Psalm 119 (118):106Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Ecclesiastes notes, "he gathered to himself silver and gold and jewels from kings and regions; he made himself gardens and groves, he made himself pools of water, and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit" (Ecclesiastes 2:8, 5, 11). Therefore, invoking God's name in such trivial pursuits constitutes the misuse of an oath and displays unrighteousness. Furthermore, the Lord states, "I say unto you, swear not at all" (Matt. 5:34), and His disciple James adds, "But above all, my brethren, do not swear either by heaven or by earth, or with any other oath" (James 5:12). Just as there is the commandment against murder and offense, there is also the commandment against swearing.

Listen closely to the following words: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems that this declaration refers solely to the previously mentioned group of the blessed. To explore the testimonies of the Lord and wholeheartedly seek Him is synonymous with being blameless in one's journey, embodying the law of the Lord. He continues, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). While we know that wicked individuals do indeed assess the testimonies of the Lord—opting for knowledge over virtue—and that others study the testimonies not out of righteousness but to discern how they ought to live, such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in God's law and, thus, remain unblessed.

It is affirmed in this Psalm, and it is undeniably true: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with divine assistance, as we rely on God, who governs both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), that what is correctly stated is also comprehended appropriately so as not to confuse the reader or listener. We should caution against dismissing all saints, whose profound words declare, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9). One might conclude either that they do not walk in the Lord's ways, for sin is evil and those who engage in evil do not follow His path, or conversely, given their evident adherence to the Lord's ways, one may wrongly conclude that they are sinless, which is obviously incorrect. This assertion is not merely intended to avert arrogance; otherwise, it would not have included the declaration, "And truth is not in us," rather than "Humility is not in us." The subsequent clarification indeed illuminates the intent and dispels any ambiguity, as blessed John subsequently states, "If we confess our sins, He, being faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What does it signify when it says, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have you imposed an excessive burden? Or have we fallen short? Whichever interpretation we accept, it appears contrary to the well-regarded and noble principle extolled by philosophers, advocating moderation in all things. Yet, the Latin language at times employs the term "nimis" in a manner that resonates with scripture and is profoundly understood in our dialogues. In acknowledging this, if we were to tell a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an excess beyond what is appropriate but rather a deep affection.

Oh, how he laments, "If only my ways were directed to observe Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken it upon Yourself: "O, if only I could grasp Your intentions." When you hear this, recognize the utterance of one who desires earnestly; upon recognizing this expression of longing, you must cast aside prideful conceit. For who can claim to desire with sincerity what lies within their power to achieve without divine assistance? Thus, one who yearns for compliance with God’s commandments should fervently pray for divine aid in fulfilling them.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to perceive God's commandments as a mirror when they are recited or recalled, akin to the teaching of the Apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual yearns to reflect God's commandments resolutely, ensuring clarity rather than confusion, for they choose to be not merely hearers, but doers of the Word. This person thus seeks to align their ways with the statutes of God. But how can one achieve such alignment save by the grace of God? Without this grace, one may find in God’s law not a source of joy but a cause for confusion if they neglect to adhere to the commandments.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the sincerity of my heart; in this, I will understand the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not of transgressions but rather a declaration of praise, as echoes in, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25) and the wisdom in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). Here, the psalmist declares, "I confess to You as guided by my heart." Indeed, if my paths are aligned, I shall proclaim Your praises, for it is You who accomplishes this, and the glory belongs to You, not to me.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). However, what comes next? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts read, "not excessively." Despite God seemingly abandoning the world in the wilderness of sin, He would have abandoned it to a greater degree, had it not been for the profound remedy of grace bestowed through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet according to this prayer from the body of Christ, He does not forsake it, not even excessively, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Origen: The term set indicates a firm resolve, while swore reflects the unchanging nature of such a decree and the certainty of its execution. The righteous individual proclaims: I have established for my soul the judgments of God, and upon establishing them, the following will come to pass: the thoughts of the righteous are judgments (Proverbs 12:5).

However, with regard to the adherence to the fundamental commandments, a steadfast commitment is essential—one must even be willing to face death if required, stating firmly: “I have sworn and resolved.” Such commitment is rooted in love, which requires us to disregard all else that might disrupt its peace and perfection. It is also imperative to seek repentance for the purity of chastity, faith, temperance, and integrity; these virtues demand unwavering diligence, and any deviation from them is to be condemned.

As for physical disciplines, which Scripture notes are “of little use” (1 Tim. 4:8), we must come to a decision. If an opportunity for greater godliness arises that necessitates setting aside these exercises, we should not be constrained by any law but should freely embrace more fruitful pursuits. While it poses no risk to pause these bodily practices momentarily, it is perilous to neglect adherence to the key commandments even for a brief period.

‘Preserve the destinies of Thy righteousness’ - this encompasses the awards and decrees of God’s justice, identical to the divine will revealed in His holy word. Anyone who affirms such a resolution and earnestly seeks to remain true to their commitment will choose death over breaking their promise. This is evident in the lives of martyrs, ascetics, and all those who excel in a life of holiness. This fervor is the essence of a devout and virtuous life. It resembles the steam engine that drives trains or powers ships; its vitality ensures the continuity and growth of spiritual life. St. Isaac the Syrian speaks extensively about faith's initial manifestation, which brings forth a healthy fear, embedding in the mind the solemn awareness that the sinner must eventually stand before the just Judge, whose judgment knows no deceit. This fear stirs the conscience and, alongside it, guides the sinner towards repentance. The essence of repentance is clear: I have sinned - please forgive; I will not falter, even in the face of death. This determination to please God is as unyielding as death itself, driven by an insatiable fervor. Thus, the first offspring of faith is born! Once zeal is born from faith, it illuminates the entire path for the seeker. It instructs what should be generally done, how to act in specific instances when choices abound, how to respond when circumstances favor our mission, and how to persevere amid opposition. Therefore, one who walks in the light of faith, grasping the entirety of God's revealed will without hesitation, traverses the path as if in the brilliance of a radiant sun, ensuring they will not stumble. The journey of such a person is formidable; their faith, eliminating doubt, channels their strength toward a singular purpose while enabling them to flourish in diverse ways. Genuine faith overlooks hindrances; it rises above all, unshaken by fear. Did the fiery furnace obstruct the bold sprouts, or could the den of lions deter Daniel? Did the holy martyrs allow the harrowing torments that lay before them to dissuade them? Did the terrors of the wilderness instigated by the ancient foes of salvation deter the ascetics from following the Lord? “In all things we are more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37), states the holy Apostle. Such is the fervor ignited and encouraged by faith! Do you wish to thrive? - Pray: Lord, grant me unwavering and steadfast faith!

I have been illuminated by Your decrees since they shine a light on the shadowy paths I traverse, compelling me to follow them. To ease my burdens, deliver me from my current afflictions; hear my cries and grant me the insight and strength to grasp Your law fully. My existence hangs in the balance with every moment; I am ensnared in peril, yet I cling to Your commandments, considering them a treasured inheritance and the source of my joy. With the assurance of receiving a divine reward, I have dedicated myself to faithfully keep Your commands.