Chris Northcott Short Articles

Athanasius on the Psalms, Catalogued

Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373) is best known for his struggle against the Arian heresy. But he also wrote a lengthy letter to a friend on the use of the Psalms for Christian faith and worship.

The Letter to Marcellinus is similar in length to the book of Romans in the New Testament—about 9000 words. Both printed and digital versions are available to purchase (e.g. see HERE), or it can be found to read online (e.g. HERE or HERE).

This post has taken all comments to individual psalms from within the Letter to Marcellinus and rearranged them into canonical order. Most of these I have lifted as quotes with some light editing. I also have a forthcoming post that explores four reminders that Athanasius brings to us about the Psalms, which will be released at a later date.

A few quick notes:

  • Athanasius used the Greek OT (known today as the LXX or Septuagint). This numbers the Psalms differently to what we are used to. In this post, I have edited all psalm numbers to reflect what we have in English Bibles (which are largely based on the Hebrew, the “MT”).
  • This Greek translation can differ from the Hebrew in some significant ways. Make up your own mind about Athanasius’ use and interpretation of any given psalm—some may feel a stretch, but they would have made sense to him in the way he understood the Psalms. However, some don’t seem to match at all—it is possible that Athanasius is working from memory, and mistaken.
  • There is some doubling of quotes from Athanasius where he refers to multiple psalms in one sentence.
  • To make it easier to navigate, the notes are subdivided into sections of the Psalter which can be accessed as dropdown menu—click each heading to make the content visible.
St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, Alexandria, built in the 1960s.

As a preface, here are some of Athanasius’ closing words in his Letter to Marcellinus:

So then, my son, let whoever reads this Book of Psalms take the things in it quite simply as God-inspired; and let each select from it, as from the fruits of a garden, those things of which he sees himself in need. For I think that in the words of this book all human life is covered, with all its states and thoughts, and that nothing further can be found in man. For no matter what you seek, whether it be repentance and confession, or help in trouble and temptation or under persecution, whether you have been set free from plots and snares or, on the contrary, are sad for any reason, or whether, seeing yourself progressing and your enemy cast down, you want to praise and thank and bless the Lord, each of these things the Divine Psalms show you how to do, and in every case the words you want are written down for you, and you can say them as your own. (Paragraph. 31[1]).

Psalms One to Twenty-Five
  • Psalm 1: “Suppose that … you want to declare anyone to be blessed; you find the way to do it in Psalm 1, and likewise in 32, 41, 112, 119, and 128.”
  • Psalm 2: Foresaw that the Jews would plot against Jesus. “If you want to rebuke the conspiracy of the Jews against the Saviour, you have Psalm 2.”
  • Psalm 3: “A man will sing, bearing his own afflictions in his mind.” Also, he makes an indirect comment linked to this psalm (and other psalms expressing prayers for help) “another time, hearing how God helps those who hope and trust in Him, the listener too rejoices and begins to render thanks, as though that gracious help already were his own.” “If you are persecuted by your own family and opposed by many, say Psalm 3.” “The 3rd and 109th also display the snares and malice of the Jews and how Iscariot betrayed [Jesus].”
  • Psalm 4: “When you would give thanks to God at your affliction’s end, sing 4 and 75 and 115–116.”
  • Psalm 5: “When you see the wicked wanting to ensnare you and you wish your prayer to reach God’s ears, then wake up early and sing [Psalm] 5.” “For prayer and supplication, sing Psalms 5, 141 to 143, and 146.”
  • Psalm 6: “Prayers to God.” “If you feel yourself beneath the cloud of His displeasure, you can say 6 and 38.”
  • Psalm 7: “If any plot against you, as did Ahithophel against David, and someone tells you of it, sing Psalm 7, and put your trust in God Who will deliver you.”
  • Psalm 8: “Voice thanksgiving, praise, and jubilation.” “Contemplating humanity’s redemption and the Saviour’s universal grace, sing Psalm 8 to the Lord; and with this same Psalm or the 19th you may thank Him for the vintage.”
  • Psalm 9: “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (both combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.”
  • Psalm 10: Athanasius mentions the coming destruction of the devil, (identifying the “wicked one” as the devil). “For victory over the enemy and the saving of created things, take not glory to yourself but, knowing that it is the Son of God Who has thus brought things to a happy issue, say to Him Psalm 10.” “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.”
