Psalm 84 (83):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This psalm is titled "For the Sharpener." As I have observed, dear friends, nothing in its text references a press, wine vat, or tools indicative of carpentry; we have not encountered such elements in the reading. Therefore, the reason behind this title is not merely a straightforward query. Had the text elaborated on such subjects, those with a worldly mindset might have perceived it as a hymn concerning tangible lathes. Yet, since it bears this title without further mention of the lathes we are familiar with, I am certain that there exists a deeper meaning intended by the Holy Spirit. Let us reflect on what transpires in these physical mills and recognize how it parallels the spiritual workings within the Church.

The grapes dangle from the vines and the olives from their trees, as these two fruits are primarily pressed in the winepresses. While they remain attached to their branches, they savor the freedom of the air, untouched, without the wine or oil being extracted. Likewise, those whom God foreordained to be shaped into the likeness of His only-begotten Son, as stated in Romans 8:29, experience a form of delightful liberty in the world, much like hanging grapes or olives. However, as Sirach 2:1 advises, "My son, when you approach the service of God, prepare your soul for temptation." Thus, each person called to serve God discovers that they arrive at the sharpener; they endure affliction, brokenness, and oppression—not to meet their end in this life, but to descend into God’s treasures. The veils of carnal desires are stripped away from them as grape skins, fulfilling the exhortation of the Apostle to "put off the old man and put on the new." This transformation occurs through the pressures of life, which is why the congregations of God in this age are referred to as sharpeners.

Who then are those placed within these sharpeners? It is the sons of Korah. And the term "tochilam" refers to the sons of Korah, meaning sons of the bald. As much as we can comprehend this language, it relates to their service in God’s ministry. Experiencing this pressure, we are broken, so that through our love for the transient and unstable things of this world—after enduring torments, trials, and temptations—we start seeking a rest that exists neither in this life nor on this earth. The Lord becomes, as it is written, the refuge of the destitute. What is a poor man? He is one lacking support, unable to find solace in earthly matters. Even those abundant in worldly wealth often find themselves filled with anxiety rather than joy. What greater uncertainty exists than that associated with fleeting riches? Money in itself is not condemned, yet it is ever-changing. Thus, those with wealth may appear prosperous, yet remain spiritually impoverished. Conversely, those who lack material riches but possess a longing for them are also among the rejected rich, for the Lord considers not mere strength but the intent of the heart.

The truly impoverished are devoid of worldly possessions; though wealth surrounds them, they understand its temporary nature. They cry out to God, having no comfort in this life, and faced with abundant pressures and trials, they yield their desires—transforming into oil or wine. These desires symbolize the goodness that God remains their sole object of yearning. With time, their affection becomes directed away from the earth towards Him who is the Creator of heaven and earth. Their longing remains unfulfilled to foster growth, and this insatiable yearning leads to eventual fulfillment, for God will grant generously to those who desire Him, but requires substantial effort to be prepared for such goodness. He does not offer all creation but instead offers Himself, the Creator of all things. Strive to receive God, who is the eternal fulfillment of your desires.

Therefore, beloved, let each of you make vows to the Lord as you are able: let none linger in past attachments, nor divert from what lies ahead; may you run until you arrive, for our running is not by our feet but through our desires. Let no one claim he has reached his goal in this lifetime, for who can compare to Paul’s perfection? As he states in Philippians 3:13, "Brothers, I do not regard myself as having attained."

Therefore, if you sense the struggles of this worldly existence, even in moments of joy, recognize that you are at the grindstone. Even when the world smiles upon you, envision yourself at the grindstone and acknowledge: "I have encountered trouble and burdens, and I called on the name of the Lord." Note that it is not trivial troubles that are concealed; some may mistakenly perceive happiness while being separated from God. As it is stated in 2 Corinthians 5:6, "While we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord." If you would feel sorrowful without your earthly father, can you be truly at peace without the Lord? Many may delude themselves into thinking all is well, but those who understand that even amidst wealth and comfort—where everything seems to comply with their desires—they are in despair when absent from the Lord, they, with clear insight, call upon His name. Such a person is the one who sings in this psalm. Who is this person? It is the Body of Christ. Who is that? You, if you so choose, and all of us, if you are willing, for the Body of Christ is one.

