Psalm 9:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do you understand the efforts He refers to? Of blessings. Here, He reveals a profound truth: that acts of violence are not carried out without consequences and will inevitably face judgment, as Moses states in Genesis, 'I will call for your blood also' (Gen. 9:5). This illustrates His boundless providence and watchful care. If He does not administer punishment immediately, do not be alarmed; He grants sinners an opportunity for repentance. 'He hath not forgotten the cry of the poor.' Consider how the afflicted receive His grace. It pertains not only to those who are economically disadvantaged but also to the spiritually impoverished about whom Christ speaks (Matthew 5:3), for it is particularly the prayers of the humble and contrite that reach His ears.

Because they sought retribution for their blood, He took note (Psalm 9:12). It is as if those sent to proclaim the gospel must respond to the directive to ‘Show thy wonders among the Gentiles,’ and lament, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ (Isaiah 53:1). Furthermore, for Your sake we are killed all day long; thus the Psalmist rightly continues, ‘Christians will not perish in persecution for the demand of their blood without substantial eternal reward, of which He has taken note.’ But why does he specifically refer to ‘their blood’?

I will seek accountability for their blood, specifically the blood that was poured out on His behalf, to require reparation for it. Do not overlook the status of the destitute. Those in suffering are once more referred to as impoverished for His sake, as they continually direct their prayers to Him, imploring for justice against the demons for the wrongs inflicted by them.

The Prophet proclaims that He who oversees all and thoroughly examines the happenings of the world recognized that the adversary was growing stronger through deceit to bring about the downfall of humanity. Consequently, He came to rescue those who were troubled. This understanding aligns with the phrase, ‘forget not the rank of the wretched’. The Prophet is not referring to prayer or pleas in this context, but rather to the dire condition resulting from sin, characterized by premature death, sorrow, and misfortune.

I will reflect on all these matters once God brings them to mind, for previously He overlooked them due to their unbelief. He remembered because He could not allow the Gentiles to offer blood as sacrifices to false gods, even to the point of sacrificing their own children. In the same manner, I began to call for accountability from those who took this blood, blood not intended for true sacrifice. Here, 'blood' symbolizes retribution for murder, a heinous act incited by demonic forces. This is evident in Scripture, where every murderer is subject to specific penalties, as noted in Genesis: “I will seek your blood” (Gen. 9:5). Let us not forget the outcry of the distressed.

Certain misguided individuals have become so unwise as to belittle the martyrs and criticize those who suffer for their faith in the Lord and endure the tribulations prophesied by Him. In this way, they attempt to emulate the Lord's example by becoming martyrs of the Guardian. We also commit such individuals to the martyrs for judgment. For when their blood is restored and they attain glory, those who disrespected their martyrdom will be filled with shame before Christ.

The prophet affirms the preceding declaration: The Lord serves as a stronghold for the destitute and a source of aid in times of distress. In response to those who argue that the faithful often suffer in poverty, He defends God's honor, asserting that while it may appear at times that the Lord overlooks the needy, this is not the case. The Lord, who examines hearts and innermost thoughts, or as the prophet articulates, who diligently investigates the deeds and lives of humanity, does not neglect the innocent's blood nor forget their names or cries; He eternally remembers. The recognition of the unjustly shed blood of His servants will become evident when the glory of both the oppressed and those who executed them is unveiled.

At the Final Judgment, the Lord Christ will demand an accounting from the evil oppressors and slayers regarding the blood of the holy martyrs, sentencing them to eternal flames. The call of the destitute reflects the prayers offered to Christ: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,’ through fasting and diligent efforts, in righteousness and contrition.