Consider what follows: “Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that the blessed ones referenced here are the same as those previously mentioned. To scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord and to pursue Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness on the path; it signifies walking according to the law of the Lord. He also remarks, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). It is evident that those who commit wrongdoings may inquire into the testimonies of the Lord not out of a commitment to righteousness, but out of a desire for knowledge, aiming to discern how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord and, for this reason, have yet to attain blessedness.
The Psalm states plainly: “They that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s assistance, taking account of our words and actions (Wisdom 7:16), that the precise message conveyed is not misinterpreted. We ought to be cautious lest we imply that 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), do not walk in the ways of the Lord, given that sin is indeed evil, and those who do wrong cannot be said to walk in His ways. Alternatively, since it is evident that they do walk in the Lord's ways, one might wrongly conclude that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly untrue. This statement is not merely made to avert arrogance and pride; otherwise, it could have read, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent words clarify this meaning and dispel doubts, for 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 meant by the accusation: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too much or given too little? Regardless of how we interpret this, the sentiment seems contrary to the esteemed principle extolled by the Greeks and Latins alike: “Do nothing excessively.” Yet, the Latin idiom sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a profound manner; thus, in this context, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much” implies a significant commitment, understood rightly. When we express to a beloved friend, “I love you too much,” we do not imply an inappropriate excess, but rather an abundance of affection.
He exclaims, “Oh that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!” (Psalm 118:5). You have truly embraced this task: Oh, if only I could fulfill what you have taken upon yourself. When you hear this, recognize the earnestness in the words and allow this expression of desire to dispel any prideful pretense. Who claims to desire what is within their capability without seeking assistance? Therefore, if one longs to obey God’s commands, they ought to beseech Him to enable fulfillment of those commands.
“I will not be put to shame while I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God’s commandments as a mirror when they are read or recalled, as James notes (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to truly model their life on the commandments of God, viewing them as a mirror without experiencing confusion; they choose to be doers rather than mere hearers. Thus, he earnestly desires to align his paths and uphold the decrees of God. How can one achieve straightness, if not through the grace of God? If one attempts to measure themselves against God’s law without that grace, they may only find confusion rather than joy.
“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the integrity of my heart; in this, I shall understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is not merely a confession of sins, but one of praise. Similar to how it is written, “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, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he asserts, according to the integrity of my heart. Indeed, when my ways are made right, my confession will be directed to You because You have accomplished it, and what remains is Your praise, not mine.
He continues, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or as some manuscripts phrase it, “not even excessively.” Given that God once withdrew from the world lost in sin, He could have entirely abandoned it without the sustaining grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; however, in accordance with this prayer from Christ’s body, God has not forsaken it even too much, for “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
THEOSIS