Psalm 119 (118):136Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider also what follows: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other group of the blessed is described here than those previously mentioned. To explore the testimonies of the Lord and earnestly seek Him aligns with being blameless on the right path, in accordance with the law of the Lord. Then he states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet it is evident that those who engage in wrongdoing may examine the Lord’s testimonies, prizing learning over righteousness. There are others who scrutinize the testimonies not out of a dedication to living righteously, but to understand how they ought to live. Such individuals are not yet blameless in the law of the Lord; therefore, they have not yet attained true blessedness.

It is as written in this Psalm: "They that do evil will not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance, who holds both us and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16), that what is rightly stated is also rightly comprehended, lest it confuse the reader or listener. We must take care that all the saints, who remind us, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), are not perceived as unable to walk in the ways of the Lord—given that sin is evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His paths; or if they are indeed walking in the Lord's ways, it might be assumed they have no sin, which is certainly false. This is not merely cautioned against to avoid arrogance but to emphasize that “truth is not in us,” rather than, “humility is not in us.” The subsequent words shed clearer light on this, clarifying any potential confusion: "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 it signify, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too much? Or perhaps you’ve allowed too little? Regardless of interpretation, the essence seems to contrast with the esteemed wisdom that both Greeks and Latins celebrate in their philosophers, "Do nothing excessively." However, in Latin, the term "nimis" can convey a profound meaning, as reflected in Scripture and our daily conversations. In this context, when we say, "You accuse us of being overly diligent in keeping Your commandments," it suggests a positive understanding, as in declaring to a dear friend, "I love you too much," which signifies an abundance rather than excess.

“Oh, if only my ways would be so direct that I might keep your decrees!” (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have undertaken a significant responsibility: "Oh, if I could truly embrace what you have undertaken!" When you hear this, appreciate the yearning expressed; upon recognizing this desire, cast away the pride of presumption. For who claims to desire what they can achieve without divine assistance? Hence, if one yearns for what God commands, that individual must pray for divine aid in fulfilling those commands.

“And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should view God's commandments, whether read or remembered, like a mirror, as the apostle James highlights (James 1:23-25). The individual aspires to align himself with the commandments of God as though gazing into this mirror, seeking clarity rather than confusion, choosing to be not only a hearer but also a doer. Thus, he ardently desires for his paths to be straight and for adherence to God’s statutes. How can one achieve this straightness if not through the grace of God? Otherwise, he will find in God’s law not a source of delight but confusion, wishing to gaze into commandments that he does not truly follow.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this, I shall understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is not merely a confession of wrongdoing but an expression of praise, echoing the acknowledgment, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and in the book of Ecclesiasticus: “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). Therefore, he states, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, should my ways be made right, I will confess to You, for this is Your accomplishment, deserving Your praise rather than mine.

He continues, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” Or, as some manuscripts indicate, “Not even excessively.” Given that God withdrew from the world amid its sinfulness, He might have fully forsaken it, had it not been upheld by the potent remedy of divine grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, according to the prayer of Christ’s body, He has not forsaken it at all, for God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Zigabenus interprets it as, "my eyes have fallen into the streams of waters." He understood the term διεξοδοδους with the preposition δια as a separate element. Theodoret remarks that he, like the Apostle, has taken on the duty of mourning for those who have sinned and failed to repent, resonating with the truth that when one part of the body suffers, all parts share in that suffering. Hence, the prophet, in his sorrow for the transgressions of others, fulfills the teachings of the gospel. His eyes were like streams of water; they represent the overflowing tears he sheds upon witnessing the sins of humanity. Others interpret it as a personal confession: I have not observed Your law; thus, I weep continually. It may also be conceivable that in the phrase: διεξοδους υδατων, the preposition: δια should not be treated separately, but rather integrated, suggesting that due to the streams of water, meaning tears, my eyes appear hollow and parched.

Upon recognizing these faults, the earnest individual feels compelled to purify himself—how? By utilizing the cleansing waters of tears. He does not merely acknowledge the wrongdoing and resolve to avoid it; rather, he experiences profound sorrow that deeply affects him, making his eyes ‘watery outlets’ due to the anguish within. Such tears signify a spiritual washing, an authentic process rather than a mere fantasy. Those who weep undergo renewal, but this renewal is granted only to those who seek absolution through confession. Thus, one is restored to purity. Should one become stained again, the same cleansing ritual is to be repeated throughout life. Just as some individuals are diligent about maintaining physical cleanliness, changing undergarments daily, so too should one prioritize the soul’s purity with equal fervor.

What evokes such tears of repentance? It is not fear or self-reproach, but rather love. Fearful remorse may motivate an individual to strive for reform and to guard against future failures, yet the tears that cleanse spiritual grime emerge from a place of love. Love cannot tolerate actions that contradict the desires of the beloved. Among people, some may find comfort in the belief that their loved one remains unaware of their shortcomings, but such an idea cannot apply to God, who knows every infraction of His will. When one becomes aware of their shortcomings, they realize that God is also aware, leading to a deep sense of offense. Love, which always contemplates the presence of the Lord, cannot help but recognize how it is marred by each transgression. Upon this realization, one is inevitably broken-hearted, leading them to weep. This is evident in the case of St. Peter, who, after denying the Lord in a moment of weakness, met the Lord's sorrowful gaze and ‘went out from the court of the hierarch’—the very place of the Lord's humiliation—‘weeping bitterly’ (Lk. 22:62).

The wonders of profound wisdom are contained within Your law, which is why I earnestly study it; when the truth of Your revelation is granted to anyone, it becomes a source of light within their humble soul. I yearn for this light; hear my plea and grant me understanding, giving me the strength to walk on the righteous path set by Your commandments, and deliver me from the tyranny of my adversaries, so I may follow Your law more readily. Bestow upon me Your illuminating grace, for my circumstances are distressing. The longing expressed in my words reflects the desperation of one gasping for breath, symbolizing the soul's struggle to attain the divine nourishment of life.