.” This indicates that God displays His might not only in the heavens but also within His temple, a might powerful enough to defeat all foes. Therefore, we understand that the Prophet speaks here of the protection extended to the Church of God, for he continues with, “He shall give strength and power to His people.” His choice to mention “in the villages of His saints” instead of “in the holy place” signifies that the tabernacle was divided into three sections, with the ark of the covenant situated at its center. The prophet presents this as a source of confidence, a foundation upon which the Israelites could securely rest. As if to say, “God resides among you; be at peace, sheltered under the wings of God, and call upon Him with courage.” The nation of Israel could rest safely under God's protection solely because they were chosen through the gracious covenant to belong to Him. It is essential to recognize that the Prophet here attributes the tremendous or marvelous power, mentioned earlier, to the well-being of the Church.

God is represented as the East, embodying unapproachable Light and the eternal essence, while the ascent to the West serves as communion with human suffering, likened to night when contrasted with the brilliance of the mountain. This illustrates God's omnipresence. Therefore, whether you are seated, walking, engaged in activities, or tending to bodily needs, whether facing east or west, do not hesitate to pray. We are instructed to pray continually and everywhere. Even when your head is covered, let prayer be persistent, ensuring it is done with reverence.