Psalm 119 (118):127Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, listen to what comes next: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this speaks to the same group already addressed. To study the testimonies of the Lord and pursue Him wholeheartedly is indeed to walk blamelessly along His path, in accordance with His law. He further declares, “For they who do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we know that those who act wickedly may examine the Lord’s testimonies, preferring knowledge over righteousness. Likewise, some may study the testimonies not because they live righteously, but so they can learn the right way to live. Such individuals do not walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord and, consequently, are not yet blessed.

The truth is affirmed in this psalm: “They who do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with divine assistance, acknowledging that both we and our words are in God's hand (Wisdom 7:16). It is important that what is articulated correctly is not misinterpreted, leading to confusion for the reader or listener. We must be cautious, lest all the saints, who teach us, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), be seen as incapable of walking in the Lord's ways since sin is indeed a manifestation of evil. Or, if we acknowledge that they do walk in His ways, we may erroneously conclude that they are without sin, which would be a falsehood. This statement is not made merely to prevent arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would assert, “Humility is not in us.” Yet the subsequent words clarify the intention and remove any potential misunderstanding. Following this, the blessed John emphasizes, “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 this mean when it states, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly” (Psalm 118:4)? Is it that we have overextended our commitments, or perhaps left something undone? In either case, this conveys the opposite of that admirable principle celebrated by both Greek and Latin sages, which counsels us to avoid excess. Nevertheless, the Latin language uses the term “nimis” in a context that resonates in Scripture, emphasizing meaning. In asserting that we keep Your commandments too much, we express a deep understanding. When we say to a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” we do not imply an excess, but rather a profound love.

“Ah, if only,” he cries, “my ways were made straight, that I might keep Your statutes” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this burden: O if only I could grasp what You have undertaken. When hearing this, recognize the willing words and cast aside the arrogance of overconfidence; no one can desire what is within their capacity without divine aid. Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, one ought to pray for the ability to fulfill those commands.

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We ought to consider God’s commandments as a mirror whenever they are recited or recalled, as the apostle James instructs (James 1:23-25). Here is one who wishes to reflect the commandments of God as in a mirror, avoiding confusion, since he not only desires to listen to them but also to act upon them. Consequently, he seeks to straighten his paths and to uphold God’s statutes. How can one be made straight other than by God’s grace? Without such grace, one will find in the law of God not a source of joy, but a cause for distress if they fail to engage with the commandments.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; in this I will know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not an admission of guilt, but rather an expression of praise; as it is written, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25). It is also noted in Ecclesiasticus: “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he declares, guided by my heart. Truly, if my paths are made just, I will confess to You because You have accomplished this; it is Your honor, not mine.

He continues, “I will keep Your statutes” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or in some copies, “not even excessively.” God has not abandoned a world lost in sin; yet, had it not been upheld by the powerful remedy of His grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, He would have forsaken it entirely. Nevertheless, in answer to this plea from the body of Christ, He has not forsaken it excessively, for God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

When Ptolemy's mother witnessed the completion of the divine Scriptures and laid eyes on this gem, she felt such joy that she valued it greatly in her collection. Some say that topaz resembles gold in color, which is why David included it with gold. Athanasius: These statements resonate with the following: "Good to me is the law of Your mouth more than thousands of gold and silver" and "Receive wisdom, not silver, and knowledge more precious than refined gold" (Prem. 8:10); for wisdom surpasses precious gems, and everything of great worth pales in comparison. Origen: This context ties to the concept of a time to create, suggesting that since it is a time to enact justice against those who violate Your law, O Lord, I have loved Your commandments more than all gems in my desire to avoid facing Your judgment at this time.

Amidst the forgetfulness of God and the waning of His glory among those who succumbed to sin, a true lover of God is not swept away by the tide of iniquity but is instead inspired to restore that glory through his commitment to the commandments. He reminds others that there exists a God zealous for righteousness who administers justice against wrongdoing. While the weak may be swayed by a hostile environment, the strong are empowered to withstand it.

For this reason, a faithful follower, grounded in commitment to the commandments, draws closer to God, establishing a profound connection with Him and becoming trustworthy. This individual lays bare their spiritual and tangible needs before God, speaking boldly and confidently, assured of being heard. Given that all things exist in and emanate from God, such faithfulness directs one toward the Source of all blessings, a wellspring that is perpetually accessible and abundant, allowing for spiritual nourishment. One who experiences this cannot help but be filled with a profound sense of fulfillment, which is the ultimate aim of human existence. How could we not cherish those commandments that elevate us to such heights? This is the singular requirement!

Human nature is complex, and each aspect possesses distinct needs that demand fulfillment inherent to its existence. Nevertheless, the most significant needs are those that guide individuals from the tangible to the divine, from earthly matters to heavenly pursuits, and from the temporal to the eternal. These needs reveal the standard for human living, and their universal nature, when adequately met, diminishes the urgency of all other demands, quieting their incessant call. Thus, satisfaction of these needs stands as the primary desire! One who achieves this state finds contentment even if lesser needs remain unmet or only partially fulfilled. Conversely, lacking this satisfaction yields a relentless struggle against other unfulfilled desires, leading to torment and confusion.

Upon losing the foremost satisfaction, one loses the clarity of direction for addressing those disruptive desires, leading to entanglement in diverse pursuits. This can result in a myriad of goals and means, resulting in a chaotic array of circumstances and mixed outcomes. Once trapped in this cycle, a person becomes restless, grappling with an identity muddled by actions without comprehension of purpose. This is the essence of vanity, an understanding that often arises only for those who have transcended it. The phrase “more desirable than gold and precious stones” signifies a value beyond all items that typically address other needs. The heart has withdrawn from those things after finding, through experience, that they do not truly satisfy but only exacerbate longing and desire. Conversely, adhering to the commandments brings tranquility to one’s entire being, leading the heart to cherish them above all other attractions.

While essential such as food, clothing, shelter, family, books, and art remain important, they do not command the heart to the extent of desiring their possession or mourning their absence excessively. Rather, these aspects serve as adjuncts, not the primary focus. Our time and energy might be allocated to them, yet only in proportion to their value compared to that central pursuit which consumes the heart. Why might some individuals find themselves discontent with their situation? It is because they have lost that fundamental connection; having explored everything else, they realize it fails to provide true satisfaction and thus drift into a sense of hollowness. The taste for those lesser things dulled, resulting in despondency and despair. See Psalm 118:128.

I have yearned for the realization of Your promise, which is grounded in justice; let not Your mercy leave me; grant me insight into Your law. Now is the moment for You, O Lord, to reveal Yourself to both me and my foes, for they disregard Your law. I hold it in the highest regard, endeavoring to shape my life according to it, and I detest every infraction of it. I correct my conduct according to Your commandments, directing my life's course straight in accordance with Your standards.