Psalm 9:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

An anonymous translator indicates that he was recognized for His judgments, which involve retribution and vengeance. Do you perceive the kindness inherent in punishment? It not only incites greater zeal in those who face consequences but also illuminates the divine truth, showcasing God's care for humanity. For instance, when He permitted a herd of swine to plunge into the sea, it instilled deep fear among the people (Mark 5:13-18). Similarly, in the Old Testament, it is recorded that the Israelites, ‘when He put them to death, they sought Him,’ as articulated by the prophet (Ps. 77:34). Why does God not continuously act in this manner? This is because He desires that individuals choose to engage in virtuous actions willingly, inspired more by grace than by punishment.

The Lord is recognized through the execution of His judgments (Psalm 9:16). These are divine decrees. The instruments of torment for sinners do not arise from His serene bliss or the hidden depths of wisdom, where the blessed find their rest. Instead, how are sinners tormented, and how does the Lord dispense His judgments? In actions, it is revealed that the sinner is ensnared by their own deeds. Here, the verse from the psalm is interjected (Psalms 9:16): it suggests a hidden joy—a separation that takes place, not in physical location but within the affections of the heart, distinguishing between the wicked and the just, much like the separation of wheat from chaff left on the ground.

It is understood that God reigns supreme over fate. Indeed, the judgment is just, for those who have conspired against humanity’s demise shall face their own end. In the moment of reckoning, they too will recognize the Judge, whom they themselves will hold accountable.

The nations are engulfed by the ruin they have created; ensnared in the trap they set, their feet will be ensnared. We recognize that the Lord is sovereign over all destinies; by the deeds of His hand, the transgressor shall be ensnared. The term 'nations' here refers to the throngs of evil spirits, as they were stripped of their ability to inflict harm by the creation of the saving cross. Those hidden traps will bind their feet, and through His mighty works, the sinner will be captured. However, if we interpret this saying as pertaining to the peoples of disbelief who brought harm to the righteous Apostles and martyrs, we can still discern the fulfillment of the prophecy.

We recognize that the Lord is indeed a judge. The fates or decrees referred to here are understood as divine punishments, where He bestows rewards in accordance with one's deeds. The sinner is unable to act righteously, as their hands are tainted. These statements build upon the previous discourse. Herein lies the reason for the Lord's self-revelation to those who pass judgment; He stands as a just judge, indicating that those who conspire against others often find themselves ensnared in their own schemes. The harm intended for others ultimately rebounds upon the wrongdoers themselves. A sinner is understood to represent one of the three categories symbolized by the terms nations or tongues, as elaborated earlier; alternatively, the prophet broadly defines a sinner as anyone filled with iniquity. This is outlined in the introduction.

This reflects a sound and truthful affirmation, as we understand that the Lord will carry out His judgment when those who have sinned face eternal consequences. Although their transgressions may seem unpunished in this life, when the day of His revelation arrives, and the Lord Savior takes His place on the throne of glory, it will be universally recognized that He will indeed render His judgment. Humanity will be separated through His decree, with some positioned on His right and others on His left. This illustrates the nature of divine judgment, rewarding each individual based on their actions without any mix-up. A clear clarification follows from this notion, for it states that the reality of the Lord's judgment will manifest when the sinner is held accountable for their deceptive actions and receives retribution according to their deeds.

The Prophet spoke extensively about just judgment and God's compassion towards those in need. From this, a valuable teaching emerges, suggesting that God's true greatness becomes evident when He orchestrates miraculous outcomes, using the schemes and malice of the wicked against themselves. It is through His divine Providence that the sinner becomes ensnared by their own actions, leading them into the traps they have set for others. We observe a similar message in Psalm 7:15-16, which states, "Behold, in wickedness is conceived sickness, and iniquity is born. The pit shall be dug out, and it shall collapse into the very ditch it has made."

The Lord wisely and profoundly creates all that exists, fully aware of who will receive rewards based on their deeds. In contrast, the devil, along with the sinner, utilizes the Jews and the Cross of Christ, leading them into eternal destruction. The labor of the wicked produces idols and all forms of unrighteousness, which brings about everlasting ruin due to a lack of repentance. The hardening of hearts is harmful, for even demons acknowledge and fear the truth, as do the Pharisees, the Sadducees, Judas, and many others, yet they refuse to turn away from immorality and wrongdoing, much like those in the days preceding the flood, which occurred 2,262 years after the creation of the world.