Psalm 78 (77):65Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He appears to be resting when he surrenders His people to their adversaries, who taunt them with, ‘Where is your God?’ Yet, He stirs as one who awakens from slumber, like a valiant warrior overcome with drink. It is only His Spirit that would dare to voice such thoughts about God. For He communicates in a way that seems like slander to the wicked; as though, akin to a person inebriated, He has long been oblivious when, in reality, His deliverance does not come as swiftly as humans presume.

The Lord awoke from slumber. In administering these torments, He also revealed to their adversaries the justification for the actions taken. He retaliated against those who opposed Him, subjecting them to eternal disgrace. As if awakening from a dream, He cast aside patience and dealt a blow to the nations, rendering them an object of scorn among all. The Prophet acknowledges the affliction on the saddles, as recorded in the account (1 Sam. 5:9). This is also articulated in prophecy, as it is stated, "Strike back Thy enemies," referring specifically to the affected part of the body where the plague strikes. The Prophet regarded this dream as patience, and the tumult of wine as righteous wrath; for it is consistent with God's nature and justice to deliver punishment upon those who sin.

The Lord awoke as if from slumber. Just as a sleeper shakes off their drowsiness, so too does God, though it may seem delayed, rise to assist His people and the community. He has disciplined them enough, and this patience has brought about a time of awakening, during which their adversaries inflicted great suffering upon them. I am powerful and vibrant as one intoxicated. This illuminates the earlier statement. The Lord, as it is said, arose with the vigor of a mighty man reeling from wine, that is to say, with a stirred strength akin to one rejuvenated by rest or drink.

Thus, the true punishment was not the sword, fire, or absence of mercy, but rather the sins that provoked God’s wrath. He arose as one who awakens from slumber, signaling an end to His patience, which had been so profound it seemed akin to drunkenness. What sort of drunkenness? The kind that overtakes strong men from drinking wine, rendering them temporarily inactive, yet once they awaken, they exhibit even greater fervor. Similarly, we believe that after a period of forbearance, God will act with greater resolve against those who have disregarded His patience. Now observe what He has accomplished.

Regarding the resurrection of Christ, David proclaimed, ‘As if the Lord had arisen from slumber’

Some believe these words refer to the Israelites, while others see them as directed towards their adversaries. If one supports the first view, it is not surprising that the Israelites are termed enemies of God; Isaiah states, “Woe to the strong in Israel: for My fury will not cease against them, and I will not cease to judge My enemies” (Isaiah 1:24). However, as the Prophets draw their insights from Moses when addressing the Israelites, the alignment of their declarations with his teachings lends credence to the interpretation concerning the Philistines, particularly as the Prophet derives this narrative from Moses' song, which reveals that God did not punish His people without also vanquishing their foes (Deuteronomy 32:27).

This Psalm of David, rich in prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the head of the singers, to proclaim it for the edification of all regarding the countless mercies of God Almighty bestowed upon the ungrateful lineage of the Jews. It admonishes them for their lack of gratitude and serves as a lesson to others to express thankfulness for the profound and unfathomable compassion of God, particularly as manifested through Christ the Lord, who believes in His name. In this psalm, the prophet David seems to speak on behalf of Christ to the Christian faithful, urging them to pay attention to the teachings of the Gospel. The message of this psalm may have initially pertained to the Jews, but it now resonates with the followers of Christ: the old law serves as a shadow of the new covenant.