Psalm 119 (118):109Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If, on holy days, we leave the church to engage in secular matters, strolling through the city for business and socializing, it indicates that we have not placed our souls under His watch. When we gather for the Divine Liturgy and turn away from prayers and hymns to discuss worldly issues, it reveals that we have not genuinely committed our souls to God.

Pay heed to the addition: Blessed are those who uphold His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart (Psalm 117:2). This phrase seems to reiterate the previously mentioned blessedness. To deeply engage with the Lord's testimonies and to seek Him wholeheartedly is synonymous with walking blamelessly in His ways. He continues by stating, 'For those who practice wickedness do not traverse His paths' (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we observe that some who engage in wrongdoing scrutinize the Lord’s testimonies, favoring knowledge over righteousness, while others examine them not out of righteous living but to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals, not yet walking blamelessly in the Lord’s law, have yet to experience true blessedness.

It is affirmed in this psalm: those who do wickedly do not walk in His paths (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with divine assistance, that which is rightly expressed is also comprehended correctly, lest we mislead the listener. We must remember the saints declare, 'If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us' (1 John 1:8-9). It raises the question—are we to think the saints do not follow the Lord’s ways, since sin is wickedness, and those engaged in wrongdoing do not walk in His paths? Or, since they undoubtedly walk with the Lord, are we to conclude they are free of sin, which is certainly a falsehood? This is not merely to prevent arrogance. Otherwise, it would have been stated, 'Humility is not in us'; instead, the subsequent clarifying words remove any uncertainty. Blessed John affirms, 'If we confess our sins, He, being faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness' (1 John 1:9).

What does it mean when he states: You have charged us with observing Your commandments excessively? (Psalm 118:4). Have we demanded too much from You? Or have we forgotten something? Regardless of our interpretation, the meaning contrasts with the esteemed adage praised by both Greek and Latin philosophers: avoid excess. Yet, within Latin, the term 'nimis' can imply a significant degree, meaningful in scriptural context. When claiming, 'I love you too much,' we imply a deep affection rather than an excess.

If only my paths were made straight so that I might keep Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed accepted the burden: Oh, if I could comprehend what that entails. When you hear this, recognize the sincerity in these words and, upon realizing the intent, cast aside any sense of pride. Who claims they earnestly desire what lies within their power to achieve without assistance? If one aspires to fulfill God’s commands, they must earnestly seek His help to fulfill them.

And as long as I adhere to all Your commandments, I will not be ashamed (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view God’s commandments like a mirror, as described by the Apostle James (James 1:23-25). This person yearns to see themselves accurately reflected in God’s commandments, desiring to act upon them rather than merely listening. Hence, they seek to align their paths and follow the statutes of God. Yet how can one achieve such alignment without divine grace? If they do not look to the law of God, they will find it a source of confusion rather than joy.

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with sincerity of heart, for I shall understand Your righteous judgements (Psalm 117:7). This represents not a confession of sins but an expression of praise, akin to the sentiment in which it is declared, 'I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth' (Matthew 11:25), and as noted in the book of Ecclesiasticus: 'So praise all the works of God, for they exhibit great goodness' (Sirach 39:15-16). He acknowledges, 'I will confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.' Indeed, if my paths are corrected, I will give You glory for it is Your praise and not my own.

Furthermore, he states: I will observe Your decrees (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? 'Do not forsake me even in abundance!' Some manuscripts say, 'not excessively.' Despite humanity’s transgressions in a world steeped in sin, God would have abandoned it entirely were it not for the profound remedy provided through His grace in Christ Jesus; thus, through His prayer, God does not forsake the world even excessively, for God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

This self-surrender inspires him to engage in righteous actions and imbues him with moral fortitude. Every endeavor he undertakes may be fraught with risks or unpleasant outcomes. Consider fasting—how many apprehensions arise as one begins! There may be discomfort or illness, or work may falter, and doubts abound! Yet, one who has entrusted his soul to God's care refuses to be shaken by such fears. This principle applies to all matters and throughout life. For those lacking surrender to God's will, each step becomes perilous, fraught with hazards and adversities (Proverbs 26:13). They stray from the true path, mistakenly believing they escape trials, yet in doing so, they only deepen their troubles. In contrast, the righteous, emboldened like a lion (Proverbs 28:1), proceeds confidently, aware that the Almighty Guardian is perpetually present with him. Anxiety linked to virtue often troubles those who attempt to orchestrate their futures independently. Just as every self-devised scheme for security proves to be as insubstantial as a spider's web—an insight acquired through repeated trials—such individuals cannot rely on their own strategies. While they may devise plans and set them in motion, these efforts ultimately waver like trembling leaves. This is the fate of all who depend solely on themselves. God withholds assistance from them, as they do not yield their souls to Him. It is as if He communicates, “You wish to manage everything in your life through your own means; thus, you may handle it alone! I am not your aid.” This divine response serves to caution the overconfident, urging them to consider the failures of their methods and seek more steadfast foundations. But where can such foundations be found, if not within the providential guidance of God? Therefore, surrender your trajectory to the Lord and focus entirely on fulfilling His commandments in all situations. By acting in this manner, you will attain peace and experience success, provided the Lord chooses to bestow it upon you.

Yet, to ease my burdens, deliver me from my current troubles, listen to my prayers, and grant me inner wisdom and strength to rightly discern Your law. My life hangs precariously, surrounded by threats, but I cling to Your law; it is a cherished legacy to me and the source of my joy. Trusting that I will receive a reward, I have made the commitment to observe Your commandments.