Psalm 94 (93):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As we pay close attention to the reading of the Psalm, let us also listen intently as the Lord unveils the hidden truths contained in this passage. Some mysteries in Scripture are concealed not to be denied but to be revealed to those who earnestly seek. When you approach with heartfelt devotion and love, He who knows the intentions behind your seeking will surely reveal Himself to you. We understand—often begrudgingly—that there are those who grumble against God's patience and mourn the existence or power of wicked individuals. Often, the unjust possess influence over the just, causing the righteous to suffer while the wicked bask in pride. Such observations can lead the impatient and weak to believe that their good deeds are in vain, especially when it seems God turns His gaze away from their righteous acts, allowing the wicked to flourish in their sinful pleasures. Consequently, the weak may feel compelled to emulate the wrongdoers they see prospering, or, due to fear of earthly consequences, refrain from outwardly acting out their desires while harboring wicked thoughts. Among these thoughts is the dangerous notion that God neglects humanity, treating the righteous and the wicked as one and the same, or even, more grievously, that He punishes the good while rewarding the evil. Such beliefs are self-destructive and harmful to one's soul while failing to diminish God’s righteousness.

The Psalm bears the title of David, listed as written on the fourth day of the week. This Psalm encourages patience amidst the suffering of the just and counsels endurance against the success of the wicked. It touches on this theme throughout its entirety. Why, then, does it bear a reference to the fourth day? The first day is the Lord's Day, the second is referred to as the lunar day, and the third the Martian day. Consequently, the fourth day, known to Gentiles as Mercury’s day, is not something I would endorse; I would rather see a shift towards naming days in a way reflective of Christian beliefs. The names of days lack universal meaning, as various cultures hold different terms. If custom leads anyone to repeat what their heart rejects, they must remember that those who have lent their names to the stars were mere mortals—stars existed long before these men and women came to be, yet in due time, the ancient world erroneously honored these individuals with divine titles. This misleading belief was bolstered by the devil but overturned by Christ.

In our discourse, the fourth week is accordingly viewed as the fourth day following the Lord's Day. Beloved, let us explore what this title signifies. Here lies a profound mystery—a reality to ponder. Let us reflect on creation as found in the early chapters of Genesis. On the first day, we encounter light; on the second, the heavens; the third reveals the division of land and sea; and on the fourth, the creation of celestial bodies: the sun for the day and the moon and stars for the night. Why is this Psalm named after the fourth day? It instructs us to be patient amidst the triumph of the ungodly and the anguish of the faithful. We hear echoes of the apostle Paul exhorting us to act without complaints, so we may be blameless and pure, shining among a crooked generation, holding fast to the word of life.

Now, let us delve into the Psalm. The Lord stands as a God of retribution who acts assuredly. Do you doubt that He disciplines? A vengeful God administers correction. It is easy to complain about the absence of judgment upon the wicked, yet caution is warranted; do not become a voice of dissent lest you find yourself among the chastised. When you witness the thief who thrives, do not let envy against God consume you.

Thus, if you wish for another’s hand to be corrected, first, correct your own tongue; if your heart is to be realigned toward others, it must first be realigned toward God. Do not desire God’s judgment against others unless you are prepared for such a reckoning yourself. Rest assured, He will come to judge the unrepentant and those ignorant of His mercy, accumulating wrath against the day of righteous judgment, rewarding each according to their deeds. Our Savior serves as our refuge; in Him, the needy place their hope. He states: "I will maintain my trust in Him." What does this indicate? It denotes a fearless, uncompromising stand against human vices. Like a skilled physician, He wields the scalpel of His truth to cleanse us of wounds. All that He foretold and preached was fulfilled in Him—how often did He proclaim grave truths directly to the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees without fear, for He is a God of vengeance. Such forthrightness was meant to give them a chance after His sparing them through judgment; if they resisted His healing message, they would indeed invite the condemnation of their Judge.

In light of His past decisive actions, consider how He shall act in the final days. Do not complain about God’s apparent lenience toward the wicked, but strive to embody kindness; perhaps, in doing so, He will extend His grace to you without judgment.

What follows from His assured actions? “Be exalted, O Judge of the universe.” When they imprisoned Him in His humility, do you think they will hold Him in captivity when He is exalted? In His mortal state, they judged Him; how then will they be judged by Him in His immortality? He declares: “Be exalted, You who acted with confidence.” They failed to bear His truth, erroneously believing they accomplished a noble act in capturing and punishing Him—their misconception of glory earned through persecution led them to miss seizing the moment in faith. Therefore, enthroned amidst the wicked, He acted with assurance, having endured suffering with dignity; now He rises again and ascends to heaven. Let the Church mirror the patience of its Head, who is forever exalted and will repay the proud according to their actions.

