“Both low and high, rich and poor, together.”
The summons to hear addressing both small and great and those of moderate means establishes the universal audience for the wisdom teaching. The inclusive enumeration of all social classes suggests that the wisdom applies across all status levels; the message addresses the entire human community. The reference to children of humanity suggests that the teaching concerns fundamental truths about the human condition that apply to all persons. The emphasis on listening establishes that the ensuing wisdom requires receptive attention and contemplation. This verse establishes the democratic and universal character of the wisdom teaching that follows.
Church Fathers on Psalms 49:2
The First Part. 1. ...“Hear ye these things, all you nations” Psalm 48:1. Not then you only who are here. For of what power is our voice so to cry out, as that all nations may hear? For Our Lord Jesus Christ has proclaimed it through the Apostles, has proclaimed it in so many tongues that He sent; and we see this Psalm, which before was only repeated in one nation, in the Synagogue of the Jews, now repeated throughout the whole world, throughout all Churches; and that…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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