Psalm 77 (76):5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

All my adversaries surround me; they have exceeded all bounds in their vigilance; when keeping watch, they have gone ahead of me. Where do they fail to set their traps? Have not my foes prepared for every moment of vigilance? For who are these oppressors but those of whom the Apostle states, “Ye wrestle not against blood and flesh” (Eph. 6:12). We stand opposed to the devil and his forces. He refers to them as the rulers of this world because they govern those who are enamored with worldly things. Yet, they do not possess authority over the cosmos, as if they were sovereigns of Heaven and Earth; instead, sinners are defined as the world. There is no harmony with the devil and his fallen angels. They have forfeited our access to the heavenly kingdom.

It is unsettling to see adversaries positioned where our defenders should be, that is, within the fortified structures of our defenses.

In the Hebrew text, there is a profound reflection: “I could not close my eyes; I was filled with contemplation and left without a voice.” The psalmist articulates, “Reflecting on my transgressions, I cannot raise my gaze toward heaven.” But to the transgressor the Lord has decreed, “Why do you mention my commandments?” (Psalm 49:16). This led me to ponder deeply and quake with fear, rendered speechless. The original Hebrew also states, “My eyes were vigilant.” I was alert even before the watchfulness of others. As we find in the book of Daniel, “And behold, a hand” - signifying one who keeps a watchful eye (Dan. 4:10). “The watchman of Israel does not slumber or sleep” (Ps. 120:4). Hence, a monk who lacks vigilance is unable to recite this truth.

The Lord summoned the night watch, and at the conclusion of their shift, the sentinels pass their duties to one another. This reflects the watchfulness that endures throughout the night. I was distressed and remained silent. As it is written in the forty-first Psalm, ‘My soul is troubled for me’ (Psalm 41:7). I found it difficult to hold back my reflections from others.

Before me stand the sentinels of the army. Those who guard the troops divide the night into four shifts, each lasting three hours, taking turns to remain vigilant. Thus, David expresses that his eyes alerted all the night watchmen, signifying that through his constant vigilance, he was mindful throughout the night, as noted by Theodoret. Due to the turmoil and contemplation within my soul, sleep eluded me. Alternatively, the reference to eyes may denote the foes who were attentively watching him: the adversaries that observed me approached even before the night watchmen to keep a careful watch. As Origen suggests, envision the vigilant eyes of the righteous one who heeds the Scriptural command to guard your heart diligently.

In this passage, the author articulates the bitterness of his sorrow while illustrating the gravity of his misfortune. He expresses that what was once his sole solace in anguish has now become a source of distress. It may seem perplexing to others that a devout heart experiences turmoil at the thought of God. He declares, "I remembered God, and was troubled." While it is not unexpected for the unfaithful to suffer intense anguish when they stray from the Lord, facing the consequences of their actions, it is unusual for a righteous individual to claim that recalling God only intensifies their grief. However, this scripture reminds us that no matter the weight of our sorrow, we should not lose heart or neglect to call upon God, as seen at the beginning of this Psalm.

Idiphum and Asaph served as the leading singers under King David, to whom this psalm was entrusted so that they might perform it at various moments, thereby bringing glory and honor to God. Some interpret the name Idiphum as referring to a specific musical instrument known in that time, upon which Asaph, the head of the singers, chanted this psalm. The term Idiphum may suggest the arrival of one, while Asaph denotes a gathering of people, indicating that this psalm offers guidance to the faithful assembled in the name of Christ the Lord. It encourages them to transition from their earthly existence to eternal life, moving from their temporal journey toward their heavenly homeland. The prophet's voice in prayer embodies the essence of his heart, as sincere prayer is most pleasing to God. The prophet conveys that the Lord is near to those who earnestly seek Him and is attentive to those who call out to Him.