Psalm 9:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Another translator, Akilah, interprets it as “to him that sitteth.” Declare His deeds among the nations. Similarly, Simmah articulates it as “in the nations His actions.” What is your opinion? He who regards ‘heaven’ as His ‘throne’ and ‘the earth’ as His footstool, who holds ‘all the ends of the earth’ in His hand (Isaiah 66:1; Psalm 94:4), resides in Zion? (Isaiah 66:1; Psalm 94:4). Here, to dwell does not imply a physical residence—his glory is beyond measure—but refers to His special favor and closeness to that location, so that through such humility, He might draw the Jewish people close to Himself. Likewise, the place we are particularly inclined to is also called ours.

Sing praises to the Lord who resides in Zion. This declaration is made to those whom the Lord does not abandon in their quest for Him. He abides in Zion, symbolizing awakening, and reflects the nature of the contemporary Church; likewise, Jerusalem represents the future Church, which is the city of the Saints already partaking in angelic life, for Jerusalem signifies the vision of the world. Vigilance precedes this vision, just as the current Church leads to the promised, immortal, and eternal glory. Although it comes first in time, it does not have greater significance; for what we strive to reach is of greater worth than what we engage in to achieve that goal. Presently, we engage in watching with the aim of arriving at a higher vision.

Sing to the Lord who resides in Zion, which symbolizes the heavenly Jerusalem. Announce His origins among the Gentiles. This is addressed as if to the Apostles and messengers of the Gospel. The nature of these efforts will be clarified further below.

"Sing unto the Lord who resides in Zion." The prophet proclaimed this in alignment with the traditional beliefs of the Jewish people. However, we understand from the teachings of the apostles that there exists a heavenly Zion as well. As it is written, "ye have come unto the mount of Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the Jerusalem of heaven" (Hebrews 12:22). "Announce His beginnings among the nations." The term "beginnings" is interpreted by Symmachus as "skilful measures," and by Aquila as "changes." Indeed, a remarkable transformation has occurred.

Sing to the Lord who resides in Zion, for He is the true Lord whom I presented to you not long ago; therefore, offer your hymns of adoration. The prophet added, "But to Him who dwells in Zion," not to imply that God’s presence is limited to the geographical area of Mount Zion, but to signify His particular favor towards that location. It is also recognized that God inhabits the hearts of the faithful—not in the sense of being contained within them, but rather as a sign of His unique grace towards them. The prophet is moved to offer praise to God, either to the Israelites of old or to the Gentiles, that is, the Christians who later accepted Christ; for the same God who once made His dwelling in Zion and revealed His will to His chosen people is now acknowledged by both Jews and Christians.

From creatures to humanity The unclean beasts of the wilderness represent the world, characterized by their wildness and absence of faith, tainted by existence without the purifying touch of righteousness. Yet, when transformed from their feral nature through faith in Christ, they become part of God's chosen people, fulfilling the longing for transformation. The Lord, in His exaltation, extends His hand to those who earnestly seek Him and provides salvation: He, who reigns over all, does not fear nor falter in the face of adversity, for He has created both the lowly and the mighty and cares for each one (Ps 9:10).

After calling upon God, the spirit-filled individual turns to the impoverished, encouraging them to glorify God and inspire others to do the same. He refers to God as residing in Zion, which may signify the Ark of the Covenant as a location of prayer or serve to differentiate the true God from the false deities represented in shrines or idols. The phrase ‘declare to the Gentiles His beginnings’ conveys a message similar to ‘proclaim the wondrous deeds, intentions, plans, and designs of God, made known for the salvation of humanity from the afflictions of the adversary.’ The term translated as beginnings here parallels the word used for works in Psalm 104. The purpose of these words is clear: Sing a hymn to God, celebrate His name, and proclaim His wonderful deeds to humanity, so that the Gentiles who hear may also glorify Him.

Zion represents the Holy Church, where the faithful honor the living Christ the Lord through the Most Pure Mysteries, partaking of the bread and wine that sustains them unto eternal life (John 6:54). The inception of Christ signifies the grace found in the Gospel. It is here that one places their trust in the Son of God, born of the Virgin, and receives renewal through baptism, as this symbolizes the birth of the Spirit. The journey towards spiritual maturity encompasses the way, the truth, and the life of adoption.