What does this signify? It is a prophetic declaration, not a decree of command. It was not merely because the Prophet proclaimed “Be exalted, O Judge of the world,” that Christ rose from the dead and ascended; rather, the prophecy was a foretelling of Christ's destined acts. The Prophet perceived Christ in His humility, saw Him in his lowly state, firmly speaking truth, undeterred by human folly, and thus proclaimed His confident demeanor. He foresaw the Prince of Peace, apprehended and crucified, later witnessing Him risen and glorified—coming to judge those who met Him with malice. “Be exalted,” he proclaims, acknowledging Christ as the righteous Judge who will repay the proud while elevating the humble. The proud are those who commit evil and excuse their transgressions. However, even those who persecuted Him would later experience miracles, discovering the blood of Christ—that very blood that once condemned them—serves to wash them clean. Those who brought harm to His earthly body found reconciliation through His body, the Church.

“Lord, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they exult?” they speak in unrighteousness. What is their claim but to question the righteousness of God? They wonder aloud what benefit there is in living blamelessly when it seems God does not notice their actions. If earthly authority knew of their inconsistency, certainly they would be apprehended. However, they cannot elude the all-seeing gaze of God, who discerns not only outer actions but also the secret thoughts of the heart. Even the wicked possess an inkling that nothing can escape His attention; their evil actions bear testimony against them. Acknowledging that they live whilst knowing God observes, they comfort one another with the false belief that they are pleasing Him, deceiving themselves further.

When a righteous individual warns, “Abstain from wrongdoing; otherwise, you could die,” the wicked retort, “I have committed transgressions; why am I not punished? That righteous person perished; why?” They argue, finding strife within their own long-suffering lives. Their rationalizations are merely human responses to divine patience; they misconstrue God’s mercy as indifference. Yet the Apostle reminds us not to presume upon the kindness of God, for such presumption leads to wrath on the day of His righteous judgment, where each shall reap according to their deeds. He extends His patience, while they heap up sins against themselves. The true treasure lies in enduring His mercy; for you who scorn His grace will uncover a vast store of wrath meant for the day of reckoning. Take heed not to disregard seemingly minor sins, for they contribute to a flood—small drops accumulate to create mighty rivers.

They have oppressed Your people, O Lord, and wronged Your inheritance. They have slain the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner—those who seek refuge, much like the psalmist himself. The clarity of such expressions demands no extensive exposition.

And they arrogantly declare: “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.” These vehemently wicked sentiments weave a narrative of indifference, implying that God merely overlooks their lives. However, they deceive themselves into thinking they escape consequence simply because He has not immediate punishment. Their lives may resemble the revelation of God’s goodness, yet He does care for them deeply.

“Consider, foolish men,” the psalmist implores; “understand this one day.” He instructs His people, who may falter upon witnessing the seemingly unmerited success of the wicked while enduring tribulations as they strive to live among the saints. The prosperity of the unrighteous can impart envy, tempting the faithful to align with their iniquities. Those who place hope in future righteousness must not waver in their conviction, for the Lord rewards those who endure hardship. Your labor in the vineyard must be your focus, patiently awaiting the recompense of your toil.

Beware, foolish hearts, that you do not fail in your labor; while God has promised rest, it must be earned through diligence. His gaze is ever upon you; do not try to deceive Him. This message of the psalm is meant for any among you whose confidence falters when witnessing the prosperity of the wicked. Thus, if none of you find yourself in this plight, he speaks through you to sound the warning, “The Lord sees all; do not defer from His sight.”

“Does He who created the ear lack hearing? Or He who fashioned the eye lack discernment?” Such questions affirm the truth that God instructs the nations, sends His word everywhere, so that individuals learn to abandon wickedness. He teaches truth by revealing the need for repentance; He extends His mercy to be embraced and pursued.

The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind, that they are fleeting shadows. Although we may not possess the insights of God, His understanding is righteous. Those whom He befriends comprehend His counsel, so do not belittle yourselves. Approach the Almighty in faith, and you will learn to distinguish divine thoughts from the vanity of human reasoning.

“Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O Lord, and whom You teach Your statutes.” He spares the wicked for a purpose—a pit is dug for those steeped in their sins. You want instant reproach for them, yet the pit has yet to be fully excavated. The “sinner” encapsulates not just one individual, but the proud. Therefore, do not rush to assume condemnation; among all who confess their faults and seek redemption, acknowledges the humble spirit. The humble heart acknowledges the grace of God, while true pride insists upon personal merit over divine assistance.