  • Psalm 11: The believer “will use as the expression of his own faith and prayer.” “If any wishes to alarm you, [say] the 11th, still trusting in the Lord.”
  • Psalm 12: The believer “will use as the expression of his own faith and prayer.” “When you see the boundless pride of many, and evil passing great, so that among men (so it seems) no holy thing remains, take refuge with the Lord and say Psalm 12.”
  • Psalm 14: Denounces the wicked. “Should you hear others blaspheme the providence of God, do not join with them in their profanity but intercede with God, using the 14th and the 53rd.”
  • Psalm 15: “And if, by way of contrast [to Psalms 14 and 53], you want to learn what sort of person is citizen of heaven’s kingdom, then sing Psalm 15.”
  • Psalm 16: “Prayers to God”. “The 16th shows [Jesus’] resurrection from the dead, in flesh.”
  • Psalm 17: “When, again, you need to pray against your enemies and those who straiten you, Psalms 17, 86, 88, and 140 will all meet your need.”
  • Psalm 18: “When you have been delivered from these enemies and oppressors, then sing Psalm 18.”
  • Psalm 19: Speaks of creation. “Contemplating humanity’s redemption and the Saviour’s universal grace, sing Psalm 8 to the Lord; and with this same Psalm or the 19th you may thank Him for the vintage.” “When you marvel at the order of creation and God’s good providence therein and at the holy precepts of the Law, 19 and 24 will voice your prayer.”
  • Psalm 20: Has in mind the time of the kings when it says “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will gain glory by the Name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.” “[Psalm] 20 will give you words to comfort and to pray with others in distress.”
  • Psalm 21: “21, 50, and 72 all set Him forth as judge and foretell His Second Coming in the flesh to us; they also show the Gentiles’ call.”
  • Psalm 22: Describes the manner of Jesus’ death—the piercing of hands and feet must refer to the cross. A “prophetic” psalm. “If … you want to sing Psalms that speak especially about the Saviour … 22 and 69 foretell the Holy Cross, the grievous plots He bore and how great things He suffered for our sakes.”
  • Psalm 23: “When you yourself are fed and guided by the Lord and, seeing it, rejoice, the 23rd awaits you.”
  • Psalm 24: Speaks of creation. Indicates beforehand the bodily Ascension of the Saviour into heaven. “When you marvel at the order of creation and God’s good providence therein and at the holy precepts of the Law, 19 and 24 will voice your prayer.” “Do you want to give thanks on the Lord’s Day? Then say the 24th; if on a Monday, then the 95th; and if on a Friday, your words of praise are in the 93rd, for it was when the Crucifixion was accomplished that the House of God was built, for all the enemy attempted to prevent it, so it is fitting we should sing on Friday a song of victory, such as that Psalm is.” “The 24th and 47th [show Jesus’] ascension into heaven.”
  • Psalm 25: “Do enemies surround you? Then lift up your heart to God and say Psalm 25, and you will surely see the sinners put to rout.”
Psalms Twenty-Six to Fifty
  • Psalm 26: “If [enemies] persist, their murderous intent unslaked, then let man’s judgement go and pray to God, the Only Righteous, that He alone will judge according unto right, using Psalms 26, 35, and 43.”
  • Psalm 27: “And if this state of things [evil flourishing] be long drawn out, be not faint-hearted, as though God had forgotten you, but call upon Him with Psalm 27.” “If your foes press yet harder and become a veritable host, that scorns you as not yet anointed, be not afraid, but sing again Psalm 27.”
  • Psalm 28: “Pay no attention either to the weakness of your own humanity or to the brazenness of their attack, but cry unceasingly on God, using Psalm 28.”
  • Psalm 29: “As for the tabernacle and the priesthood, we have reference to them in Psalm 29, sung when the tabernacle was carried forth, Bring unto the Lord, ye sons of God, bring unto the Lord young rams, bring to the Lord glory and honour” (see LXX translation).
  • Psalm 30: “And when you want the right way of approach to God in thankfulness, with spiritual understanding sing Psalm 29 [Athanasius seems to refer in fact to Psalm 30 here].”
  • Psalm 31: “And finally, when you dedicate your home, that is your soul in which you receive the Lord and the house of your senses, in which corporeally your spirit dwells, give thanks and say the 30th [it is not clear how Athanasius makes this connection to Psalm 30 (LXX Ps 29), but I think Psalm 31 might fit] and, from the Gradual Psalms, the 127th.” … “Again, when you find yourself hated and persecuted by all your friends and kinsfolk because of your faith in Christ, do not despair on this account nor be afraid of them, but go apart and, looking to the future, sing Psalm 31.”