"How lovely are Thy dwelling places, O Lord of hosts" (Psalm 82:1). He was in a single bush, that is, in the sharpened bush, yet yearned for other bushes, where there is no pressure; from this longing, He moved towards them through the channel of desire.

What follows? "My soul longs and desires the courts of the Lord" (Psalm 83:2). It is insufficient for it merely to strive and falter; why does it falter? For the courts of the Lord. The grapes indeed fail when pressed, but for what aim? To become wine and flow into the vat, being stored in silence. Here they are wished for, there they are received; here are desires, there is joy, here are prayers, there is praise, here are groanings, there is exultation. Let no one feel ashamed of what I have shared, nor be hesitant to embrace suffering; for it is perilous that those grapes that recoil from the pressing will be consumed by birds or wild beasts.

You have heard the cries in the winepress; my soul mourns and longs for the courts of the Lord. Observe how it holds steadfast, rejoicing in hope: "My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God." This rejoicing stems from hope. In what do they rejoice? In the living God. What of your rejoicing? In my heart and my flesh. Why are they rejoicing? Because, as it states in Psalm 83:3, "The sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young." What do these signify? He mentions two aspects and pairs them with two types of birds: the sparrow corresponds to the heart; the dove corresponds to the flesh. The sparrow finds a home, just as my heart has found a home.

It flutters on the wings of the virtues of this life—in faith, hope, and charity—allowing it to soar to its eternal dwelling. And when it arrives, the pitiful cry of the sparrow will cease, for the same sorrowful sparrow is referenced in another psalm: "As a sparrow sits alone upon the roof." From the roof of earthly concerns, it will take flight homeward. Though it remains on the roof now, trampling its earthly attachments, it will discover a heavenly and eternal abode, putting an end to its lament.

As for the dove, it has been granted a nest for laying its young. The sparrow has a dwelling while the dove has a temporary nest. The heart symbolizes thoughts of God, akin to a sparrow flying into its home. Through our flesh, we carry out virtuous deeds. Consider how many good works the saints perform through their earthly vessels—acts commanded of us that aid our passage in this life, such as in Isaiah 58:7: "Share your bread with the hungry, and welcome the homeless into your house; when you see the naked, clothe them."

Brethren, we observe: how many seem to accomplish good deeds without the Church? How many among the Gentiles feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit the sick, and comfort the imprisoned? Numerous are those engaged in such pursuits, yet even a dove, though it brings forth young, finds no nest for them. Despite the heretics’ numerous works, they do not secure their young in a protective nest. They will be trampled and crushed, failing to provide refuge or protection.

In this faith lies your young; in that nest lies your work. The nests symbolize the altars of the Lord of Hosts; they are my King and my God. What is my King and my God? The One who rules over me and created me.

"Blessed are those who dwell in your house" (Psalm 83:4). Possessing your own home renders one impoverished; possessing the house of God makes one truly rich. In your own dwelling, you may fear robbers; in God's domain, He Himself becomes a wall. That is why blessed are those who reside in His house. They inherit the heavenly Jerusalem without the strain of distinction, without borders. Each individual possesses everything, creating immense wealth. A brother does not crowd another; there is no need for that.

What shall they do there? Among humanity, necessity births all activities. Consider all vocations you have encountered: have any emerged without necessity? The most esteemed and noble skills that appear most beneficial—such as advocacy and healing—rely on the existence of conflict and maladies to engage their talents. With hunger and thirst removed, what use does necessity hold? Reflect on the instruction: "Break bread for the hungry man." Who would require bread if no one was in need? "Welcome the homeless into your house." Who could receive travelers if all resided in their own land? Who to comfort, where there is eternal well-being? Who to reconcile in a land of everlasting peace? Who could bury the dead when life is eternal? Therefore, no honorable deeds peculiar to humanity will occupy our time; instead, the young will flutter from their nest.

