Psalm 119 (118):122Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The remarkable Joseph faced such accusations, along with many others. The Lord instructs us to pray not to fall into temptation, making it appropriate for the prophet to voice this request. The maligning from those who are proud and powerful is particularly painful, for falsehood, when backed by strength, inflicts significant harm.

Now, listen to the additional words: "Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other type of blessedness is articulated here beyond that which has already been noted. For to scrutinize the Lord’s testimonies and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness on the path; it means to adhere to the law of the Lord. Subsequently, it is stated, "For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, it is evident that evildoers examine the Lord’s testimonies, favoring knowledge over righteousness; similarly, others study His testimonies not because they currently lead virtuous lives, but to discern how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and thus they have not yet attained true blessedness.

It is affirmed in this Psalm: "They that do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nevertheless, we must strive, with divine assistance, through whom our very being and words exist (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is accurately stated is not misunderstood by readers or listeners. We must guard against the implication that all saints are unable to walk in the Lord’s ways, since sin is an evil and those who do evil cannot be said to walk in His ways. Or, if they certainly walk in the Lord’s ways, one might incorrectly conclude they are sinless, which is indeed false. This is not mentioned merely to prevent arrogance; otherwise, it would not have included the phrase, "and the truth is not in us." They would have asserted, "Humility is not in us," especially since the subsequent words clarify the meaning and eliminate uncertainty. After stating this, blessed John continues, "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 the significance of the phrase: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Did you take on too great a burden? Or did you demand too much? Whichever interpretation we consider, it seems to contrast with that admirable principle praised by Greek thinkers and equally extolled by Latin scholars: "Do nothing excessively." Nevertheless, the Latin language sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a way that can enrich our understanding, particularly here, where the accusation suggests we uphold Your commandments too fervently. When we say to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we are not implying an excess but rather an abundance.

Oh, if only, he states, "my ways would become so straight that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed undertaken a significant burden: Oh, if I could truly comprehend the depth of what you have undertaken. When you hear this, recognize the fervent yearning expressed, and upon understanding this desire, abandon any prideful presumption. For who truly desires what is within their grasp to achieve without divine assistance? Therefore, if one seeks to fulfill God's commands, it is essential to petition Him for the ability to do so.

And "I will not be put to shame while I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to reflect on God's commandments, whether we hear them read or recall them, as one gazes into a mirror, akin to the apostle James' portrayal (James 1:23-25). This individual longs to align himself with God's commandments as one looks into a mirror, undisturbed, for he strives not just to hear but to act upon them. This is why he desires his paths to be straight and to adhere to God's statutes. But how may one achieve straight paths if not through God's grace? Otherwise, he will find that the law of God offers confusion rather than joy, should he attempt to examine commandments he does not intend to follow.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the sincerity of my heart; in this, I shall understand the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession isn't an acknowledgment of sins but rather of praise, as expressed, "In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as written in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). "I confess to You," he states, "according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my paths are aligned, I will confess to You, for it is Your doing, deserving of praise, not mine.

Furthermore, he adds, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But then he implores: "Do not forsake me, not even too much!" or, as some versions translate, "Not at all excessively." Yet, since God abandoned the world amid its sins, He would have forsaken it significantly if not for the strong remedy provided through the grace of God in our Lord Jesus Christ; for now, according to this prayer of the body of Christ, He has not forsaken it even too greatly, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Concerning those who inflict harm, the prophet advises, “Thou shalt not betray,” and in regard to the slanderers, he suggests “perceive,” meaning to uplift me to such a place that the arrows of defamation cannot reach me. It indicates that even among those who engage in slander, God’s protection may seem insufficient to shield one from the onslaught of these venomous arrows. The call to “Receive for good” signifies an invitation into divine favor and attention. To rise above the reach of slanderous arrows is not merely a physical elevation, but rather an elevation of spirit—the cultivation of a positive perception and even its enhancement. The Lord possesses numerous ways to achieve this, often demonstrating it in action; however, He does not always choose to avert slander, although He embraces the one wronged with goodwill. Often, He allows the slander to propagate its malicious effects among people, while simultaneously bestowing a sense of His favor upon the afflicted, who may even discover a blessing amid the slander itself. In such cases, the stings of slander do not penetrate the heart; their arrows may whiz by or strike but rebound without inflicting any wounds. This blessing is a direct gift from God to the one maligned; it cannot be achieved through mere willpower or self-soothing thoughts. This is the longing expressed by the prophet. The foundation of hope that God will heed this plea lies in devoted service and adhering to His sacred commandments. Thus, he proclaims: “Receive Thy servant.” Diligent service to God, coupled with an untarnished conscience, inspires the courage to seek divine intervention in moments of defamation, and it brings profound comfort to the heart. Slander does not harm the innocent or those loyal to God; instead, it intensifies their focus on the Divine and ignites a deeper zeal to remain steadfast. Conversely, one aware of their transgressions is akin to being ensnared in slander. Comfort may eventually arrive, but only through genuine and immediate repentance that restores boldness before God.

I have yearned for the fulfillment of Your promise, which is based on truth, rewarding and punishing; do not let Your mercy abandon me; grant me insight into Your law. Now is the time, O Lord, to reveal Yourself to Your enemies and mine, for they disregard Your law. But I hold it in the highest regard; I strive to govern my life by it, and I despise all disobedience to it. I reform myself in alignment with all Your commandments, and I seek to walk a straight path according to the standard of Your precepts.