Psalm 119 (118):126Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

2. Now, pay attention to what follows: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other group of the blessed is referenced here aside from the one already mentioned. To examine the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to be blameless on the path, to walk in the law of the Lord. Then it continues, "For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we know that those who commit iniquity often study the testimonies of the Lord, preferring knowledge over righteousness. We also recognize that others investigate the testimonies of the Lord, not because they live righteously but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they are not blessed.

3. The truth is evident in this psalm: "Those who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God's assistance, as we acknowledge that both we and our words are in His hands (Wisdom 7:16), to avoid any confusion for readers or hearers regarding what is rightly stated but perhaps misunderstood. We should be cautious lest we conclude that all the saints, who declare, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), either do not walk in the ways of the Lord due to sin being evil, or are mistakenly believed to have no sin, which is certainly false. This is not merely to prevent arrogance and pride; otherwise, the phrase "And the truth is not in us" would have been replaced with "Humility is not in us." The subsequent verses clarify the meaning, dispelling any remaining doubt. After making this declaration, the blessed John states, "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).

4. What does it signify when it says, "You have accused us of following Your commandments too stringently"? (Psalm 118:4). Have You demanded too great a cost? Or perhaps let too much go? Regardless of the interpretation, it seems to contradict that noble adage commended by Greek sages and praised by the Latins: "Do nothing in excess." However, within the Latin tongue, the term "nimis" sometimes conveys a deeper meaning, as encountered in Scripture, thus enriching our discourse. In stating, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments excessively," we are challenged to understand a profound truth; when we tell a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply that our affection exceeds what is proper, but rather that it is overflowing.

5. "Oh, that my ways might be made straight so that I can keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, You have taken upon Yourself this challenge: if only I could fully comprehend what You have undertaken. When you hear this, understand the earnestness behind these words; recognizing such longing demands that we cast aside the arrogance of self-sufficiency. Who can sincerely desire what is achievable without divine help? Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, earnest prayer must accompany that desire, asking God to enable adherence to His commands.

6. "I will not be put to shame as long as I follow all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should view God's commandments as a mirror when they are read or recalled, as the apostle James suggests (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to reflect such a clarity in their life that they can observe God’s commandments without confusion, for they choose to be more than merely hearers; they are doers as well. Consequently, he yearns for his path to be straight as he endeavors to uphold God's statutes. How can one attain such straightness without relying on the grace of God? Otherwise, one might discover the law of God brings not joy, but disarray, should they fail to engage with its commandments.

7. "I will confess to You, O Lord, with the uprightness of my heart; I will know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of transgressions but an expression of praise; as echoed in the words, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as written in the book of Ecclesiasticus, "Confess all the works of God, for they are exceedingly good" (Sirach 39:15-16). "I confess to You," he states, in alignment with the integrity of my heart. Indeed, when my ways are made right, I will acknowledge You because it is You who has accomplished this, receiving honor not for myself but for Your praise.

8. He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what comes next? "O do not abandon me excessively!" or as some translations state, "Not even too much." Given that God momentarily distanced Himself from a world lost in sin, it is evident that had it not been for the powerful remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, His abandonment would have been even greater. However, in response to this plea from the body of Christ, He did not forsake the world excessively, for God was indeed in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

God, who governs all things with precision and measure, tolerates the sins of humanity for an extended period, but when He observes that the wickedness produced by His patience has increased, He administers justice at the right moment. The message remains the same: it is the time, O Lord, to assist the oppressed; it is the moment for You to bring forth justice; for the adversaries have universally disobeyed Your law. Furthermore, according to Bezimenny, this signifies the calling forth of a new people, stating that it is time to gather the nations, as those who have not received Your law, namely the uncircumcised Gentiles, have brought about ruin. For He has said, "In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in the day of salvation I have helped You."

Didyma noted that those who violate the law are not merely those who commit a single transgression, but many who promote various vices, particularly leaders or teachers among the people. Hence, it is essential to embrace truth and diligently strive towards holiness.

With such earnest concern, they fervently pray for the Lord to intervene amidst the overflowing wickedness, imploring Him to dismantle its stronghold and eradicate it. This is the position reflected in the verse from the holy prophet. With a heart laden with pain for God, he witnessed the boldness with which many disregarded God’s law, and in realizing the futility of his efforts against sin, he cried out in hope: "They have destroyed Your law, O Lord! It is time for You to act; human efforts will not suffice." He uses the term "time" to articulate the divine providential plans, noting that while God is patient with sin, there comes a moment when He punishes to curb escalating evil. There are many historical instances that illustrate this, such as the flood, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the defeat of Pharaoh’s forces, and the annihilation of the Canaanites. Remembering these events, the prophet exclaims: "the time." Blessed Theodoret interprets this by stating: "God, who governs all things with balance and order, tolerates human sin for a long while; but once He perceives that His forbearance leads to increased deceit, He metes out punishment." Thus, the prophet urges, "It is time, O Lord, to help those who have been wronged, for Your enemies have boldly violated Your law." This cry is driven by a zeal for God's glory, a love for humanity as brothers, and a deep sense of disgrace for the situation. Just as the actions of a few would bring shame to all Russians, the prophet, empathetic toward all humanity, laments the collective wickedness displayed before God, pleading with God to remove this shame lest he feel unworthy in His presence, burdened by the stain left by a people who have transgressed God's law. This sentiment echoes that of the prophet Isaiah, who, trembling in awe before the glory of God, expressed, "I dwell among a people of unclean lips." Our interpreters suggest that St. David spoke these words while filled with the prophetic spirit, anticipating the coming of the Son of God through Incarnation for our salvation, during a time marked by rampant evil and moral decay. His prayer is one longing for the arrival of the Redeemer. The affliction has become critical; it is the moment for the Supreme Healer to arrive and restore humanity from its ailment. St. Ambrose states, "Well said: ‘the time to create; for there is a time to tear and a time to mend’ (Ecclesiastes 3:7)." His declaration brings to remembrance that the time has come for the Lord's arrival. Given the broken law, may the Lord Jesus, the fulfillment of the law, at long last bring us forgiveness for our sins, and through His sacrifice, liberate all sinners from the weight of their transgressions. "It is time," the Lord declares, "to create." This urgency arises in the face of a deepening affliction that threatens a person's life, prompting them to seek the healer without delay, ensuring assistance arrives before it becomes impossible. A physician is particularly sought after when illness strikes with severe and relentless force. In similar fashion, the prophet, recognizing the moral ailments afflicting humanity, implores Christ, the one true Healer of such conditions, to hasten His arrival, for delay is no longer an option: "it is time to create." The phrase "the time to make time to the Lord," when taken out of context, may serve as an expression at the onset of any work dedicated to God, particularly in prayer. As one begins, they might remind themselves: "You have been occupied with worldly matters, now it is the moment to embark upon the work of God." These sentiments are often echoed in our worship practices at the start of the liturgy.

I have longed for the fulfillment of Your promise, which is grounded in truth, both rewarding and punishing; may Your mercy not abandon me, but grant me understanding of Your law. Now is the moment for You, O Lord, to reveal Yourself to my enemies, for they trample upon Your law. However, I love it above all else, striving to align my life with it, and I despise every act of disobedience. I adjust my conduct to all Your commandments and strive to walk in a straight path aligned with Your will.

This act is not devoid of the understanding that it carries a redemptive purpose, for it serves as a poignant reminder of the crucifixion that Christ endured for those who have strayed from God’s commandments and have provoked His wrath through their transgressions.