  • Psalm 32: “Hortatory.” “Suppose that … you want to declare anyone to be blessed; you find the way to do it in Psalm 1, and likewise in 32, 41, 112, 119, and 128.” “And when you see people baptized and ransomed from this evil world, be filled with wonder at the love of God for men, and in thanksgiving for them sing the 32nd.”
  • Psalm 33: God created through Jesus his Word (v6). “And whenever a number of you want to sing together, being all good and upright men, then use the 33rd.”
  • Psalm 34: “When you have fallen among enemies but have escaped by wise refusal of their evil counsel, then also gather holy men together and sing with them the 34th.”
  • Psalm 35: “If [enemies] persist, their murderous intent unslaked, then let man’s judgement go and pray to God, the Only Righteous, that He alone will judge according unto right, using Psalms 26, 35, and 43.”
  • Psalm 36: “And when you see how zealous are the lawless in their evil-doing, think not the evil is innate in them, as some false teachers say, but read Psalm 36 and you will see they are themselves the authors of their sin.”
  • Psalm 37: “And if you see these same wicked men trying, among other evils, to attack the weak and you wish to warn their victims to pay no heed to them, nor envy them, since they will soon be brought to nought, both to yourself and others say the 37th.”
  • Psalm 38: “If you feel yourself beneath the cloud of His displeasure, you can say 6 and 38.”
  • Psalm 39: “When, on the other hand, it is your own safety that is in question, by reason of the enemy’s attacks, and you wish to bestir yourself against him, say the 39th” [the content of this psalm does not seem to match what Athanasius writes – possibly he is mistaken].
  • Psalm 40: “and if, when [the enemy] attacks, you then endure afflictions, and wish to learn the value of endurance, sing Psalm 40.”
  • Psalm 41: “Suppose that … you want to declare anyone to be blessed; you find the way to do it in Psalm 1, and likewise in 32, 41, 112, 119, and 128.” “When you see people in poverty, obliged to beg their bread, and you want to show them pity, you can applaud those who have already helped them and incite others to like works of mercy by using 41.”
  • Psalm 42: “Then again, if you are aflame with longing for God, be not disturbed at the reviling of your enemies but, knowing the immortal fruit that such desire shall bear, comfort your soul and ease your pains with hope in God, and say the 42nd.”
  • Psalm 43: “If [enemies] persist, their murderous intent unslaked, then let man’s judgement go and pray to God, the Only Righteous, that He alone will judge according unto right, using Psalms 26, 35, and 43.”
  • Psalm 44: “When you wish to recall in detail the loving-kindnesses which God showed to the fathers, both in their exodus from Egypt and in the wilderness, and to reflect how good God is and how ungrateful are men, you have the 44th, the 78th, the 89th, the 105th, the 106th, the 107th and also the 114-115th.”
  • Psalm 45: About the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. Sees vv.10–11 as referring to the virgin birth, seeing it as equivalent to Luke 1:28. “prophetic”. “If … you want to sing Psalms that speak especially about the Saviour, you will find something in almost all of them; but 45 and 110 to relate particularly to His Divine Begetting from the Father and His coming in the flesh.”
  • Psalm 46: “And the 46th will supply your need when after deliverance from afflictions you flee to God, and want to give Him thanks and tell of all His loving mercy shown towards yourself.”
  • Psalm 47: Indicates beforehand the bodily Ascension of the Saviour into heaven, highlighting v5. The calling of the Gentiles, v1. “Prophetic”. “The 24th and 47th [show Jesus’] ascension into heaven.”
  • Psalm 50: Speaks of the coming of Jesus. Speaks’ of Jesus who will be the Judge. “21, 50, and 72 all set Him forth as judge and foretell His Second Coming in the flesh to us; they also show the Gentiles’ call.”
Psalms Fifty-One to Seventy-Five
  • Psalm 51: The “conscience-stirring words” of this psalm generate repentance. A confession. “But suppose now that you have sinned and, having been put to confusion, are repenting and begging for forgiveness, then you have the words of confession and repentance in Psalm 51.”
  • Psalm 52: “Or you have been slandered, perhaps, before an evil king, and you see the slanderer boasting of his deed: then go away and say Psalm 52.”
