Psalm 119 (118):100Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The designation of elders is attributed to these Jewish educators, as they preceded the apostles in chronological terms; however, the apostles excelled them in their comprehension of both the law and the prophets, grasping their deeper spiritual significance. Consequently, the apostles perceived God’s commandments in their true and current context.

Now, consider what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no new category of the blessed is described here; rather, to study the Lord’s testimonies and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness on the path and to live in accordance with the law of the Lord. He goes on to say, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet it is evident that those who commit iniquity may scrutinize the Lord's testimonies, not out of a commitment to righteousness, but rather out of a desire to understand. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and, for this reason, have yet to experience true blessedness.

It is stated in this psalm, and holds true: "They that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God's assistance, in whose hand we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is accurately expressed does not confuse the reader or listener due to misunderstanding. For we must be cautious not to conclude that all saints, whose words express that "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), might be considered to not walk in the Lord’s ways since sin is indeed evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His paths; or, if they are known to walk in the ways of the Lord, that they have no sin, which is indisputably false. This assertion is not simply to prevent arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would have stated, "Humility is not in us," especially since the subsequent words clarify the meaning and address all doubts. Following this statement, the blessed John added, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What does it signify: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too large a sum, or left too much behind? No matter which interpretation we adopt, it seems contrary to that memorable and noble principle extolled by Greek sages and celebrated by Latins: "Do nothing in excess." Yet, the Latin tongue sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a manner that is profoundly meaningful, as seen in Scripture. In this context, when it is said, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments excessively," we grasp a significant truth; for when we tell a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an overabundance but rather a deeply profound affection.

"Oh, if only my ways would be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees!" (Psalm 118:5). You have assumed responsibility. Oh, how I long to realize the extent of what You have taken upon Yourself. When you hear this, recognize the willing heart within the words; having acknowledged this expression of desire, cast aside prideful presumption. For who claims to wish for what is within reach, believing it can be achieved without divine assistance? Therefore, if one wishes to fulfill what God commands, one ought to pray for the strength to do so.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God's commandments as a mirror when they are read or recalled, as the Apostle James suggests (James 1:23-25). This individual yearns to see himself reflected in God's commandments, desiring clarity and resolution, as he chooses to be a doer of the word, not merely a hearer. Consequently, he seeks to have his paths straightened and to uphold God's statutes. How can one achieve straightness without God’s grace? Otherwise, he will only find confusion in the law of God if he attempts to examine the commandments, which he does not follow.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with a sincere heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not regarding sins but rather an act of praise; as it is written, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as recorded in Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God, for they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He confesses unto You, acknowledging the guidance of his heart. Indeed, if my ways are made right, it will be a testament to Your work, calling for Your praise rather than my own.

He continues: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "Do not abandon me, nor cause me to stray!" or, in some versions, "Do not forsake me even in excess." Yet, although God distanced Himself from the world amid sinfulness, He would have forsaken it even further had it not been supported by such a powerful remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, according to the petition of Christ’s body, He did not forsake it too much, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

The adversaries of this community were the Jews, who consistently resisted the Christians, yet it was the same Jews who became the educators of believers from the Gentiles, enlightened through the Apostles regarding the one true God, imparting to them the writings of the law and the prophets. The Jews, being older, are acknowledged in Scripture as God’s firstborn, as expressed in Exodus 4:22. However, we Christians possess a greater insight into the law of God than the Jews, grasping its significance with greater clarity, which leads us to cherish this divine law deeply, especially because it foretells the coming of Christ. Theodoret observed that it is typical for kings to instruct, while subjects learn. Saul, though reigning and older, did not possess the sharpest intellect, as he sought to harm his benefactor. In contrast, the young David embraced knowledge. Origen points out that the one referred to as a teacher is also noted as the eldest later on. Bezimenny remarks that although Esau was the elder and rightful heir to the blessing, I, like Jacob, am a Christian, having yielded to the guidance of my spiritual mother, the Church or the heavenly Jerusalem, who is the mother of us all. I don the splendid garb symbolic of Esau, representing the ancient Jewish people, who strayed from humility and engaged with the wild. His garment is indeed beautiful, embodying the law and the prophets, and in such attire, I approach my spiritual Father, Christ, presenting Him humble offerings—gentle and rich sustenance; for my Father delights in humble food rather than savage prey. In this way, I claim the blessing of the original people and attain wisdom superior to the eldest.

Grace replenishes the years, and the wisdom of old age is made the property of not old age.” Since old age is characterized by “living unholy” (Prem. 4:9), the teachings stemming from unholy living embody the wisdom commonly associated with elders.

When Saint Jeremiah hesitated to accept his prophetic role due to his youth, he was told, “Speak not, as I am a boy” (Jeremiah 1:7). God's judgment did not regard him as merely a boy, for he possessed the wisdom of age, illuminated by the all-sustaining grace of God. Similarly, the grace of God filled the prophet David, enabling him to grasp divine works more deeply than an elder would. Why was he granted such grace? Because he actively sought God's commandments. From an early age, he made it his life's mission to delight in God through unwavering obedience to His laws, becoming a vessel capable of receiving the streams of divine wisdom poured into him. “Into the evil-doer's soul shall not enter wisdom” (Prem. 1:4). Just as people do not place precious fragrances in unclean or damaged containers, how would the Lord bestow heavenly wisdom upon a soul devoted to base desires and therefore tainted and fractured? If, in His abundance of grace, He chose to do so, that corrupted soul would be incapable of receiving such wisdom, as its thoughts are filled with trivial and misguided ideas. How could it embrace the profound truths of God? Its heart is entirely oriented toward earthly, sensual pursuits—how could it appreciate the goodness of pure, heavenly treasures, prioritize them, or even recognize their value? Having become accustomed to the earthly realm, it cannot fathom a different existence. Thus, how would it grasp teachings whose ultimate purpose lie in another life?

The prophet referred to himself as a seeker of God’s commandments not merely in pursuit of their understanding, but in striving to fulfill each commandment diligently, developing a proficiency in such a way that they transformed from mere external rules into intrinsic motivations of the heart. Naturally, the heart is inclined toward goodness, but the burdens of passions distort and corrupt it. When the active pursuit of divine commands restrains these passions and restores a disposition for good, the heart itself becomes a guide for determining the commandments' requirements in particular situations. Just as a skilled artist intuitively knows how to begin a project, what materials to choose, and which tools to employ, the one who earnestly seeks the commandments and masters their fulfillment intuitively understands how to act in various circumstances: active wisdom resides in their heart and conveys meaning. Therefore, what may be a subject of complex deliberation for others comes easily to them. Just as breathing is a natural act, so is the continuous reception of wise insights flowing from their heart.

Additionally, he notes that through this diligent study, he attained greater understanding than even the eldest and most learned: "I understand more than the aged, for I keep Your precepts" (Psalm 118:100). Beloved, "whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction" (Rom. 15:4). The Holy Prophet penned these words to guide and encourage us, so that through our continual reflection on the Lord's teachings, we too may discover and comprehend the path to salvation.

Your law is the focus of my deepest affection and continual reflection; through it, I have surpassed my foes, who frequently abandon their worldly wisdom, while Your law and its truth, being eternal, are always close to me. I have grown wiser than those around me and even those who profess to teach me flawed wisdom, viewing me as naive, while they reveal their own ignorance. Ultimately, I have gained greater insight than the most seasoned elders whose experience is limited to earthly matters. My understanding, shaped by my devotion to Your law, empowers me to shun evil, and Your law must be infinitely precious to me.