Even in correction, God seeks to teach, attesting that who knows responsibility must endure the trials of today to witness the rewards of tomorrow. The righteous endure alongside the wicked for now, as God desires their character formation through testing and instruction. Though His grace may seem distant, remember that His providential care is ever-present, non-exempt from trials.

Blessed is the individual whom You correct, O Lord. Indeed, blessed are those who receive Your discipline and instruction through Your commands. For those who endure hardships will find relief in their anguish, knowing that their trials will ultimately lead to a greater good.

Blessed is the individual who has God as their teacher. "And Thy law which Thou teachest: to give him rest in the days of trouble" (Psalm 93:12-13). Notice the message from the psalmist: "Blessed is the man that is enlightened by Thee, O Lord, and by Thy law which Thou teachest," meaning by Thy Scripture. What advantage does this instruction provide? "That it may give him rest in the days of trouble." Thus, it is evident that familiarizing ourselves with the Scriptures, reflecting on them, and performing righteous deeds brings us relief during times of distress. "While the sinner's pit is digging." When one learns from the law of the Lord, they find that what is singular is divided for them: the days of adversity become lighter, while for the sinner, their pit is being dug.

To avoid the misconception that this perspective is new or that philosophers engaged in this discourse prior to the proclamation of the Gospel, it is essential to acknowledge that thinkers such as Aristotle, Theophrastus, Zeno, and Jerome, while existing before the Gospel, were postdating the prophets. Notably, long before the term ‘philosopher’ came into use, King David articulated a profound truth: Blessed is the man whom Thou wisest, O Lord, and teachest by Thy law (Psalm 93:12). In another passage, he states that Blessed is the man who fears the Lord and who delights in His commandments (Psalm 111:1).

The Prophet, by providing a fitting remedy for those who err, also extends comforting assurance to those who suffer injustice. To reinforce this notion, he articulated: Blessed is the man whom You, O Lord, discipline and instruct in Your laws. It is commonly observed that many deem those who embrace righteousness and gain from God's law as unfortunate.

Blessed is the person whom You, O Lord, choose to instruct with Your teachings and guide with Your natural or written law, or both, as noted by Theodoret, since both forms of law serve as foundations for understanding and wisdom. According to the divine Cyril, blessed is the one whom You, O Lord, enlighten with Your commandments, for the law is without value if the divine instruction does not reveal its hidden mystery, as the prophet declared: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Although Moses guided the ancients and imparted the lessons of the law, they did not experience true blessedness because they lacked justification through faith. In contrast, truly blessed are those who are made whole in Christ.

The one who faces God's discipline receives numerous blessings. Primarily, this person becomes more refined and wise, abandoning a mindless existence, and, in gaining wisdom, refrains from becoming like the unthinking. Moreover, divine punishment is akin to that administered by a loving Father; hence, it is said that one is not led to condemnation but to correction. Judges condemn, while educators guide with correction. The prophet indicates this by declaring, ‘from Thy law Thou shalt teach’, emphasizing that God’s intention is not punitive anger, but rather to instruct those who receive discipline in His ways. What, then, is the true gain of correction? ‘That he may remain meek, from the day of calamities until the pit is dug for the sinner.’

After unveiling the malice and betrayal of the unrighteous, he shifts his focus to offer solace both to himself and all the faithful, demonstrating that God is attentive to their salvation, even while He allows them to experience trials for a season. This lesson proves to be essential throughout life, which we must navigate in relentless struggle. Although God, in His mercy, grants us moments of respite, He still desires us to engage in the battle against hardships. Thus, the Prophet deems fortunate those whom God, through the principles of His law, has equipped to endure suffering and has fortified with the hidden peace of His Spirit, ensuring they do not succumb under the weight of difficulties.

The Psalm composed by David is divinely inspired, and it was sung during the fourth day of the Seven Days, which represents the time when those among the Jewish leaders conspired against Christ the Lord with the intent to crucify Him, a mystery foretold in this Psalm. This fourth day of worship is significant because it commemorates the day God created the celestial bodies: the sun, the moon, and the stars (Genesis 1:16-19). The prophet boldly condemns the arrogant and lofty individuals, along with unjust authorities and judges, who oppress the vulnerable, including the poor and orphans, instilling fear of divine judgment and eternal condemnation. At the same time, it reveals God's grace and mercy towards the oppressed and the divine assistance granted to those who seek it.

Additionally, it reveals the wellspring of solace found in God's law or His Word; blessed is the one who comprehends the essence of God’s law. This essence calms the soul through acceptance of God's divine plan and grants peace amid trials. This understanding can be interpreted as a means to tame one's spirit during times of adversity. It instructs that God is just and never abandons His people in their time of need.