Psalm 68 (67):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God's essence is inherently good, but sinners taint it, rendering Him unappealing to themselves. ‘They that dwell in the tombs.’ ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, for ye are like unto whitewashed tombs’ (Matt. 23:27). Just as the temple of God is sacred, the sinner constructs a grave for themselves.

The Great Basil explains that the single-minded person remains consistent, avoiding the distraction of numerous thoughts while cherishing truth, honesty, and simplicity, always acting in faith without duplicity. Such individuals are those whom the Lord assures will inhabit His heavenly city.

Clement, the compiler of diverse teachings, clarifies that this pertains to good and harmonious marriages, indicating that God resides with those united as one. Theodoret elaborates that 'unanimous' refers to those who share a single purpose and have chosen to practice one virtue, rejecting divided desires. Athanasius describes the one-minded as those who place their lives solely in Him, distancing themselves from all forms of doubt and worldly temptations. Aquila translated the phrase as 'Planting the Only-Begotten in His house,' and Eusebius notes that the foremost among those who triumph in Christ are the monastics, though such individuals are rare, akin to the Only-Begotten Son of God. He establishes them in His house, granting them residence within the Church, liberating those held captive by sin.

God, as David states, liberates those bound by their transgressions or demonic oppression, reflecting on the passions of the soul, particularly for the Gentile believers. Christ empowers them not just through His divinity, which conquers the devil's hold over them, but also through the transformative power of the holy Gospel's words. Athanasius connects this to Isaiah’s message, which calls those in bondage to emerge and those imprisoned in darkness to open up, portraying bondage and darkness as servitude to idols and captivity in hell. Similarly, those residing in tombs signify a broader deliverance, for Christ's salvation reaches not only the Gentiles lost in error but also the Jews, whom He describes as bitter, as noted in Psalm 65.

Didymus interprets these verses as a prophecy of the resurrection of the dead, affirming that Christ will call forth from their graves all whom death has ensnared, whether Gentiles or Jews. Thus, 'those who dwell in the tombs' signify all who lie in death, encompassing even those lost to other forms of demise such as fire or water. Theodoret points out that Christ not only emboldens the bound but also those steeped in profound wickedness, akin to the dead in foul graves, promising them redemption alongside the righteous. Eusebius conveys the idea that this courageous intervention was embodied in Christ taking on human form and demonstrating bravery through His actions.

He unites the widowed and fatherless Church to Himself eternally, promising even more offspring than those who have a husband (Isaiah 54:1-8). The prophet perceives Him not in worldly matters, amid this adulterous and sinful generation, but in the sacred abode of His holiness—in the Church and within the hearts of believers.

To illustrate God's boundless might, it is noted that He traverses the skies, moving effortlessly from east to west, demonstrating His transcendence, for neither heaven nor earth can encapsulate His splendid majesty.

The phrase "The Lord is His name" carries deep significance. In times of rampant superstition and worship of false idols, He called for the recognition of the one true God, demanding that all idols be hidden away when He, the God of Israel, advanced. However, honoring God out of mere fear is insufficient, as even the unrighteous tremble before Him against their will. Therefore, He invites believers to approach Him with joy, proclaiming, "Rejoice before Him." His extraordinary kindness is evident in His willingness to engage with orphans and widows, showing that His unfathomable glory does not distance Him from our plight, as long as we do not remain far from Him. By mentioning orphans and widows, He symbolically represents all those whom society often overlooks as unworthy of attention and assistance.

Human nature often seeks favor with those from whom they can expect rewards, leading to a preference for dignity and prestige. As a result, the destitute frequently find themselves marginalized, yet God attentively cares for them. The phrase "God is in His holy place" may refer to either heaven or the temple, but it aligns perfectly with the context. God is not confined to heaven, idly sitting; instead, the heavens serve as His throne from which He observes the world and enacts judgment. He has also chosen to dwell among humanity, graciously beckoning them to come close, providing a profound consolation to the powerless and the needy, knowing that He is within reach.

Continuing, the passage notes His other acts of kindness, stating: God brings together the unified within His home, blessing the lonely and the forsaken with harmonious unions and filling their homes with abundance; He liberates those shackled, freeing them from bondage and granting them liberty. In the concluding remarks, it addresses the fate of the wicked who scorn God, serving as both a warning to them and a reminder to the believers not to envy the ephemeral success of those whose well-being will ultimately lead to their own downfall. To dwell in desolate places or in tombs signifies a total lack of God’s nurturing grace and support.

The path to the West invites remembrance of the Passion and death of Christ, who, by the might of His Godhood, liberated Adam and others from the realm of the dead. The designation of God's name pertains to the East, for He is the inaccessible Light and the eternal God, while the journey toward the West reflects our shared human suffering, contrasting with the brightness of the mountain light. This serves to illustrate God's omnipresence. Thus, whether you are seated, walking, engaging in daily tasks, dining, or addressing other physical needs—regardless of whether you face the East or West—do not neglect to pray, as we are instructed to do this consistently and everywhere. Even when your head is covered, continue to engage in prayer, ensuring that it is done with attentiveness.