Psalm 119 (118):149Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider next the addition: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this classification of the blessed aligns with what has already been mentioned. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is synonymous with being blameless in one's journey, embodying the walk in the law of the Lord. He continues by saying, "For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we understand that those who commit iniquity may still examine the testimonies of the Lord, for they prefer knowledge over virtue. Others may also scrutinize His testimonies not out of righteous living but in a quest to learn how they should live. Such individuals do not yet walk faultlessly in the law of the Lord and, for that reason, they have not yet attained blessedness.

It is affirmed in this psalm, and it stands true: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance, in whose hands we and our words exist (Wisdom 7:16), to clarify what is rightly stated to ensure it is rightly understood, avoiding confusion for the reader or listener. We must be cautious that all saints, echoing the words, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), cannot be seen to walk in the ways of the Lord since sin is evil, and sinners do not walk in His ways; or, recognizing that they do walk in the Lord’s ways, they cannot be believed to be sinless, which is certainly untrue. For this assertion is not merely to prevent arrogance; otherwise, the addition would be, "And humility is not in us," as subsequent words clarify the meaning and eliminate uncertainty. After making this point, the blessed John adds, "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 asked for too much? Or have we perhaps withheld too much? Regardless of interpretation, the meaning contrasts with the notable and esteemed phrase praised by Greek sages and lauded by Latins: "Do nothing excessively." However, the Latin sometimes employs 'nimis' in a manner we recognize from Scripture and its significant usage in dialogue. In this context, "Thou hast accused us of keeping Thy commandments too much" suggests a profound understanding. For when we tell a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an excess but express a profound affection.

Oh, if only my paths might align so that I could observe Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed accepted the responsibility: O, if I could truly comprehend what You have undertaken for me. As you hear this, acknowledge it as a declaration of sincerity and desire, and when recognizing this yearning, let go of the pride of presumption. Who can genuinely assert they desire what they can accomplish without divine assistance? Therefore, one who yearns for God's commands should pray for God's help to fulfill those commands.

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view God's commandments as a mirror when they are read or recalled, as the apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to be in harmony with You, so that he may reflect on the commandments of God without confusion; for he chooses to be not just a hearer but also a doer. Thus, he desires his paths to be aligned so that he may observe God's statutes. How can one achieve this straightness unless through God's grace? Otherwise, he will find in God's law not joy but confusion, if he aims to scrutinize commandments he does not uphold.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the disposition of my heart; in this, I shall know Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins but rather an expression of praise, akin to "In whom there was no sin, I confess You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as stated in Ecclesiasticus, "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He says, "I confess to You, according to the guidance of my heart." Truly, if my paths are made right, my praise will be lifted to You because it is Your accomplishment and not mine.

Furthermore, he states, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts suggest, "not even excessively." God could have forsaken the world amid its sins, and if He had, the result would have been a severe abandonment, had it not been upheld by a powerful remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet now, responding to this prayer of Christ's body, He has not forsaken it even a little, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Theodoret observes that David expresses this sentiment: You have countless means by which to restore even those who seem undeserving of life; hear me according to Your mercy. The one who has been immensely blessed asks for mercy not at random, but with an understanding of what is truly needed. Those who venture against a just individual are far removed from God’s laws, for whoever rejects you, rejects me (Luke 10:16), and indeed, I will be an enemy to your enemies, and an adversary to your adversaries (Exodus 23:22). Origen comments that from these insights, we understand what awaits the persecutor of the righteous: the closer he draws to the just in his attacks, the more he separates himself from God's law, and in doing so, he also separates himself from life itself.

Blessed Theodoret interprets this request as one seeking grace, delineating it not merely as a plea but as a request for true benefit. In seeking mercy, he demonstrates the faith that invites God’s favor; simultaneously, by entrusting its bestowal to God's judgment, he embodies humility, which serves as a wide and receptive vessel for divine mercy, potentially invoking God's generosity. The phrase "according to Thy destiny live me" reflects not just the breadth of life-giving blessings but also encompasses the entirety of the recipient's circumstances. Since the paths of those receiving such gifts are often uncharted, it is essential to pray, "By those who weigh the fates, save me." Not all blessings suit everyone, and not every path is appropriate for all. A person of great intellect may falter, while another with moderate gifts may find salvation; for one, prosperity can be a burden, while for another, a constrained existence may be crucial; one thrives through blessings, while another struggles under burdens. Our understanding of what truly benefits us is limited. Therefore, it is wiser in prayer not to demand specific outcomes but instead to yield all to God's wisdom, humbly entreating, "according to Your destiny live me," submitting to His assessment of what is best for the arrangements of our lives. It is possible to exemplify the standard of moral and spiritual life as outlined by the Lord Himself, regardless of one’s circumstances or the measures of gifts granted. This aspect of our existence, where this standard is manifest, exists independently of the state of being and the gifts given. It transcends the external and, due to its elevation, can be securely favored and sustained, despite the challenges of external conditions and the lack of worldly recognition that society typically values.