Psalm 73 (72):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Here Asaph returns, having recognized the plight of the unrighteous and the arrogance of the proud. He turns back to God, seeking understanding and reasoning. But when does this happen? It occurs when full days are evident within them. What does "full days" signify? It is when the fullness of time arrived, as God sent His Son (Galatians 4:4). This very fullness of time was when He came to instruct humanity to disregard fleeting material desires, to not seek greatness in the things that the wicked covet, and to bear the sufferings that trouble mankind. He established the path, calling us to reflect inwardly and guiding us on what we ought to request from God. Observe from which contemplations he draws strength, recalling his inner turmoil, as he endeavors to select what is true.

For this reason, My people shall be transformed. Because of this, those who are in high positions will be brought low. The essence of the message is that their punishment will ultimately bring some benefit, contributing to the conversion of My people. When they witness the fate that awaits the unrighteous, they will be deterred from pursuing such paths, recognizing that God evaluates the actions of humanity. The days of fulfillment will manifest within them. It is only when they embrace this understanding that they will truly lead their lives well, as it is said, ‘He rested “filled with days” (Genesis 25:8), meaning that all his days were filled with virtuous deeds.

The prophetic message, intended to encourage those who succumbed to fear, has been delivered to us by the Almighty. Despite their insults toward God and the suffering they imposed upon us, the Creator of all has made a gracious decision about our future, assuring us of restoration and a life aligned with His design. It becomes clear that the Psalm is suitable for those who have been liberated from bondage and reflect on their experiences in Babylon. Indeed, it is stated, “For this cause shall My people turn back to this place,” meaning to Judah. Thus, those residing in Judea express a sentiment that would not be appropriate for those still in Babylon. The Prophet refers to the days of fulfillment as old age, signifying that they would return and live long lives. After proclaiming God’s promise, the Prophet turns once more to address the blasphemy of the Babylonians and the turmoil within their minds.

For this reason, my people will return to this location. These words are uttered by the prophet conveying God’s message. For this reason, He declares, due to their transgressions, my people in captivity shall come back to their homeland, Judah. This is reflected in the statement, They shall return to Jerusalem; for when David composed the psalm, he was situated in Jerusalem. The days of fulfillment shall be realized in them, encompassing both the fullness of life and acts of righteousness. This conveys that they have aged gracefully or have found favor with God. Additionally, it may be interpreted concerning their adversaries, indicating that their days will be filled with wickedness, ensuring that nothing is missing from their deceit.

This verse builds upon the previous context and conveys the idea that numerous individuals among God's followers, swayed by temptation, have experienced spiritual shipwreck, essentially succumbing to the tides of disbelief. It appears that the speaker does not refer to the chosen ones but instead highlights those who merely bear the title of Israelites, occupying a position within the church by name alone. Such individuals are described as having perished, as they have been lured by the outward allure of the unrighteous and have distanced themselves from God and godly living.

The Psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit and given to David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers (1 Chron. 16:7), to sing it personally as a source of comfort for all those gathered in the presence of God. It serves to remind them not to be disheartened by the wicked, who seem to thrive in this life, enjoying abundance and every form of pleasure, nor to lose heart for the faithful, who endure hardship and various afflictions. It conveys the truth that both have only a brief time in this world: the wicked, reveling in their excess, and the righteous, grappling with sorrow (2 Pet. 2:13). Yet, the ultimate fate for the wicked is eternal destruction, while the righteous are promised everlasting joy (Theodoret, Athanasius, Chrysostom). As they move forward, let those who stumble in sin seek to amend their ways through repentance, maintaining hope in the grace of the One who brings restoration to the fallen (Theodoret, Chrysostom).