Psalm 73 (72):17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The essence of his statement conveys this: I am overwhelmed, burdened by my thoughts, for such are the nature of my reflections. I then concluded that I am engaged in a challenging endeavor, for in seeking in this manner, I will struggle to attain clarity until I return to my homeland. Do you recognize the peril in relying on reason over faith when it comes to the matters of belief? Had this individual stood resolute in faith, he would not have uttered such words, nor would he have experienced confusion or wavering; his steps would have been steady and directed. However, this was not the case with the prophet; when he positioned himself upon the rock, he remained untroubled and steadfast.

Esteemed brethren, consider this: for a considerable time, I have been striving, he states, and I confront an overwhelming challenge, seeking to comprehend how God can be both just and caring towards humanity, without being unjust. For it often appears that sinners and those who commit evil enjoy prosperity in this world, while the righteous and those who serve the Lord frequently endure hardships and trials. This is indeed a profound difficulty to grasp, yet it is resolved once I enter into the Sanctuary of God. What is revealed to you within the Sanctuary that can help you resolve this inquiry? I refer to matters of the ultimate things rather than those of the present. He asserts that, from the Sanctuary of God, he casts his gaze toward the culmination, looking beyond the immediate.

Setting aside other reflections, I concluded that God had delivered me into toil and tribulation as retribution for my sins. Yet I shall return; I will behold His holy sanctuary, and I will witness their wicked demise. In this, divine grace imparts these truths in advance.

I will approach the sacred presence of God. In my quest to grasp my earlier confusion—whether my sincere efforts in truth were futile—I found that resolving this inner turmoil posed a significant challenge until I could enter the temple of Jerusalem, which he refers to as the sanctuary, as it is the place where the people are made holy. Upon achieving this initial prosperity, I will recognize that my heartfelt endeavors and my cleansing from all transgressions were not in vain, but rather fruitful and successful. This refers to the ultimate fulfillment.

Those who possess self-awareness have ceased from all actions aligned with God's will and have entered into the sacred presence of God, engaging in spiritual worship and residing in the realm of tranquility and humility. Conversely, those who lack self-knowledge through humility continue to navigate the challenges of life amidst struggle and effort. David also alluded to this, implying: ‘This is labour before me, until I enter into the holy place of God’ (Psalm 72:16, 17).

Once, King David observed the seemingly carefree and prosperous individuals of the world leading some of God's people astray by their actions. This prompted him to seek understanding of God's plan for them. After much contemplation without clarity, he humbly admitted: "It is hard for me to understand this, until I enter into the sanctuary of God" (Psalm 72:16, 17). Thus, it becomes essential to defer a complete understanding of God's supreme Wisdom and the unfathomable destinies in our current life until a future, more enlightened existence. Therefore, let us refrain from spreading the wings of our inquisitive judgment on matters that are beyond our grasp. The vast, ever-changing currents of the Divine Mind, continually ebbing and flowing, far exceed the reach of all wisdom, whether human or angelic.

Although David previously acknowledged his wrongdoing before God and His people, he now honestly admits that he struggled with his internal turmoil until he sought refuge in God’s holy presence. His statements reveal that despite his attempts to rationalize and explore various avenues, he could not comprehend how God governs the world amidst chaos. By reflecting on his own experience, David demonstrates the limitations people face when they rely solely on their own emotions for guidance. Their efforts leave them fatigued and without solid answers. It is evident that when David refers to God’s sanctuary, he is contrasting it with human wisdom.

The Psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit for David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the musicians, so that he could deliver it with heartfelt expression for the comfort of the gathered congregation concerning God. This was intended to alleviate their fears regarding the unrighteous, who appear to thrive in this world with an abundance of worldly pleasures, and to address the difficulties faced by the faithful, who endure hardship and various challenges. It conveys the notion that both the wicked and the righteous are granted but a brief time: the wicked enjoy various delights, while the righteous experience a life filled with trials. Yet, the ultimate fate of the wicked is eternal destruction, whereas the righteous are promised everlasting joy.