What has been declared? "Blessed are those who dwell in your house." Tell me now what they will do, as I see no urgency for action. Even that which I presently convey arises from some need. Will there be discourse in that land to enlighten the ignorant or to remind the forgetful? Or will the Gospel be shared in a place where we behold the Word of God in its fullness? There, they shall continually praise Thee. This will encompass our entire duty, an eternal Hallelujah. Do not labor under the misconception that there will be fatigue; if you cannot sustain long periods of praise here due to distractions, such distractions reside in our present needs. If what remains unseen brings little joy, how much more shall our praise flourish when we behold that which is visible? When death is swallowed up in victory, when this mortal body has clothed itself in immortality (1 Corinthians 15:54), no one will claim to have held on for too long, nor to have fasted or kept vigil excessively.

There will be a vast endurance, and our immortal beings will be invigorated in the contemplation of God. If this message can sustain your fragile human condition presently, imagine the power of that joy! How shall it transform us? For we shall be made like Him, seeing Him as He is (1 John 3:2). When we become like Him, what might draw our attention away? Beloved, we will never be exhausted by the continual praise and love of God. If love can falter, so too can praise. However, if love is eternal, as is the unending beauty thereof, do not fear the inevitable shortcomings in your praise of the one you may love forever.

As for this life, let us nurture our yearning.

Behold the visage of Your Messiah. In this context, Christ signifies those chosen for the ‘royal priesthood’ (1 Pet. 2:9).

Reflect on these words: ‘And behold the face of your Christ.’ The individual prays for the Father to gaze upon the countenance of the Son. However, pause to ponder the significance of this statement. The apostle questioned, ‘Seek ye not proof of these things which Christ speaketh in me?’ (see 2 Cor. 13:3). In contrast, the Savior declared, ‘He that receiveth you receiveth Me’ (Matt. 10:40). Thus, it is expressed, ‘Look upon us: here, after all, thou shalt see thy Son residing within us.’

In anticipation of humanity's salvation, the Prophet earnestly seeks the favor of the Almighty, pleading for His continual guardianship over those redeemed. This is what he refers to as the countenance of Christ. Likewise, the apostolic teachings affirm this notion, stating, "you are the body of Christ, and each one is a part of it" (1 Cor. 12:27); and further, "the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you" (1 Cor. 12:21).

O our protector, behold, O God, and gaze upon the countenance of Your anointed Christ. In this expression, we find the prayer that David previously made to God, imploring Him to hear and regard the face of His Messiah. According to Theodoret and Athanasius, Christ invites all believers to be clothed in Him; as it is stated, "for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27). Furthermore, Habakkuk declares, "Thou hast come to save Thy anointed ones" (Hab. 3:13). We have also affirmed this at the conclusion of the preface.

It is evident that we require Your compassion; recognize that healing cannot be achieved through human effort; observe that the vessel is shattered. We belong to Your body, not to another. Therefore, gaze upon us. Yet, the prophet states, ‘look upon Thy anointed,’ indicating that through Christ, the Son, the Father can behold us all, and that by the Father's will, the design established for us may come to fruition. Why, then, do you inquire why the Father should gaze upon the Son rather than the prophets? ‘For one day in thy courts is better than a thousand: I preferred rather to be cast down at the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.’

Many individuals driven by worldly desires are often foolishly tormented and exhaust themselves with empty cravings. Therefore, David wisely redirects his longings towards God. He begins by simply requesting that God listen to him. To dispel any notion that he is detached from the Church, he reassures himself of his connection to the believers and aligns himself with them in seeking God's protection. For if he were not part of the Church, he could not collectively express: Our Protector! He then elevates his thoughts further, recalling the royal anointing bestowed upon him by God through Samuel (1 Sam. 16:12) on Wednesday. Thus, he anticipates the grace of God, which he received through divine appointment as king.

This psalm, attributed to David and entrusted to the chief singer, the son of Kore, conveys the profound yearning of the prophet, who, having faced exile and tribulation, longs for a return to Jerusalem to visit the Divine Tabernacle. The prophet refers to the churches as sacred spaces, where spiritual fruits thrive abundantly. Within this psalm, we find the lamentations, trials, and sufferings of the faithful, who endure for the sake of Christ, shedding their blood, and earnestly longing to transition from this sorrowful place to the heavenly tabernacle established by the Lord, not by human hands (Heb. 8:2). Each word in this psalm ignites the heart with Divine love, addressing God’s villages, the Holy Churches, as ‘beloved’, drawing every soul who loves God toward them.