Psalm 119 (118):107Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Acknowledging that throughout our lives we continually stumble into sin (for before the Lord, no one is entirely free from blemish, even if they live but a single day on this earth), we should particularly embrace weeping, tears, self-denial, and the weariness of the body. This indeed embodies what humility ‘to the utmost’ entails. When the prophet states, ‘revive me according to Thy word,’ he is petitioning not for a life that requires mere sustenance, but for a life of purpose, action, virtue, and adherence to the commandments of God.

Now, consider the addition: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It seems evident that this too refers to the same blessed category previously mentioned. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness on the path and to live in accordance with His statutes. Following this, it states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we recognize that those who commit wickedness may examine the Lord’s testimonies, as they often choose knowledge over virtue. Similarly, others may scrutinize His testimonies not out of righteousness but to discern how they ought to walk. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly within the law of the Lord, and thus, they have not reached the state of blessedness.

The psalm declares the truth: “They that do evil walk not in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, with God’s aid, in whose hands our very essence resides (Wisdom 7:16), we must strive not to allow misinterpretation of what is rightly proclaimed to confuse the listener. We ought to bear in mind that all saints assert, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9). This could lead to the misconception that all saints do not walk in the way of the Lord since sin is inherently evil, and those who practice evil do not follow His path. Alternatively, given the undeniable truth that they do walk in the ways of the Lord, it might be assumed they are free from sin, a notion that is unequivocally false. This caution is not merely to prevent pride; otherwise, it would have been stated that humility is absent. Rather, John’s subsequent words clarify the intention, leaving no room for misunderstanding: “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 is meant by the question: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have we been too generous or perhaps too sparing? Regardless of interpretation, the essence appears contrary to that well-known counsel praised by the Greek philosophers and esteemed by the Latins: “Do nothing in excess.” Yet, Latin sometimes employs “nimis” to convey a meaning present in Scripture, understood in everyday conversation. Thus, when we interpret the phrase “thou hast accused us of keeping Thy commandments too much,” it carries a significant implication; when we tell a dear friend, “I love thee too much,” it does not mean we love excessively but deeply.

“Oh, if only,” he expresses, “my ways would be so aligned that I might keep Thy decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken on the responsibility; oh, if only I could fully grasp that which You have undertaken. As you hear this, recognize the sincere yearning behind the words and cast aside the arrogance of presumptive pride. Who claims to desire that which lies within their own ability without divine assistance? Therefore, if one longs for what God commands, they must earnestly pray for God to enable them to fulfill His will.

“I will not be shamed as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). When we reflect on the commandments of God, whether in reading or remembrance, we ought to perceive them as a mirror, following the apostle James’ analogy (James 1:23-25). This individual seeks to reflect God’s commandments in such a manner that avoids confusion; he chooses to be not merely a hearer but a doer. For this reason, his desire is to align his pathways with God’s statutes. How might one achieve rectitude if not through the grace of God? Without it, he will encounter not joy but confusion upon inspecting commandments he does not observe.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the integrity of my heart; in this, I will learn the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not one of sin but rather a declaration of praise; akin to the words proclaimed, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as written in Ecclesiasticus: “Confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He professes his acknowledgment to You, guided by his heart. Indeed, if my ways are rightly aligned, I will confess to You because it is Your work and a testament to Your glory, not mine.

He continues: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). What follows is significant: “O leave me not even too much!” or, as some manuscripts record, “not even excessively.” For God has not completely abandoned the world ensnared in sin; He would have wholly abandoned it had it not been sustained by the powerful remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. However, according to the prayer of Christ’s body, God did not forsake it even slightly; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Theodora expresses: Extreme humility is akin to the acknowledgment of sins; only one with profound humility can honestly condemn themselves without shame. The divine word reassures us of life for such individuals, as God bestows mercy and compassion upon those who confess their sins: confess to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.

I am spiritually dead to all that is holy: ‘But give me life, O Lord, according to Your word.’ For You have spoken: ‘I live; I do not desire the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways…and I live to guide them away’ (Ezekiel 33:11). I long to be transformed – so transform me! And I, who am crushed and lifeless, seek restoration – give me life according to Your word! If You do not assist me, ‘in a little while, my soul shall descend into the pit’ (Psalm 93:17).

‘The prophet, as Blessed Theodoret notes, did not merely say: ‘I humble myself,’ but rather, ‘I humble myself to the point of evil.’ He stated this as both a king and a prophet, having gained boldness through virtue, possessing wealth, and having triumphed over all his adversaries. Yet, in this, he chose not to rely on his own wisdom, strength, or righteousness. He sought life from the source of all life, not an unreasoned existence, but one aligned with the law that finds its honor in the divine statutes. They understand that this involves a partnership between free will and divine grace; however, having repeatedly found that ‘if I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want, I keep on doing’ (Rom. 7:18), they do not place their reliance on their own will but expect everything from God’s gracious assistance. Therefore, they seek this aid primarily through prayer, attributing all their efforts to it, claiming no credit for themselves, and consistently regarding themselves as nothing, regardless of how others may perceive their perfection. Humility characterizes those who excel. As one achieves more, humility deepens. When you start to see yourself as righteous, be aware that you have regressed. This also aligns with the teachings of the elders – to avoid self-evaluation, for it is evident that those who do not assign value to themselves have nothing to measure, and once one begins to measure, they realize their own significance. This is why the elders emphasize the initial prayer, which they advise others to repeat: ‘Grant me, Lord, to see my transgressions and to mourn them continually with a contrite spirit, regarding myself as nothing, considering myself lower than any man, deserving of all contempt “here” and all suffering “there.” Teach me solely through Your grace to earnestly seek help and to place my hope for salvation in Your unchanging goodness, which desires that none should perish.’

I have been enlightened by Your commandments, for they guide me through the dark moments of my life; thus, I am resolved to adhere to them. However, please alleviate my present sufferings and hear my cries. Illuminate my understanding and strengthen me to grasp Your law fully. My life hangs in peril, ensnared by threats, but I cling to Your law, which I cherish as a precious gift—the source of my joy. In faith, I commit to faithfully observing Your commandments, anticipating the blessings that will follow. I acknowledge the sacrifices of my lips in prayer, recognizing that my soul is at great risk, open and vulnerable, subject to danger with every moment.