Psalm 119 (118):144Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, hear what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that the only group of the blessed referenced in these statements is the one already mentioned. To engage with the testimonies of the Lord and to earnestly seek Him is synonymous with being blameless on the path; it represents walking in His law. He goes on to say, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we know well that those who act wickedly may scrutinize the Lord’s testimonies, favoring knowledge over righteousness. We also see others investigating the testimonies, not due to a righteous life, but to learn the right way to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus they are not yet blessed.

It is indeed written in this psalm and acknowledged as true: "they that do evil, walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we must strive, with God’s grace, under whose guidance we find ourselves and our words, to ensure that what is accurately conveyed is also accurately comprehended, so that it does not confound the reader or listener. We must be cautious, for all the saints, who assert that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), might either be perceived as not walking in the ways of the Lord—since sin is inherently evil and those who commit evil do not walk in His ways—or, since it is clear that they do indeed walk in His ways, they could be mistakenly thought to possess no sin, which is undoubtedly false. This statement is not merely made to avert arrogance or pride; otherwise, it would not include the phrase "and truth is not in us". Instead, they would have had to declare, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent verses illuminate this meaning further, dispelling all doubt. After making this observation, 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 does it signify when it states, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you asked for too large a sum? Or have you required too much? In any interpretation, the meaning seems contrary to the esteemed doctrine praised by the Greeks and lauded by the Latins: "Nothing in excess." The Latin sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a context that is often seen in Scripture and carries a profound implication in our discussions. In this instance, when you accuse us of overzealous adherence to your commandments, we understand that much can be gleaned if we interpret correctly; for when we express to a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply excess in any negative sense, but rather we convey great affection.

If only, he states, "my ways were made so straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have taken on this responsibility: Oh, if only I could grasp the fullness of this charge you have embraced. When you hear this, recognize the earnest desire conveyed; having acknowledged this longing, shed the arrogance of self-sufficiency. For who claims to desire what is within their reach can achieve it without divine aid? Therefore, if one seeks what God commands, one ought to implore Him to bestow the power to carry out His commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we consider the commandments of God, whether read aloud or remembered, let us view them as a mirror, as the Apostle James advises (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to align himself so closely with them that he may see the commandments of God reflected back and not be disoriented; for he aims not only to listen but to act in accordance with them. This is why he yearns for his paths to be made straight in keeping with the statutes of God. How can one achieve such straightness without the grace of God? Otherwise, he will find in God's law not a source of joy but a cause for confusion if he attempts to gaze into commandments he does not heed.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the guidance of my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins, but an expression of praise; as He proclaims, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as it is written in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he asserts, according to the direction of my heart. If my ways are made upright, I will offer praise unto You, for it is Your accomplishment and not mine.

He further adds, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts suggest, "Even too much, not excessively." Since God abandoned the world in the wilderness of sin, He would have forsaken it far longer had it not been sustained by such a powerful remedy—namely, the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; for now, according to this prayer emanating from the body of Christ, He forsook it not even excessively, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Yet, by embracing Your commandments, I acquire strength and face all hardships with resilience. Athanasius observes that Your testimonies, intended not just for a brief time, stand as enduring truth, affirming the one who approaches them with love. Didyma remarks that in these matters, the prophet seeks divine direction, recognizing it as a vital gift, and calls out for guidance so he may live. For those who lack wisdom do not enter into that blessed existence; rather, they must earnestly seek guidance from God, who bestows it on those who sincerely request it with all their hearts.

In addition, turn to the Lord and pray: 'Give me understanding, and I shall live'; enable me, O Lord, to always uphold in my heart the belief in the steadfastness of Your commandments, ‘and I shall live’; meaning I will live by them, or: no temptation shall disrupt the stability of that life which, by Your grace, has been established within my spirit, or: having faithfully adhered to Your commandments in this life, I shall pass trustfully into the next. There, You will grant me a life of eternal bliss - and I shall dwell with You and within You forever. With such reflections and affirmations, the patient fortifies himself, and his existence flows smoothly and serenely, despite appearing like a dull vessel tossed about by the waves of life's challenges, threatened with destruction and scattering across the waters. Let us now align all aspects of life with the commandments. Believing in faith will illuminate your path; allow jealousy to motivate you, and you will be filled with love; embrace humility without losing hope, and you will never declare to your jealousy: 'enough'; endure with patience, perceiving through the current gloom and darkness a hopeful future ahead. The task may be concise, yet it is demanding. Take heart; for it is not stated: those who find comfort will rejoice in the Kingdom of God, but rather ‘the needy will rejoice in it’ (Matthew 11:12). The needy, referring to those who labor diligently for themselves, not withholding their efforts, even as another, weary under the burden, struggles to ascend the mountain. The sustenance of spiritual life is gained through the toil of earthly existence. This is the decree of a merciful God. Indeed, it would be straightforward were it not for sin disturbing our paths. But fear not! The Lord has enveloped us with the light of hope. Work a little, and you shall enter into the radiance of your Lord. ‘Where I am, saith the Lord, there shall my servant be also.’ To that servant, it is declared, 'Take My yoke upon you and labor.' In the evening, when you retire, you will receive what you may not have anticipated. You will be astonished, as will all those who witness your reward. Therefore, do not grow weary, do not despair, do not hesitate, and your journey shall be blessed.

You are righteous, O Lord, and Your law embodies Your righteousness and truth; it deeply grieves me that my enemies may forget such a law so easily. I am committed with all my being to the most perfect word of the Lord. Although my foes may regard me as naïve, I do not abandon Your law; it remains constant and unchanging, and in my profound distress, it is my focus and my joy. Oh, that I might attain a deeper understanding of it.