Now heed what follows: "Blessed are those who observe His testimonies and seek Him with all their hearts" (Psalm 117:2). I believe that these words refer exclusively to the previously mentioned group of the blessed. To delve into the testimonies of the Lord and to yearn for Him wholeheartedly is synonymous with being blameless in one’s journey, representing a life in accordance with His law. He continues, "For those who commit wrongdoing shall not walk in His paths" (Psalm 118:3). However, we recognize that those who engage in sin also analyze the Lord’s testimonies, preferring knowledge over righteousness; others may review them not because they live righteously but in an effort to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals have not yet achieved blamelessness in accordance with the law of the Lord, which is why they remain unblessed.
It is declared in this Psalm, and it is true: "Those who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we should strive, with God's assistance—He who holds both us and our utterances in His hands (Wisdom 7:16)—that what is correctly stated is also clearly understood to avoid perplexing the reader or listener. We must take care not to suggest that all saints—whose words declare, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9)—cannot be considered as walking in the Lord’s ways, since sin is evil and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Alternatively, since it is evident that they do walk in His paths, it might be misconstrued that they have no sin, which is undoubtedly erroneous. This truth is not articulated merely to prevent arrogance; were it so, it would be phrased as, "Humility is not in us" instead—especially as the following words clarify this meaning and eliminate misunderstandings. 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 meaning of: "You have accused us of observing Your commandments too stringently?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you set a demand that is excessive? Or perhaps left a deficit? Regardless of how we interpret, it appears to contrast the esteemed and noble principle commended by Greek philosophers and likewise praised by Latin authors—"Nothing in excess." However, the Latin language sometimes uses the term "nimis" with a more profound significance, as seen in Scripture and in our expressions. When we claim, "You have accused us of being too devoted to your commandments," we perceive a deeper understanding if we interpret it correctly. When expressing affection to a dear one, saying, "I love you too much," does not imply an excess but rather a profound depth of love.
Ah, if only my pathways could be so aligned that I might adhere to Your decrees! (Psalm 118:5). You indeed have undertaken this responsibility. When you hear this, recognize it as the yearning voice of one who desires, and upon recognizing this longing, relinquish the pride of presumption. Who claims to desire something within their reach without divine assistance? Therefore, if one desires to fulfill what God commands, it is essential to pray for God's aid in achieving what He demands.
"I shall not be shamed as long as I focus on keeping all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we contemplate God’s commandments, whether through their reading or recollection, we should see them as a reflection, as the apostle James reminds us (James 1:23-25). This individual wishes to align himself with the commandments of God, viewing them as a mirror so as not to be confounded. He seeks not merely to hear them but to actively embody them. Thus, he yearns for his paths to be straight and for the ability to observe God's statutes. How can one straighten their paths without the grace of God? Otherwise, the law, which should bring joy, might only yield confusion for those who seek to examine the commandments while neglecting to adhere to them.
"I will confess to You, O Lord, from the depths of my heart; through this, I will comprehend the judgments of your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession does not pertain to sins but rather to praise; just as it is said, "In whom there is no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as expressed in Ecclesiasticus: "So declare all of God’s works as splendid." (Sirach 39:15-16). He acknowledges to You, according to the direction of his heart. Indeed, if my ways are set right, I will praise You, for it is Your work that deserves recognition, not mine.
Moreover, he continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? "O do not forsake me even in excessive measure!" Or as some versions put it, "Not even excessively." Although God did withdraw from the world caught in sin, He would have abandoned it entirely had it not been sustained by a powerful remedy—His grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; hence, according to this prayer of Christ's body, He did not forsake it even too much, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).
THEOSIS