  • Psalm 53: “Should you hear others blaspheme the providence of God, do not join with them in their profanity but intercede with God, using the 14th and the 53rd.”
  • Psalm 54: Sung by the reader “it is not as though someone else were being persecuted but out of his own experience that he renders praise to God.” “Prayers to God”. “And when they persecute and slander you, as did the Ziphites and the strangers to King David, be not disturbed but with full confidence in God sing praise to Him, using Psalms 54 and 55.”
  • Psalm 55: “And when they persecute and slander you, as did the Ziphites and the strangers to King David, be not disturbed but with full confidence in God sing praise to Him, using Psalms 54 and 55.” “And if not only your enemies cast you in the teeth but those also whom you thought to be your friends reproach and slander you and hurt you sorely for a time, you can still call upon God for help, using Psalm 55.”
  • Psalm 56: Sung by the reader “it is not as though someone else were being persecuted but out of his own experience that he renders praise to God.”
  • Psalm 57: Sung by the reader “it is not as though someone else were being persecuted but out of his own experience that he renders praise to God.” “If still the persecution follows hard on you, and he who seeks your life enters (though he knows it not) the very cave in which you hide, still you must not fear; for even in such extremity as this you have encouragement in Psalm 57 and also in the 142nd.”
  • Psalm 58: “Against hypocrites and those who glory in appearances, say for their reproach the 58th.”
  • Psalm 59: “The plotter, it may be, gives orders that a watch be kept over your house, and yet you manage to escape; give thanks to God, then, and let Psalm 59 be written on your heart, as on a pillar, as a memorial of your deliverance.”
  • Psalm 62: “But against those whose enmity is such that they would even take away your life, you must simply oppose your own obedience to the Lord, having no fear at all but all the more submitting to His will as they grow fiercer in their rage, and your form of words for this will be the 62nd Psalm.”
  • Psalm 63: “Should persecution drive you to the desert, fear not as though you were alone in it, for God is with you, and there at daybreak you may sing to Him the 63rd.”
  • Psalm 64: “And if even there the fear of foes and their unceasing plots pursues you, be they never so many or so insistent in their search for you, still you must not yield; for the toy arrows of a child will be enough to wound them, while Psalms 64, 65, 70, and 71 are on your lips.”
  • Psalm 65: “And if even there the fear of foes and their unceasing plots pursues you, be they never so many or so insistent in their search for you, still you must not yield; for the toy arrows of a child will be enough to wound them, while Psalms 64, 65, 70, and 71 are on your lips” [I am not sure how Athanasius sees this psalm relating to what he writes here—the next quotation follows immediately after]. “The 65th Psalm will meet your need, whenever you desire to sing praise to God.”
  • Psalm 66: Refers to the Lord’s resurrection. “If you want to teach any one about the Resurrection, sing the 66th [possibly in the quotation he refers to the general resurrection, not Jesus’].”
  • Psalm 67: “When asking mercy from the Lord, praise Him with the 67th.”
  • Psalm 69: Speaks of “the Lord’s own person” and that he suffered not for his own sake but for ours (highlighting the end of v4). “If … you want to sing Psalms that speak especially about the Saviour … 22 and 69 foretell the Holy Cross, the grievous plots He bore and how great things He suffered for our sakes.”
  • Psalm 70: “And if even there the fear of foes and their unceasing plots pursues you, be they never so many or so insistent in their search for you, still you must not yield; for the toy arrows of a child will be enough to wound them, while Psalms 64, 65, 70, and 71 are on your lips.”
  • Psalm 71: “And if even there the fear of foes and their unceasing plots pursues you, be they never so many or so insistent in their search for you, still you must not yield; for the toy arrows of a child will be enough to wound them, while Psalms 64, 65, 70, and 71 are on your lips.” “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.”
  • Psalm 72: In response to Jesus’ substitutionary death, the Spirit says from this psalm: “He shall save the children of the poor and bring the slanderer low, for from the hand of the mighty He has set the poor man free, the needy man whom there was none to help.” Also “foreshows Him as coming to be the judge of all”, citing vv1–2. The calling of the gentiles, vv9–10. “21, 50, and 72 all set Him forth as judge and foretell His Second Coming in the flesh to us; they also show the Gentiles’ call.”
  • Psalm 73: “Narrative in form.” “When you see wicked men enjoying prosperity and peace and good men in sore trouble, be not offended or disturbed at it but say Psalm 73.”
  • Psalm 74: “When God is angry with His people, you have wise words of comfort in Psalm 74.”
