Psalm 77 (76):20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

‘The waters saw Thee, and were afraid.’ This fear arises not from animosity, but from faith. ‘And the abysses trembled.’ Let us articulate something consistent with spiritual comprehension. In the opening of Genesis, it is stated, ‘And the Spirit was carried over the waters’ (Gen. 1:2). Additionally, ‘Over the abysses the darkness was carried.’ Reflect on what this reveals in the beginning of Genesis. This imparts a spiritual insight. Over the waters, it is noted, the Spirit was present. Even then, the theme of baptism was being foreshadowed. Baptism cannot occur without the Spirit. However, over the abysses lies darkness. This refers to the abyss from which the demons pleaded with Jesus not to send them. Consequently, darkness permeates the abysses. In the waters, there is purity, while in the abysses, there is darkness. You will grasp the meaning of the abysses when I refrain from speaking, for the demons fear to approach them. ‘The voice was given by the clouds.’ The clouds represent the prophets. Though they were silent among the Jews, they resonate in us. ‘The clouds gave voice, for Thy arrows flew.’ The foretelling of Christ’s proclamation spread throughout the world. ‘The voice of Thy thunder is in the wheel.’ Thunder is an immensely powerful sound. When God declared, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’ (John 12:28-29), there was a thunderous voice similar to that of a wheel. It is even written, ‘The abyss calls the abyss by the voice of Thy waterfalls’ (Ps. 41:8), referring to the two Testaments, the New and the Old. ‘The voice of Thy thunder in the wheel’ signifies the voice of Thy preaching reaching everywhere. Therefore, the ‘great voice’ denotes a profound proclamation. ‘The voice of Thy thunder in the wheel’ resonates universally. Thy message is not only echoed in Judea but is also heard throughout the entire cosmos. We have spoken generally; now let us focus on the inner man. The wheel often serves as a foot on solid ground, not merely standing still but as if it reaches out and moves. It does not just become, but it touches and continues. Even as it rolls, it ascends higher. Likewise, a holy individual, while dwelling in the body, must contemplate earthly matters. When thoughts turn to sustenance and clothing, if one finds contentment in these, the earth touches and yearns for the higher. Of those who strive and seek the heights, Thy message is evident. We also read from the prophet, ‘Sacred stones roll upon the earth’ (Zech. 9:16). Observe what he states: the sacred stones roll upon the earth. For like wheels, they roll and strive upward. Do you wish to understand the significance of the many wheels? We read: ‘And a wheel within a wheel’ (Ezekiel 1:16). Ezekiel also writes, ‘There were wheels in one another’ (Ezekiel 1:19). The two wheels represent the Old Testament and the New Testament. This wheel is within that one, and that one within this one. Ultimately, note what the prophet states: ‘And where the spirit led, the wheels followed’ (Ezekiel 1:20). Likewise, Ecclesiastes speaks concerning the end of the world: ‘And let the wheel roll over the ditch’ (Ecclesiastes 12:6). Much could be discussed regarding wheels, but our speech hastens toward other matters. ‘Thy brilliance has illuminated the kingdoms of the earth’: an apostolic message. ‘The earth shook and trembled’ (Psalm 76:19). Had it not quaked and shuddered, we would not be Christians. ‘The earth shook and trembled.’ The Spirit of God rests only on the humble, tranquil, and those who tremble at His Words (Isaiah 66:2). ‘In the sea is Thy way’: where the current flows, where bitter waters exist, where dragons dwell, and where small fish swim. ‘Into the sea is Thy way.’ Thou who art in heaven descended to the earth. Literally interpreted, when Moses led the people, You were their guide. ‘Into the sea is Thy way.’ We might also consider it historically: the seas were Thy path. He once commanded the seas, then daily He declared to the sea, ‘Be still, be quiet’ (Mark 4:39). Lord, calm it so we may journey through this world. ‘In the sea is Thy way.’ It is the Source of life that has come to rejoice amidst the bitter sea, the Sea of the Dead. Thus, as Ezekiel foretold, the fountain of life shall flow from the temple of the Lord into the Dead Sea, where nothing lives (Ezekiel 4:8). No fish can exist there; it is lifeless. From the temple of the Lord, meaning from His womb, the Savior emerged and embraced the Dead Sea and the bitter waters. ‘Into the sea are Thy paths. And Thy paths are in the waters of many.’ For through the sea is Thy way, and Thy paths are established, with Thy apostles following Thee. ‘And Thy paths are in the waters of many.’

Through an unseen procession, Thou establishest the way, present yet invisible, embodying an incorporeal nature. Athanasius interprets the sea as representing the world, while the many waters signify the various peoples within it. Christ commanded His disciples to "Go and make disciples of all nations," assuring them of His presence: "Behold, I am with you." They journeyed through the celestial realms, proclaiming the Gospel to every nation, accompanied by the invisible procession of the Lord, in accordance with His eternal promises. Thus, it is understood that His footsteps remain unrecognized due to the hidden nature of Jesus's presence; for He, as God, created a path across the physical sea, as noted by the Evangelist: "And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea" (Matthew 14:25).

