Psalm 80 (79):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This is clearly demonstrated in the selection of those from Asaph who were to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles. They will question, "Who is this proclaimer of unfamiliar spirits? You have caused discord among us." They preached about Him who faced opposition. To whom did they deliver their message? They declared that after His death, the Messiah rose triumphantly. But who would listen? Who would have knowledge of this? It is indeed something unprecedented. Yet, accompanying signs and wonders affirmed this astonishing occurrence. He was opposed, yet the one who opposed Him was conquered, and from that opposition, faith emerged.

David speaks of the disgrace and humiliation endured by the Israelites at the hands of the Babylonians, describing it as 'scorn.' He expresses a similar sentiment in the preceding Psalm: "We have been a reproach to our neighbours; we are mocked in contempt by them that dwell round about us" (Ps. 78:4). Cyril observes that the people of Israel were subjected to the contempt of those around them and the reproach of their adversaries. How did this occur? They were wearied, trampled down, and brought low beneath the feet of their foes.

The prophet clearly refers to the same adversaries and compatriots now, as they ridiculed and scorned individuals during Christ's delay in His return, particularly targeting the prophets. They failed to recognize the veracity of their messages about the arrival of the Savior. Furthermore, the prophets faced substantial opposition from these individuals when they acted as false prophets, propagating counter messages. It is possible, however, that Christ permitted demons—spiritual adversaries and neighbors—to express dissent, illustrating that just as servants heed their masters, so too do demons—those prophets—often show disdain and resistance, albeit out of arrogance.

Through these expressions, the faithful convey the depth of their anguish and the prolonged duration of their trials, indicating that they have experienced the fullest measure of grief and tears. The term used signifies a similar idea to "by measure," while the Hebrew version speaks of "in the measure of the honeycomb." Although the exact measure may now be unclear, it was undoubtedly significant. Furthermore, it states that they have been handed over to the disputes of their neighbors, which translates to the mockery and scorn from surrounding nations, illustrating that their adversaries are as plentiful as their neighbors.

Ultimately, this represents the realization of prophecy, particularly in relation to Christ the Lord, as depicted in this psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit through David. It speaks of Jews who have shifted from righteousness to the remorse of turning away from God, as well as others who have transitioned from wickedness to belief, and from sinful ways to holiness, particularly these faithful sheep who have moved from the folly of sin to following their good shepherd, Christ, the true God.