Psalm 119 (118):108Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, what is not compelled by divine law but arises from a loving disposition toward God is rightly labeled as voluntary.

Often, when faced with trials and tribulations, we promise God, ‘I will enter Thy house with a burnt-offering, I will fulfil before Thee my vows, which my mouth hath spoken, and my tongue hath uttered in my affliction’ (Psalms 65:13, 14). It is essential that we honor these promises. Additionally, "voluntary" encompasses actions taken that exceed God's commandments. For instance, the divine commandment allows one to be married to one spouse, as it states, ‘let all marriages be honest and the bed blameless, but God will judge fornicators and adulterers’ (Hebrews 13:4). Choosing to remain a virgin is an act of one's free will. Similarly, while we are permitted to enjoy food, clothing, and shelter, choosing to practice asceticism is a voluntary commitment. If we aspire to lead a life of solitude or monasticism, that too reflects our voluntary choice. Therefore, the prophet prays for those who wish to undertake such endeavors, that they may find success in their pursuits.

Consider now the continuation: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). This statement appears to refer only to the previously mentioned group of the blessed. To delve into the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly constitutes blamelessness in the journey, embodying the act of walking in the law of the Lord. He then states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nevertheless, we recognize that those who commit iniquity may indeed study the Lord's testimonies, drawn more by the desire for knowledge than for righteousness. Others may examine God’s testimonies not because they live righteously, but to discern the proper way of life. Such individuals have not yet achieved blamelessness in the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they are not yet part of the blessed.

The words written in this psalm are truthful: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, aided by God, who holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that a notion correctly stated is not misinterpreted. We must take care lest all the saints, who declare, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), might be perceived as failing to walk in the ways of the Lord. Given that sin is a transgression, those who commit evil cannot possibly be seen as walking in His ways; or conversely, since they clearly do walk in the Lord's ways, it might seem they have no sin, which is undoubtedly untrue. This teaching serves not only to combat arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would not mention that “truth is not in us” but say instead, “humility is not in us.” The subsequent clarification offered by blessed John dispels any ambiguity: “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 mean when it is said, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have you taken too much? Or perhaps left too little? No matter how we interpret this, it seems to convey the opposite of that revered principle praised by the Greeks in their philosophers, and similarly esteemed by the Romans: "Do nothing in excess." The Latin word "nimis" occasionally appears in Scripture and is often used in common discourse to convey significant meaning. So, when we read "you have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much," it reflects a common understanding. If we express to a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an excess that is inappropriate; instead, we intend great depth of feeling.

Oh, if only, he laments, my actions were made so straight that I might keep Your statutes (Psalm 118:5). You have certainly accepted this responsibility; what a noble aspiration this represents. When you hear this, recognize that it is the voice of willingness; having acknowledged this expression of desire, discard the arrogance of presumption. Who among us truly believes that we can attain what we desire—namely, to adhere to God’s commands—without divine assistance? Hence, if one yearns for what God commands, they ought to beseech God 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, as James instructs (James 1:23-25). This individual longs to see themselves reflected in the commandments of God without confusion, as they strive not merely to listen to them but to act upon them. This is why they desire their paths to align with the statutes of God. But how can one achieve such alignment without the grace of God? Absent this, the law of God becomes less a source of joy and more a source of disarray if they gaze upon commandments they do not follow.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with a sincere heart; in this way I will understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not one of sins but rather an expression of praise; similar to, “I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as noted in Ecclesiasticus: “Confess all the works of God, for they are exceedingly good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He states, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my actions are made right, I will offer my praises to You because it is Your work and not mine.

