Psalm 76 (75):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the midst of this, Judith emerged with courage and determination, preventing the city’s capitulation. She resolved to confront the enemy, ardently desiring to avenge her people and preserve the city, offering her physical strength in battle with firm faith in God. She encouraged the priests and all the faithful by saying, "Pray and give praise to the Lord our God." Venturing out of the city at night with only one maid and provisions selected in faith— for as a Jewess adhering to the law, she would not partake in unclean food— she approached Holofernes while maintaining her purity, adorned in proper attire and jewelry, capturing the attention of the foreigner. Under the veil of darkness, as the entire camp slept and Holofernes succumbed to intoxication, she fearlessly wielded her double-edged sword and beheaded him, clearly empowered by God. That very night, having accomplished this mighty deed, she returned to the city triumphant, throwing his head over the wall and proclaiming her victory over the enemy. When the foreigners beheld their leader slain by a woman’s hand, they fled from the Jews in terror, fulfilling the words written: "How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight?" (Deuteronomy 32:30). It is evident that the most valiant Samson drove away legions alone, while Judith, with her maid, sent tens of thousands of foes into retreat. Do you recognize the value of praying and giving thanks to the Lord our God? King Hezekiah, a man of faith, relied more on prayer and trust in God than on military might and weaponry, achieving unexpected victories over his adversaries. Specifically, when Sennacherib came with a vast host, besieging Jerusalem and challenging God and His faithful people, he sent scornful letters to Hezekiah. The king took the letter, laid it before the Lord, and prayed, committing the matter to God. As a result, he was swiftly delivered from the impending danger. In a miraculous manner, an angel descended that night and struck down one hundred eighty-five thousand foes. None could withstand the force of his hand, so that the nations might learn not to defame God. This exemplifies the goodness of praying and offering praise to the Lord our God. This was also realized by the wise David. During Saul's reign, as foreign armies threatened Israel, they sent forth a colossal warrior, Goliath, whose arrogance matched his stature and who boasted of personal combat. The Israelites were consumed with fear at his presence and fled from battle. However, David, steadfast in spirit and understanding that victory does not rest on physical strength or tactical might— "A king is not saved by great strength; the warrior does not escape by his great might" (Psalm 33:16)— selected five smooth stones, a symbol of the Pentateuch given by God. This young shepherd, underestimated by both friends and foes, struck the prideful giant squarely in the forehead with a single stone. Notably, Goliath fell not backward but face-first, suggesting divine intervention through an angel to bring him down. Thus, the merit of prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord our God shines brightly.

Moses, the blessed leader, delivered the Israelites from Egypt and brought them to the shores of the Red Sea. They were fiercely pursued by the Egyptians, and with the sea before them, escape was impossible, while the formidable enemy behind incited great fear. Although they had once rejoiced in their liberation, terror gripped them as they turned to see Pharaoh’s forces bearing down. In their distress, they likened their situation to being prey for birds, lamenting to Moses about their plight. Pharaoh, emboldened by his supposed authority, arrogantly set himself against God. Then Moses reassured the people: "Fear not; pray and give praise to the Lord our God and you shall see His aid." At this prayer, the turbulent waters parted, creating dry ground for their passage. What a magnificent sight, dear ones, as the raging sea became two towering walls of water, steady and calm for the Israelites, while the Egyptians sank like lead in the depths of the water. This underscores the value of prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord our God! Did they not have their needs met in the wilderness? In a place devoid of cultivation, vines, wood, or grass, how could they expect sustenance? Yet through prayer, heaven opened to rain down manna, the air provided quail, and from a rock gushed forth life-giving water. All three elements—heaven, air, and stone—served them as heaven sent nourishing sustenance, and the air delivered provisions necessary for life. I could spend days recounting the victories gained through the prayers of ancestors, prophets, and kings, tales of deliverance from afflictions and trials, all granted through prayer. Such is the remarkable good that arises from praying and offering thanks to the Lord our God. Should anyone find themselves in a predicament deemed hopeless by men or burdened by need or peril, let them remember to "pray and give thanks to the Lord our God" and they shall perceive the wondrous fruits of this faithful instruction.

