Psalm 119 (118):145Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now listen to what follows: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that this speaks to the same group of the blessed previously identified. To examine the testimonies of the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly is synonymous with being blameless in one’s journey; it reflects a life lived in accordance with the law of the Lord. Next, it is stated, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We know that those who engage in wrongdoing do examine the testimonies of the Lord, valuing knowledge over righteousness; likewise, there are others who study the testimonies not because they live rightly, but to better understand how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and, therefore, are yet to be deemed blessed.

It is captured in this Psalm: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with divine assistance, for we and our words are under God's guidance (Wisdom 7:16), so that what is correctly articulated may not lead to misunderstanding. We need to ensure that all the holy ones, who have said, "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 misinterpreted as failing to walk in the Lord's ways simply because sin is evil, and those who do evil do not follow His paths. Certainly, since it is clear that they do walk in His ways, they cannot be presumed to be without sin, which would be false. This is not stated merely to avoid arrogance; otherwise, one would say, "Humility is not in us." The following words clarify and dispel all doubt: after this, blessed John states, "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 mean, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded an excessive sum, or left us wanting? Regardless of how we interpret this, the intention seems to contradict that esteemed principle revered by both the Greeks and the Romans: “Do nothing to excess.” Yet, the Latin occasionally employs the term "nimis" in a way we find significant in Scripture. In this context, your accusation of us keeping your commandments with "excess" can be understood deeply; when we tell a close friend, "I love you too much," we do not intend to convey that our love is unacceptable, but rather that it is profound.

Oh, if, he expresses, "my ways would be made straight, that I might keep your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have taken it upon yourself the obligation: "If only I could achieve what you have undertaken." In hearing this, recognize the willingness in these words; and upon acknowledging the expression of longing, cast aside self-conceit. For who declares a desire for what they can accomplish without divine aid? Thus, if one yearns for God's commandments, one must pray to God for the grace to fulfill them.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God's commandments as if viewing them in a mirror, as outlined by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual fervently desires to see himself in the reflection of God’s commandments, wishing not to be confused; he strives to be a doer of the word, not merely a hearer. Hence, he longs for his paths to be made straight, allowing him to adhere to God's statutes. But how can one attain straightness, except through God’s grace? Otherwise, one will find within the law of God a source of confusion rather than joy, should they attempt to look upon the commandments which they do not heed.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this, I will come to know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is one of praise, not of sin, as stated, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), along with the proclamation from Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He asserts, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my ways are aligned, I will proclaim Your praise, for it is Your work, not mine.

He continues: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as stated in some manuscripts, "not even excessively." Yet, since God withdrew from a world steeped in sin, He would have completely abandoned it were it not for the strong remedy found in the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; thus, according to this prayer of Christ's body, He has not forsaken the world even too much, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Therefore, hear me, for when You listen to me, I will diligently seek Your righteousness. This emphasis on crying reveals the passion of the soul; thus, he reiterated, “with all my heart.” Similarly, Moses called out quietly, and when he prayed inwardly, God inquired, “Why do you cry out to me?”

Likewise, our Lord directs us to the example of our Heavenly Father, saying, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36), and “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). Imitating God involves shaping our ethical lives to reflect His attributes as He has revealed them to us.

If left to our own discretion, our interpretations might vary, but the Lord has liberated us from this ambiguity by providing us with His commandments as a model for honorable living. These commandments have become our standard, ensuring that as we align our lives with them, we mirror the Lord Himself. Moreover, through His commandments, we find an avenue to approach God. This is the core message that the psalmist conveys throughout this lengthy psalm, urging us to look to God constantly, not only as our example but as our source of strength to follow Him.

In summary, these verses illustrate the Lord's nearness and the commandments emanating from Him as the foundational, eternal law of our existence (vv. 151-152). This encapsulates everything required of us, providing clear guidance. The psalmist offers expressions of reliance on God from a spirit yearning to uphold this law, acknowledging his limitations in strength. “I cry with all my heart... Preceded by the morning... Hear me, save.” He pledges to seek God’s justification and maintain focus on His sight. Here, we observe diligence and petition for divine assistance, indicating that the work will be fulfilled (verses 145-148).

To persuade the Lord to hear him, he seeks mercy and justice, committing his cause entirely to God (Verse 149). The psalmist urgently requests divine intervention, recognizing the presence of adversaries (verse 150). Psalm 118:145 articulates, “I will cry with all my heart; hear me, O Lord; I will cry for Your vindication.” This cry is not simply a shout but rather a profound expression of spiritual yearning directed to God with the entirety of his being. Blessed Theodoret interprets this as not merely a vocal call but an earnest plea from the depth of one’s heart, encompassing the fullness of feeling and thought, essentially a heartfelt appeal to the Lord. This serves as a model for our prayers—not merely loud, but deeply sincere and focused.

Moses exemplified this, as seen when God asked him, “Why do you cry out to Me?” (Ex. 14:15). Despite his quietness, the intensity of his heart's cry reached heaven and moved God. It is often our desperate circumstances that lead us into such urgent supplications, though the psalmist does not specifically articulate this. Instead, it may stem from the profound and unquenchable longing inherent in a faithful spirit. Such a spirit does not bombard God with demands but seeks simply to “Hear me, O Lord.” The Lord discerns our heart's true needs and empathizes with our suffering. He alone knows how to respond to our pain, which is why the psalmist teaches us to pray by acknowledging His will: “Hear…”

The justifications of God refer to His commandments, and seeking them means earnestly striving to fulfill them with faithfulness—diligently searching for ways to apply His commandments immediately. Isn't this the essence of the psalmist’s increased plea? He cries out for help, trusting that his desires align with God's purposes. Although he has sought understanding and application of God's commands, divine assistance would enhance the effectiveness of this pursuit, guiding him in the most pleasing manner to God. Thus, the psalmist implies that apart from seeking this, he desires nothing else. By committing to live in accordance with the commandments, he remains steadfastly focused on them, akin to an artist who stares intently at the subject of their portrait, ensuring that their artwork captures the essence of what they observe.