Psalm 77 (76):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

You are truly a magnificent God who performs wonders in both body and spirit; You alone carry out these deeds. The deaf have received their hearing, the blind have regained their sight, the sick have been healed, and the dead have been restored to life; the weak have been empowered. Yet, while these miracles pertain to the physical realm, let us explore what transformations have occurred within the soul. Those who once succumbed to inebriation now walk in sobriety; the faithless are now devoted worshippers, sharing their blessings with those in need, whom they had once wronged. Some actions are indeed astounding. Moses achieved such feats, yet he was not alone; so too did Elijah and Elisha, as well as the Apostles.

The passage does not refer to God as the creator but as the one who performs actions. The Lord performs miracles and engages in His work daily, alongside the Son and the Holy Spirit. "Thou art God who worketh miracles." A thief can become a believer in one day; a man of immorality can turn into one of virtue; someone who once took from others can now be generous with what they have.

Who is the magnificent God that we recognize as our Lord? You are the one true God who performs wonders. You are above all, O Lord; for You alone accomplish the miracles that You will.

You are the God who performs wonders. Truly, You are the one and only God, accomplishing extraordinary deeds. The words of Didymus state that when he said, "Thou art God," it clearly indicates that the Savior is set apart from those referred to when it was said, "Ye are gods," as none of these deities is called "God" in such a definitive manner. Isychias clarifies that this statement is not to be understood as a comparison, since the one who is infinitely mighty cannot be evaluated in such a way. Instead, it is an expression of praise and amazement, for He is indeed magnificent in power, humble in His condescension, supreme in authority, and remarkable in His humanity.

Let us express more openly: just as God eternally exists, so too are miracles ever-present; for as God ceaselessly exists, He simultaneously acts. If He acts, it follows that His works are evident; truly, the genuine works of God are miraculous. ‘Thou art a God that worketh miracles’ (Psalm 76:15)! The audacious reasoning of created beings futilely attempts to deny this eternal truth and manifestation of the Creator's power. ‘Thou art God working wonders.’ According to the Hebrews, as long as God is present, miracles will abound; assuredly, where God is, His action is undeniable; and when He acts, it is clear that divine works occur, which are essentially miracles. ‘Thou art a God that worketh miracles’ (Ps. LXXV¹:15).

In these statements, he reaffirms the same idea, demonstrating God's glory through His wondrous deeds. It is as if he indicates that his focus is not on the concealed essence of God, which encompasses both heaven and earth, but rather on those extraordinary manifestations of His power, wisdom, goodness, and justice, which are evident despite surpassing our comprehension. Thus, we come to understand that God's glory is much closer and more apparent than we can justifiably claim ignorance of it. God performs such remarkable acts that even the Gentiles cannot defend themselves against their lack of sight.

Idiphum and Asaph served as leaders among the singers of David, to whom this psalm was entrusted by David. They took turns singing it with their expressions, offering it as a tribute to the glory and honor of God. Some interpret Idiphum as referring to a specific musical instrument that existed at that time, at which Asaph, the principal singer, performed this psalm. However, since Idiphum implies one who arrives and Asaph indicates a gathering of individuals, this psalm conveys a message to the faithful assembled in the name of Christ the Lord, guiding them from this temporary existence to eternal life, from their earthly pilgrimage to their heavenly homeland. The voice of prayer truly reflects the prophet's heart, and sincere supplication is most pleasing to God. The prophet imparts that God is near to those who call upon Him and is not distant from those who seek Him in earnest.