Should anyone, beloved, interpret the scriptural phrase "to pray" as meaning "to vow," that understanding remains conducive to our purpose. The scripture often links prayer with the idea of promises, as observed in Proverbs: "It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it" (Ecclesiastes 5:4). We are encouraged not to delay in fulfilling any vow made to God. If one has promised to dedicate a child or has committed to God during a time of illness, they should act without delay. Like Hannah, who, once barren, made a vow to dedicate her child to the Lord and fulfilled it, thereby gaining eternal blessing, also her son Samuel is esteemed among the prophets, honored alongside Moses and Aaron: "Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among those who call upon His name" (Psalms 98:6). The initial good lies in making a vow, followed by fulfillment through diligence, for "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Thus, Abel found favor with God by presenting his offerings with sincerity, while Cain displeased Him by giving from a reluctant heart, driven by envy. Envy ignited Cain's murderous fury instead of inspiring him to emulate his brother’s righteous actions. First to commit fratricide, Cain spoiled the earth with blood and opened the gateway to death. Why, Cain, did jealousy eclipse Abel's life? Did his death serve you? Clearly, it only brought your ruin, leading you to a fate of confusion and despair. Envy, the sibling of hypocrisy, is the root of malevolence and violence. What could be more vile than envy? Nothing. And what birthed death itself? Nothing but envy, as the Word attests: "God did not create death, nor take pleasure in the destruction of the living, but by the envy of the devil death entered into the world" (Wisdom 1:13; Wisdom 2:24). I ponder, dear friends, that envy appears to stem from the serpent, impossible to arise from any other source than the serpent's insidious whisper, implanting its poison in the hearts of the unsuspecting. An envious person mirrors the serpent, wielding similar malice. Have you encountered envy? Has it shown its true colors? It feigns friendship, yet steals from you like an enemy. It approached Eve, enticing her with sweet words while entangling her with bitter thoughts, bearing honey on her lips and brandishing a sword in her heart. Cain approached Abel under the guise of camaraderie, yet harbored hostility, projecting kindness while concealing scheming malice. Envy’s messengers come cloaked in pleasantries, using flattering language to win your favor while aiming to exploit your vulnerabilities. Their delight wanes the moment they sense betrayal, morphing into judgmental accusers, feasting upon your disgrace. Should you receive commendation, they become the agents of discord, distorting perceptions to undermine your good name. Nothing is more damaging than an envious soul. Are we to classify him among beasts? Lions and leopards possess a kinship towards their own, yet the envious heart brings hatred and destruction upon its own brother. Ravens nourished Elijah, yet Joseph’s brethren betrayed him out of jealousy. The serpent seduced Eve through envy, leading to Cain’s murder of Abel. The depths of the sea sheltered Jonah, while envy drove Saul against David. Even lions chose restraint before Daniel, while envy spurred the Jews to crucify Christ. While venomous serpents can be soothed, envious hearts only burn hotter with kindness. Let us not stray too far from our central theme. Pray, therefore, for those ensnared by envy, that they may be shielded from grievous actions wrought by their envious companions, and that they do not succumb to the same fate, for "let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Similarly, those burdened by envy should pray, seeking to expel the serpent’s poison and instead partake of the heavenly bread that comes from a clear conscience. "Pray and give praise to the Lord our God." Prayer, dear ones, possesses an extraordinary power that renders the impossible possible for humankind. Moses prayed, dried the sea, and led the Israelites as if through a garden. Joshua prayed, and the Jordan’s waters were reversed, thereby fulfilling the words: "What is the matter with you, O sea, that you fled? And you, O Jordan, that you turned back?" (Psalm 114:5). Elijah prayed and controlled the clouds, ensuring they brought no rain but later released their bounty. In his prayer, Elijah provided sustenance for a widow’s household through faith, and Elisha prayed for a barren woman, granting her the son she longed for. Daniel prayed and vanquished Beel, conquered the serpent, and commanded the lions to look upwards. The three young men, amidst the flames, prayed and the fires were extinguished. Hezekiah prayed for healing, extending his life by fifteen years. Jonah prayed, and the whale submitted to him for three days, demonstrating that the depth of the sea holds refuge for the righteous. The devout Tobit prayed, and an angel brought light to his life. Sarah, daughter of Raguel, prayed, and the demon fled from her. Paul and Silas prayed in prison, and the earth trembled, shattering jailhouse chains, liberating all the captives. Peter prayed and raised Tabitha from death. In Rome, Peter prayed and hindered Simon, who soared through the skies, while staving off the beating from the Romans. Prayer rekindles life, dispels demons, cures illnesses, and turns back death. O prayer, bestower of life, source of health, and emblem of hope! Therefore, "pray" also, beloved, "and give praise to the Lord our God," for to Him belongs all glory, now and forever. Amen.

What kind of vow should we collectively embrace? We are called to believe in Him, to place our hope in Him for eternal life, and to live righteously according to shared standards. There exists a universal measure applicable to all humanity. The command to refrain from stealing is not limited to those who practice moderation, nor is fidelity a requirement only placed on married individuals. Avoiding adultery is not just a command for some; the exhortations to shun drunkenness, pride, violence, hatred, and malice are meant for everyone. We must collectively affirm our commitment to these tenets.

In addition to common vows, there are specific vows made by individuals. A man may vow to God in the spirit of marital fidelity, committing to know only his wife; similarly, a woman may vow to be true to her husband alone. Others make vows that extend beyond these commitments, promising to avoid any relationship resembling that of marriage, seeking instead to maintain purity. These vows can be seen as a higher commitment. There are those who, from the beginning of their lives, vow to live in virginity, turning away from the worldly experiences that many have abandoned: these individuals undertake an even greater promise. Some vow to open their homes to welcome all the saints who visit, making a significant promise as well. Another might vow to relinquish all possessions for the benefit of the poor and to join the fellowship of believers, thus undertaking a substantial commitment to God.