Moreover, the purpose of this act is the salvation of the church, which serves as the most precious assurance of redemption for all the faithful. By likening the Israelites to sheep, He emphasizes that they lacked both the will and strength to accomplish such a feat had God not taken on the role of Shepherd, guiding His vulnerable flock through the seas and wilderness and leading them to the promised land. This miracle is particularly magnified in the case of Moses and Aaron; despite their honorable and remarkable service, God's power was powerfully displayed when He employed two humble and seemingly insignificant individuals to confront the mightiest forces of the proud king. What could the rod of a shepherd and the words of a simple outcast achieve against such a fearsome tyrant and his entire army? Here, the strength of God was most evident, as it manifested such incredible results through these frail and mortal instruments.

Overjoyed by this vision of divine favor, the prophet transitions from the seen to the unseen, from the past to the future, from the physical Israel to the spiritual Israel. The Lord made His path upon the waters, parting the sea for His people, freeing them from Egyptian bondage, while Pharaoh was drowned and Egypt rendered powerless. The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, walks in the waters of the Jordan—once again, God's paths are evident in the waters: the seas, the rivers, and the lakes prepare the way for the new Israel to be liberated from the chains of the devil. Through the sacrament of Baptism, the adversary is vanquished, and death and hell lose their grip.

An observation from nature grants the prophet a fresh insight. Picture a ship sailing across the ocean; as it slices through the waters, it soon leaves no trace behind, vanishing without a sign. The prophet relates this natural phenomenon to the actions of God, declaring: And thy footsteps are not known. The Lord has ways that are revealed to humanity; as He spoke to Moses, He shall teach the humble His paths, as the prophet professes. Yet, there are also paths that are rightly deemed mysterious and beyond human comprehension. This includes the journey of the Son of God from the celestial heights into the womb of the Virgin Mary, as well as the continual movement of the Spirit of God to the Holy Altar where the Sacrament is served. This is what the prophet articulates: the way in His Holy One. Ultimately, it encompasses the pathways to the human heart and the divine governance of human affairs. St. Basil connects this concept with the prophet's saying: Laying up in the treasures of the abysses. It's more fitting with the overall thought to interpret it as storing treasures in abysses, signifying hidden riches. Yet, it is expressed here as if abysses themselves are worthy vessels for God's treasures. Thus, it is not merely the decrees of God's judgment that are called abysses, which remain unfathomable to human reason, since only God possesses those laws that govern all.

Furthermore, when considering why these ways are elusive and concealed from humanity, we recognize that God, in His essence, is incomprehensible, and His deeds emanate from an infinitely wise Spirit, distinct from the ways of men. Humans, shrouded in flesh and burdened by sinful thoughts, struggle to discern the footprints of God's ways. Perhaps the Lord, in His mercy, has chosen to obscure some paths from our sight. If unveiled, they might terrify us; we could not withstand the revelations that mark the journey of the unseen God. We might witness angels surrounding us, wielding flaming swords against the wicked, lighting the way for the ignorant, or providing comfort to the innocent in captivity. If we were to see them distributing prosperity to some while plunging others into poverty, blessing one field while bringing decay to another, their swift movements would dazzle us like lightning. And if the very distant flash of lightning can startle us, how could we endure the near brilliance of heavenly hosts?

Let us not dwell on the reasons for God's paths being shrouded from us, but rather seek wisdom from this divine hiddenness. As St. Basil encourages us: If you ponder why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, why the innocent are taken prematurely by death, why wars and disasters occur—ask yourself: What is the purpose behind these events? Why are there inequities among people, with some condemned while others are exalted? What is God's judgment for each? As you reflect on these matters, remember that God's decisions are a vast abyss, kept within divine treasures, and are beyond our full understanding.

When confronted by extraordinary occurrences that astonish and even frighten you, resist the urge to assess them through human reasoning; instead, acknowledge: This is God's pathway, though not visibly marked, along which the Lord conducts His judgments upon nations, kingdoms, and possibly the entire cosmos. If you observe that a neighbor, whose life has been marked by vice, suddenly displays fervent piety, do not hastily declare him a hypocrite; who can discern the nuances of God's work in the human heart? The Spirit moves as He chooses, and while you may hear His call, you cannot trace His origins or deeds (John 3:8). If a poor individual acquires wealth or an unlearned person rises to prominence, do not succumb to the common belief that these changes stem from deceit. Here lies the way of God; although hidden, its traces are not visible, for it is said: God makes poor and rich, He humbles and lifts up.

Even in your own life, as you face disappointments, sorrows, and misfortunes, do not be quick to conjure various human explanations. Instead, heed the truth revealed by the Church: 'Unto me you go,' she sings in one of her hymns, 'looking for me who has gone astray.' This indicates that within your trials, God's compassionate presence lies concealed, and in their shadows, He approaches you to purify your heart and spirit and to prepare you for eternal joy. Amen. Your thunderous voice in the wheels. According to Theod., by the sounds of thunder, the Lord immobilized the chariots of the Egyptians in the Red Sea, as Moses narrates (Ex. 14:25).