  • Psalm 75: “When you would give thanks to God at your affliction’s end, sing 4 and 75 and 115–116.” “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.”
Psalms Seventy-Six to One-Hundred
  • Psalm 76: “Psalm 76, when used intelligently, provides you with an answer for the heathen and the heretics, showing that the knowledge of God is not with them at all, but only in the Church.”
  • Psalm 77: “And when the enemy takes possession of your place of refuge, even though sorely harassed and afflicted, do not despair but pray: and when your crying has been heard, give thanks to God, using Psalm 77.”
  • Psalm 78: Sings of the exodus. “Narrative in form.”
  • Psalm 79: “And if they have profaned the house of God and slain the saints, throwing their bodies to the birds of prey, do not be crushed or frightened at such cruelty, but, suffering with those that suffer it, plead you for them with God, using Psalm 79.”
  • Psalm 81: “Psalms 81 and 95 are suitable if you want to sing on a festival, together with other servants of the Lord.”
  • Psalm 82: God/Christ as Judge.
  • Psalm 83: “When the enemy once more muster round you, threatening God’s House and joining forces against His holy ones, do not you be frightened of either their numbers or their strength, for you have a very anchor of hope available in Psalm 83.”
  • Psalm 84: “If … you behold the House of God and His eternal dwelling, and have a longing for them, as the Apostle had [an allusion to Philippians 1:23?], then say the 84th.”
  • Psalm 85: “When at length their anger is abated and you are free again, voice your thanksgiving in the 85th and in the 115th and 116th.”
  • Psalm 86: “When, again, you need to pray against your enemies and those who straiten you, Psalms 17, 86, 88, and 140 will all meet your need.”
  • Psalm 87: Sees v6 as a reference to the incarnation, akin to John 1:14. “To see the difference between the Church and schism and to confound schismatics, you can say 87.”
  • Psalm 88: Speaks of “the Lord’s own person” and that he suffered not for his own sake but for ours (highlighting v7). “When, again, you need to pray against your enemies and those who straiten you, Psalms 17, 86, 88, and 140 will all meet your need.”
  • Psalm 89: “When you wish to recall in detail the loving-kindnesses which God showed to the fathers, both in their exodus from Egypt and in the wilderness, and to reflect how good God is and how ungrateful are men, you have the 44th, the 78th, the 89th, the 105th, the 106th, the 107th and also the 114–115th” [Psalm 89 seems to be more about David than the Exodus—perhaps Athanasius is mistaken to include this psalm here].
  • Psalm 90: “If you want to know how Moses prayed, you have the 90th.”
  • Psalm 91: “To encourage yourself and others in the fear of God and to show how fearless is the soul that hopes in Him, say 91.”
  • Psalm 92: “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.”
  • Psalm 93: “Do you want to give thanks on the Lord’s Day? Then say the 24th; if on a Monday, then the 95th; and if on a Friday, your words of praise are in the 93rd, for it was when the Crucifixion was accomplished that the House of God was built, for all the enemy attempted to prevent it, so it is fitting we should sing on Friday a song of victory, such as that Psalm is.” “And in the four Psalms 93, 96, 98, and 99, all the benefits deriving to us from the Saviour’s Passion are set forth together.”
  • Psalm 94: “You want to sing on Wednesday? The Psalm then is 94; for it was on the fourth day from the Sabbath that the Lord through His betrayal entered on His Passion, by which He should redeem us and by the which He triumphed gloriously. So when you read in the Gospel how on the Wednesday the Jews took counsel against the Lord, seeing Him thus boldly challenging the devil on our behalf, sing the words of this Psalm 94.”
  • Psalm 95: “Psalms 81 and 95 are suitable if you want to sing on a festival, together with other servants of the Lord.” “Do you want to give thanks on the Lord’s Day? Then say the 24th; if on a Monday, then the 95th; and if on a Friday, your words of praise are in the 93rd, for it was when the Crucifixion was accomplished that the House of God was built, for all the enemy attempted to prevent it, so it is fitting we should sing on Friday a song of victory, such as that Psalm is.”
  • Psalm 96: “Psalm 96 is apt, if God’s House has been captured and destroyed and then re-built.” “You want to sing to Him? Use 96 and 98.” “And in the four Psalms 93, 96, 98, and 99, all the benefits deriving to us from the Saviour’s Passion are set forth together.”
