Consider the additional words: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no different group of the blessed is referenced here other than the one already identified. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to live blamelessly on the path, to walk in His law. Then it is stated, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). But we are aware that those who commit wrongdoing do examine the Lord’s testimonies since they prefer knowledge over righteousness. Others also scrutinize the testimonies not because they already lead righteous lives, but instead to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals are not yet walking blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and consequently, they have not yet received the blessing.
Indeed, it is confirmed in this Psalm that “they that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we should strive, with the assistance of God, in whose hands we and our words exist (Wisdom 7:16), that what is accurately stated may not confuse the reader or listener through misunderstanding. We must take care to prevent all the saints from being perceived as unable to walk in the Lord’s ways, since sin is wicked, and those who do wickedness cannot walk in His paths. Conversely, if it is established that they do walk in the ways of the Lord, then one might assume they possess no sin, which is certainly untrue. This sentiment is not merely to fend off arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would not have been added, “and the truth is not in us.” Rather, they would have stated, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent statements clarify the intent and dissolve any uncertainty. Following this, the blessed Apostle John affirmed, “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 signify: “You have accused us of keeping your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded an excessive payment? Or have you withheld too much? No matter how we construe this, its meaning seems the antithesis of that esteemed and noble notion celebrated by the Greeks in their philosophers and unanimously upheld by the Latins: “Do nothing excessively.” However, within the Latin tongue, “nimis” can carry such a weighty connotation that we find it in Scripture and use it meaningfully in discourse. When addressing a beloved friend by saying, “I love thee too much,” we do not imply an inappropriate measure, but rather a great depth of feeling.
“Oh, if only my ways were so directed that I could keep Thy decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed assumed responsibility for this charge: if only I could achieve what You have taken upon Yourself. When you hear this, recognize the heart's yearning, and upon seeing this expression of desire, cast aside any presumption of pride. For who can truly desire that which they can accomplish without assistance? Therefore, if one longs for what God commands, one must implore God to grant the strength to fulfill His commands.
“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). When we hear or recall God’s commandments, we ought to reflect upon them as one would look into a mirror, as expressed by the Apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual strives to align himself with the commandments of God in such a way that he can gaze into that reflection without confusion; he is determined not simply to hear the commands but to act upon them. Thus, he desires to align his paths and to uphold the statutes of God. Yet, how can one achieve straightness but through the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God will become not a source of joy, but one of turmoil, should he wish to inspect the commandments without sincerely adhering to them.
“I will confess to Thee, O Lord, with all my heart; I will know the judgments of Thy righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This declaration is not a confession of sins, but rather one of praise; akin to “in whom there was no sin, I confess unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as recorded in the Book of Ecclesiasticus where it is said to “confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He states, “I confess to Thee according to the guidance of my heart.” Truly, if my ways are made right, I will offer my confession to You, for it is Your work, and therefore it is Your praise—not mine.
He continues to assert, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? “Do not forsake me even considerably!” or, as some versions render, “not even excessively.” However, since God has forsaken the world wandering in sin, He would have abandoned it far more profoundly, were it not for such a potent remedy: the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, in response to the prayer of Christ’s body, He has not abandoned it even a little; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).
THEOSIS