Psalm 9:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Establish, O Lord, a ruler among them, so that the nations may recognize their humanity. This transition indicates a shift in tone, as noted in the different translations. Another version expresses it as continually. What does it signify to 'set a ruler over them'? It implies that they act according to their whims, unwilling to answer for their actions. You shall arise, bringing them discipline rather than coercion. Another interpreter similarly states that the fear of the Lord should be placed upon them. Notice that he does not seek punishment for their sake alone, but aims for their instruction and transformation, so they do not live without law. He desires them to be disciplined rather than merely coerced, which would also serve as an example for others.

Establish a ruler over them, O Lord. (Psalm 9:20). I believe this refers to the Antichrist, of whom the Apostle mentions, ‘When the man of sin shall be revealed.’ (2 Thess. 2:3) Let the nations recognize their humanity. Those who will be redeemed by the Son of God, and belong to the Son of Man, becoming new creations, may serve humanity, specifically the old self, the sinner, for they are indeed human. It is perceived that this individual will reach an astounding height of vain achievement and will be allowed to carry out significant acts both against all people and against the Saints of God. Consequently, some feeble souls may ‘think that God cares not for human affairs.’ Therefore, the Psalmist, by incorporating the interlude, reflects the cries of humanity, lamenting and questioning the delay of divine judgment.

Establish, O Lord, a lawgiver among them. Who is the lawgiver if not the One who provided us with the law of the New Covenant? May the Gentiles come to realize their true humanity. Through overwhelming demonic temptation, they have been transformed into the likeness of beasts, as it is proclaimed: ‘You shall be like cattle without understanding, and you shall become like them’ (Psalm 48:13). In the Hebrew Scriptures, Psalm 10 begins at a later point.

It is fitting for any Jewish reader to inquire about which lawgiver the Prophet is advocating for. The esteemed Moses, who once served as the herald of God's law in days of old, had already departed from this world, and no new lawgiver arose after him (Deuteronomy 34:10). If it is evident that no one was appointed as lawgiver for either Jews or Gentiles, it leads us to recognize that the Lord Christ stands as the appointed lawgiver for the Gentiles. In the Holy Gospel, He powerfully declares, ‘It was said unto the ancients, Thou shalt not kill. But I say unto you, that whosoever angereth his brother in vain shall be guilty of judgement. It was said unto the ancients, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Establish, O Lord, a ruler over them. The prophet refers to Jesus Christ as this ruler, in line with Scripture, which states, ‘I am made of him a king’; for He has, like a sovereign and a lawgiver, imparted a new commandment to us, specifically the commandment of the gospel, or more succinctly, the holy gospel. ‘Let the nations realize’ how humanity ought to conduct itself. May they come to understand, eventually, how to live as human beings rather than as mere animals.

In the New Testament, David entreats God to grant the psalmist mercy, reflecting His humility, abundant goodness, and patience, while seeking the downfall of the wicked. After affirming his plea for God to judge the nations, he recognizes the necessity of presenting a lawgiver to them before the impending judgment, so they may understand their humanity as rational beings rather than mere beasts. Since the law is not intended for the irrational, he may not specifically refer to Moses, the ancient deliverer, nor suggest that this law applies solely to the Jewish people. His emphasis lies in the understanding that the law inherent in the New Testament is meant to be universal in scope. This lawgiver is Christ, whose gospel has embraced all nations.

He states that they behave as though dictated by their own laws, not facing any consequences. Therefore, let them be chastened, bearing the weight of punishment in place of the teacher and lawgiver, and not just them, but others as well. Let the Gentiles comprehend their humanity, for many have lost this understanding, forgetting their true nature, spiraling into madness, and failing to recognize themselves. Such ignorance of self is a sign of profound insanity, worse than insanity itself. This affliction stems from God’s allowance but arises from a corrupted will. In place of lawgiver, the Hebrew text uses the term teacher, and Jerome translates it as fear. Instill the fear of the Lord in them.

The disloyal Jews, unwilling to embrace the decree of the true Lawgiver, Christ the Lord, will instead embrace the deceitful law from the lawgiver of the Antichrist. Concerning this, the Savior Himself proclaims: “I came in My Father's name, and you will not receive Me, but if anyone comes in his own name, you will receive him” (John 5:43). Those who have turned to idolatry will come to recognize their humanity, having become ruined by sin, and eternal condemnation will await those who refuse to don the new self in Christ. The Antichrist is prophesied to arise from the tribe of Dan, a lineage of transition (Dan. 7:24). Jeremiah (8:16) refers to this, as does the book of Genesis (49:16-17). This period will last for 1260 days, culminating in the month of Nisan Aviv, which corresponds to March-April, the time of creation.

The prophet sought the Lord's intervention by requesting the arrival of the Redeemer, His unique Son, to help the unrighteous understand their humanity. Prior to His coming, the Gentiles remained unaware of their dignity as beings created in God's image. Some, filled with arrogance, believed themselves to be superior to human destiny, while others, ensnared by their carnal desires, fell far short of the standards expected of humanity. However, through the proclamation of the Gospel, all came to recognize their true identity as human beings: the proud humbled themselves in the presence of God's majesty and holiness, while those lost in sinful passions were lifted from their depths.