  • Psalm 97: “Hortatory.” “Voice thanksgiving, praise, and jubilation.” “And when the land has rest from war and peace returns, sing that The Lord is King in 97.”
  • Psalm 98: “You want to sing to Him? Use 96 and 98.” “And in the four Psalms 93, 96, 98, and 99, all the benefits deriving to us from the Saviour’s Passion are set forth together.”
  • Psalm 99: “And in the four Psalms 93, 96, 98, and 99, all the benefits deriving to us from the Saviour’s Passion are set forth together.”
  • Psalm 100: “And again, when you see the providence and power of God in all things and want to instruct others in His faith and obedience, get them first to say the 100th Psalm.”
Psalms One-Hundred-and-One to One Hundred Twenty-Five
  • Psalm 101: “And when you have yourself experienced His power in judgement (for always His justice is tempered by His mercy) the next Psalm [101] will express your need.”
  • Psalm 102: “prayers to God”. “If through the weakness of your nature and the strain of life you find yourself at times downcast and poor, sing for your consolation Psalm 102 and use the two that follow it to lift your heart in thankful praise to God, as in and through all circumstances we should always do.”
  • Psalm 103: “hortatory”. “If through the weakness of your nature and the strain of life you find yourself at times downcast and poor, sing for your consolation Psalm 102 and use the two that follow it to lift your heart in thankful praise to God, as in and through all circumstances we should always do.”
  • Psalm 104: “If through the weakness of your nature and the strain of life you find yourself at times downcast and poor, sing for your consolation Psalm 102 and use the two that follow it to lift your heart in thankful praise to God, as in and through all circumstances we should always do.”
  • Psalm 105: “When you wish to recall in detail the loving-kindnesses which God showed to the fathers, both in their exodus from Egypt and in the wilderness, and to reflect how good God is and how ungrateful are men, you have the 44th, the 78th, the 89th, the 105th, the 106th, the 107th and also the 114-115th.” “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.” “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “Then, marvelling at God’s kindnesses to everyone and mindful of His goodness to yourself and all, praise Him, again in David’s words, with Psalm 105.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 106: Sings of the exodus, also of the times of Joshua and the judges. “When you wish to recall in detail the loving-kindnesses which God showed to the fathers, both in their exodus from Egypt and in the wilderness, and to reflect how good God is and how ungrateful are men, you have the 44th, the 78th, the 89th, the 105th, the 106th, the 107th and also the 114-115th.” “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 107: Speaks of the coming of Jesus as the Word of God. “When you wish to recall in detail the loving-kindnesses which God showed to the fathers, both in their exodus from Egypt and in the wilderness, and to reflect how good God is and how ungrateful are men, you have the 44th, the 78th, the 89th, the 105th, the 106th, the 107th and also the 114-115th.” “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.” “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 108: “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.”
  • Psalm 109: “The 3rd and 109th also display the snares and malice of the Jews and how Iscariot betrayed [Jesus].”
  • Psalm 110: Speaks of the coming of Jesus. Speaks of the reign/session of Jesus. “Prophetic.” “If … you want to sing Psalms that speak especially about the Saviour, you will find something in almost all of them; but 45 and 110 to relate particularly to His Divine Begetting from the Father and His coming in the flesh.”
  • Psalm 111: “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 112: “Suppose that … you want to declare anyone to be blessed; you find the way to do it in Psalm 1, and likewise in 32, 41, 112, 119, and 128.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 113: “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 114: Sings of the exodus. “Narrative in form.” “When you wish to recall in detail the loving-kindnesses which God showed to the fathers, both in their exodus from Egypt and in the wilderness, and to reflect how good God is and how ungrateful are men, you have the 44th, the 78th, the 89th, the 105th, the 106th, the 107th and also the 114-115th.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 115: “When you would give thanks to God at your affliction’s end, sing 4 and 75 and 115–116.” “When you wish to recall in detail the loving-kindnesses which God showed to the fathers, both in their exodus from Egypt and in the wilderness, and to reflect how good God is and how ungrateful are men, you have the 44th, the 78th, the 89th, the 105th, the 106th, the 107th and also the 114-115th.” “When at length their anger is abated and you are free again, voice your thanksgiving in the 85th and in the 115th and 116th (it is not clear how this relates to Ps 115).” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 116: “When you would give thanks to God at your affliction’s end, sing 4 and 75 and 115–116.” “When at length their anger is abated and you are free again, voice your thanksgiving in the 85th and in the 115th and 116th.” “Have you faith, as the Lord bade, and believe in the prayers you utter? Then say the 116th Psalm.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 117: “Hortatory.” “Voice thanksgiving, praise, and jubilation.” “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 118: Speaks of the coming of Jesus. “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 119: “Suppose that … you want to declare anyone to be blessed; you find the way to do it in Psalm 1, and likewise in 32, 41, 112, 119, and 128.” “Well knew the holy Psalmist that, when he said in Psalm 119, I will meditate in Thy judgements: and I will not forget Thy words (v.15); and again, Thy statutes were my songs in the place of my sojourning (v.54). For with these words they all worked out their own salvation, saying, If Thy law were not my meditation, then had I perished in my humiliation (v.92). Paul also strengthened his disciple with like words, saying, Ponder these things, abide in them, that thy progress may be manifest (1 Timothy 4:15).”