Furthermore, he continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much,” or as some translations state, “not even excessively.” Despite God’s apparent abandonment of the world during its sinful wanderings, He would have completely forsaken it without the strong remedy of grace provided through our Lord Jesus Christ. Following the prayer uttered by the body of Christ, God chosen not to abandon it excessively, for indeed, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Since there are both deliberate and unintentional sins, it is possible to err with our speech, not out of willfulness but due to bias or ignorance. Thus, I ask for Your acceptance only of those words spoken with intent, such as the promise to uphold Your judgments. Theodoret, Eusebius, and Origen note that while many virtues are defined by divine statutes, some arise from personal effort—what they refer to as gifts. In these teachings, chastity and righteousness are outlined by the Gospel, while virginity, asceticism, monasticism, and hermitic life are acts of commitment that transcend the law. These are regarded as voluntary, for which I seek Your gracious acceptance. As St. Cyril asserts, virtue is not governed by authority but is a matter of choice, liberated from any coercion. Such is the nature of David's supplication to God, who seeks His favor only for his voluntary offerings.

The esteemed Theodoret remarked that while many virtues are set forth by Divine laws, they also include elements of personal commitment and goodwill. Similarly, there were designated sacrifices as well as voluntary ones. Sin offerings and guilt offerings, along with those for unintentional transgressions, were commanded by the law; these were rendered to God as obligations, whereas offerings given out of goodwill were categorized as gifts. In our time, chaste living and just behavior are instructed by the Gospel; however, acts such as celibacy, refraining from marriage, generosity, a life of solitude, and wilderness dwelling represent voluntary actions that lie beyond the law's requirements. The Prophet refers to such acts as “free” because they are not bound by legal duty but stem from a loving desire for God, thus they are rightly termed “free.”

This loving desire for God can manifest in any good deed. When an opportunity arises to assist others, some may act according to the measure set by the apostle, ensuring their own needs are not compromised while helping others, whereas others may go beyond that measure, surrendering everything to another, relying solely on God's protection. Those who do so bear the spontaneous fruit of a loving will for God. It is also essential to pray to God, and neglecting to pray equates to transgressing God's commandment; yet the depth of one’s prayer is determined by this loving desire: each individual, with the guidance of their spiritual mentor, adopts a prayer regimen and can adjust this as needed. Therefore, a person who commits to praying for a set duration, say a quarter hour or an hour, and then extends this time instead, offering prayers for half an hour, an hour, or even two, is providing the “free” offering of a disposition filled with love for God. This principle holds true in all other endeavors. The expressions of a loving will ought to be invigorated in every action. We often fall into the trap of reducing everything to formality. Actions performed with genuine enthusiasm, free from external motives, aimed solely at pleasing God, may start off with great fervor and focus, but this passion can fade over time, diminishing with repetition, eventually leading to actions performed devoid of heartfelt involvement—a mere exterior form remains. Though good may be accomplished, if the heart is unengaged, it is as if nothing has truly been done, for God perceives what lies within the heart, and if there is no activity there, He does not acknowledge it. Countless efforts and labors remain unfruitful due to this disconnect! It is akin to scattering seeds carelessly over pathways instead of sowing them purposefully. To prevent such occurrences, wise spiritual leaders encourage acting as if each endeavor is the first: renew your commitment daily. This applies universally to the pursuit of a good life as it too can devolve into mere ritual, just as in every specific instance. Regardless of the number of times you tread the righteous path, maintain the spirit as if you are embarking anew; regardless of how often you perform a virtuous act, engage in it as if you are doing it for the very first time. In this manner, you will consistently present to God the offering of your loving will—a living sacrifice bestowed with sincere zeal, and this alone holds immense significance in the eyes of God.

I have been enlightened by Your commandments, for they shine as a beacon in the dark journey of my life, which fuels my determination to observe them. Yet, to ease my burdens, deliver me from my current troubles, hear my cries, and provide me with internal strength and understanding to properly grasp Your law. My life hangs by a thread every moment; I am trapped in mortal dangers, but I remain anchored to Your law. It is a cherished legacy to me and the source of my heart’s delight. With the conviction that I will be rewarded for my faithfulness, I have chosen to uphold Your commandments. My soul is in my hands, exposed to threats, continuously at risk from the enemy.