Let each person promise that which they are prepared to offer to the Lord our God. Allow oneself to pledge as one sees fit, focusing on the fulfillment of that vow. To reconsider a vow made to God is a serious matter. If a woman or someone else who has vowed abstinence considers marrying, what is their desire? It resembles what any virgin seeks. Do they intend anything sinful? Yes, for they have previously vowed to the Lord their God. What does the Apostle Paul indicate regarding such matters? Although he mentions that younger widows may remarry if they choose (1 Tim 5:14), he also states, “But in my judgment, she is happier if she remains as she is” (1 Cor 7:40). He indicates that one who remains unmarried is more blessed, yet does not condemn those who decide to marry.

What does Paul say concerning those who make a vow and fail to honor it? He speaks of judgment due to their disrupted faith (1 Tim 5:12). What does it mean to have destroyed their first faith? It refers to having sworn an oath and then failing to fulfill it. Thus, no brother residing in a monastery should say, “I will leave the monastery,” for neither those in the monastery alone are destined for the Kingdom of Heaven, nor does mere absence guarantee one belongs to God. However, we respond that while others may not have sworn an oath, you have made a vow and are looking back.

When the Lord warned of the day of judgment, His message was clear: Remember Lot's wife (Luke 17:32). This admonition was directed to all. What did Lot’s wife do? She was saved from Sodom, yet while fleeing, she glanced back, and where she looked, she remained. She became a pillar of salt (Gen 19:26) so that others might learn and take heed, avoiding the folly of looking back, lest they too fall into similar examples that would lead them to justification of their failures.

We share this with some of our brethren who may seem to falter in the good they have conceived. Will you allow yourself to become like her? We present those who have turned back. They lose flavor, while those who follow Christ are enriched in spirit, reminding others to avoid such pitfalls. Commit to your promises. Lot’s wife illustrates to us the dangers of looking back. The desire of a married woman to commit adultery arose as she looked back to her previous life. Likewise, the widow who vowed to remain single yearned to remarry, desiring what was allowed for others but forbidden for her because she looked back on what she had forsaken.

Consider also the virgin dedicated to God; while she may possess other virtues that enhance her purity, without such qualities, her state could be tarnished. For what if she is faultless in body yet corrupt in spirit? What if she hasn't been physically touched but is instead prideful, irritable, or gossipy? All these attributes are condemned by God. If she had married before making a vow, she would not have been judged; she chose a higher path and thus encountered pride and error.

What I assert is this: if she wished to marry before swearing a vow, she may do so, but pride should never be permitted. O you maiden committed to God, you have chosen to remain single, which is allowed; yet elevating yourself is not permitted. It is better to be a humble maiden than a proud married woman, and better still to be a humble married woman than a prideful maiden. Yet, she who turns her gaze back toward marriage is condemned, not for the desire itself, but because, having previously committed, she looked back and became like Lot's wife.

Let none hesitate; if God inspires you to pursue higher callings, understand this: we convey this not to discourage your vows, but to encourage you to pledge and fulfill. If you have hesitated to make a vow, recall what the Psalmist conveyed: he did not say, "Do not promise"; instead, he instructed to vow and fulfill. Recognize that you are called to commit; will you not fulfill your promise? Therefore, commit to both: let your actions reflect your intentions, and allow God to perfect your vows.

Look to Him who guides you, and you will avoid glancing back at what He has drawn you away from. The One leading you goes before you; the paths He directs you from remain behind. Love Him who guides you, and you will not face judgment for looking back. Those who dwell in His presence will offer gifts. Who dwells in His presence? All that is shared among humanity resides in the center. Why in the center? Because it is equally accessible to all. What is private is outside this common space. What is public serves as a source of illumination for all who arrive, enabling them to partake and be enlightened.

Let no one claim ownership of what is shared, lest they seek entitlement to communal blessings. What does it signify when it is said that all in His presence will offer gifts? It means all who recognize the common truth and do not pridefully seize it will present their gifts, grounded in humility. Those who act as if this shared truth belongs solely to them, trying to draw others into divisions, will not be able to offer gifts.

Indeed, He is to be revered. Thus, all found in His presence should approach with reverence. This reverence is to be held in awe, for they are positioned in His circle, where all may reach Him, and He may meet them openly and enlighten them. To approach with humility is to recognize the collective truth. When you hold something as your own, rather than as common, you risk indulging in pride. It is written, Serve the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling. Therefore, those in His midst will offer their gifts, for the humble recognize that the truth belongs to everyone.

Indeed, He instills fear, I assert, not just in simple folk but also among the kings and princes of the earth, whom He has the power to take from life at any moment according to His desire. This illustrates the profound authority of God, who can bring even the mightiest sovereigns to an end with mere intent. Some interpret these words about the spirit of pride as referring to God’s act of humbling the arrogant spirits of rulers. Yet, our understanding aligns with Psalm 103, which states: Take away their spirit, and they shall vanish, returning to their dust.

It is noteworthy that the Holy Spirit has intricately woven together the truths of Christian doctrine with Jewish history, providing comfort to the Jew who interprets these words in a literal sense, while simultaneously offering joy to the Christian who perceives their deeper meaning (Theodoret, Euthymius).