  • Psalm 120: “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 121: “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 122: speaks of the time of return from exile. “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 123: “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 124: “Voice(s) thanksgiving, praise, and jubilation.” “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 125: “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
Psalms One-Hundred Twenty-Six to One-Hundred Fifty
  • Psalm 126: “Speaks of that which Esdras (Ezra) tells, When the Lord turned the captivity of Sion, we became as those comforted.” “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.” “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 127: “And finally, when you dedicate your home, that is your soul in which you receive the Lord and the house of your senses, in which corporeally your spirit dwells, give thanks and say the 30th [it is not clear how Athanasius makes this connection to Psalm 30 (LXX Ps 29), but I think Psalm 31 might fit] and, from the Gradual Psalms, the 127th.” “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 128: “Suppose that … you want to declare anyone to be blessed; you find the way to do it in Psalm 1, and likewise in 32, 41, 112, 119, and 128.” “You feel that, like the Apostle, you can now press forward, forgetting all the things that lie behind (Athanasius alludes to Philippians 3:13–14 here)? Then you have the fifteen Gradual Psalms for every step of your advance.”
  • Psalm 135: “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 136: “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 137: In response to Jesus’ substitutionary death, we can say from this psalm “The Lord will make requital for me”. “Another time, perhaps, you find you have been led astray by others’ arguments—well, then, the moment you perceive it, stop your sinning, sit down and weep, as they did of old by Babylon’s waters, using the words of Psalm 137.”
  • Psalm 138: “When you have occasion to testify concerning God, 9–10 (combined as Ps 9 in LXX), 71, 75, 92, 105, [106, 107], 108, 111, 126, 136, and 138 all fit the case.”
  • Psalm 139: “Since it is precisely by being tempted that one’s worth is proved, Psalm [139] will meet your need when you thank God for testing safely past.”
  • Psalm 140: “When, again, you need to pray against your enemies and those who straiten you, Psalms 17, 86, 88, and 140 will all meet your need.” “And if the enemy once more gets hold of you and you desire to be free, then say 140.”
  • Psalm 141: “For prayer and supplication, sing Psalms 5, 141 to 143, and 146.”
  • Psalm 142: “If still the persecution follows hard on you, and he who seeks your life enters (though he knows it not) the very cave in which you hide, still you must not fear; for even in such extremity as this you have encouragement in Psalm 57 and also in the 142nd.” “For prayer and supplication, sing Psalms 5, 141 to 143, and 146.”
  • Psalm 143: “For prayer and supplication, sing Psalms 5, 141 to 143, and 146.”
  • Psalm 144: “Has some Goliath risen up against the people and yourself? Fear not, but trust in God, as David did, and sing his words in Psalm 144.”
  • Psalm 146: “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “For prayer and supplication, sing Psalms 5, 141 to 143, and 146.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 147: “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 148: “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 149: “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
  • Psalm 150: “Psalms 105, 107, 113, 117, 135, and 146 to 150 not only show the reasons why God should be praised, but tell you how to do it.” “If, weak as you are, you yet are chosen for some position of authority among the brethren, you must not be puffed up as though you were superior to them, but rather glorify the Lord Who chose you and sing Psalm 150, which is especially the Psalm of David.” “And for Psalms in praise of God, having some of them the title Alleluia, you have all these, 105–107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.”
The entrance of the St. Peter & St. Paul’s Chapel inside St Mark’s Cathedral

[1] There seems to be no standardised referencing system for Athanasius’ Letter to Marcellinus. So I have numbered the paragraphs and referred to them accordingly for a rough guide.