Psalm 119 (118):153Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now note his further words: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that the blessedness he speaks of refers to the same group mentioned earlier. To diligently study the Lord’s testimonies and seek Him wholeheartedly equates to being blameless on life’s path, aligning oneself with the law of the Lord. He continues, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, it is evident that those who commit wickedness also examine the Lord’s testimonies, but they do so in the hope of learning apart from righteousness. Others may study the testimonies not out of lived virtue, but from a desire to understand how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet embody blamelessness in the Lord's law, and thus they have not yet attained blessedness...

As this psalm articulates, “They that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). It is imperative that we strive with God’s assistance, in whose hands we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that statements which are accurately made do not become misconstrued by the audience. We must remain cautious lest all saints, who declare, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), either be assumed to lack walking in the Lord's ways due to the presence of sin, or be misinterpreted as being without sin themselves—an assertion that is undoubtedly incorrect. This declaration serves to guard against pride and arrogance; it is also followed by the essential clarification, “And truth is not in us,” indicating a call for humility, shedding any pretense. Blessed John further clarifies, stating, “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 is meant by: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you overcharged us? Or have we failed to leave enough? Regardless of interpretation, the essence appears to contrast the esteemed sentiment espoused by the sages of Greece and celebrated by Latin thinkers: “Do nothing in excess.” However, it is worth noting that in the Latin tongue, the term nimis is sometimes employed in a context that lends depth of meaning to Scripture as well as our discourse. In the context of this passage, when you accuse us of keeping Your commandments excessively, we understand it correctly; and similarly, when we say to a dear friend, “I love you too much,” we indeed do not imply an inappropriate degree but rather a profound depth of affection...

Oh, if, he cries, my paths might be made straight so that I may keep Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed accepted this responsibility: if only I could fully grasp what you have embraced. When you hear this, recognize it as a reflection of willingness and, upon identifying this desire, abandon the false pride of self-sufficiency. For who claims to desire what lies within their capability without seeking assistance? Thus, if one yearns for what God commands, they should implore God to bestow the strength to fulfill those commands...

And “I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We must regard God’s commandments—whether listened to or remembered—as one looks into a mirror, as James the apostle reminds us (James 1:23-25). This individual seeks to align themselves wholly with the commandments of God, desiring clarity rather than confusion, for it is not sufficient merely to hear them; he aims to be a doer of the word. Hence, he longs for his ways to be made straight so as to adhere to God's statutes. But how can one achieve straightness without the grace of God? Otherwise, he would discover in the law a source of confusion rather than joy, if he intends to behold commandments he does not apply to his life...

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; in this, I shall understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is not a mere admission of sin, but an expression of praise, paralleling the words, “I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as articulated in Ecclesiasticus, acknowledging all of God’s works as exceedingly good (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he states, in alignment with the inclinations of my heart. Indeed, when my paths are set right, I will declare Your praise, for it is Your accomplishment and not mine...

He adds, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? “Do not abandon me altogether!” or as some manuscripts phrase it, “Not even excessively.” God, having distanced Himself from the world entangled in sin, would have left it even further behind were it not for the robust remedy of grace bestowed through our Lord Jesus Christ. According to the prayer of the body of Christ, He has not forsaken it even to a great extent, for “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19)...

Thus, King David, having adhered to the command to humble oneself, pleads with God to recognize the commendable humility residing within him, alongside his patience amidst temptations. Through the strength of humility, the prophet, as noted by Theodoret, adorned his other virtues and proclaimed God’s compassion and favor, seeking salvation from his adversaries. Origen remarks that true humility before God is a blessed undertaking. In this vein, James advises us to humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will raise us up. Therefore, when we engage in such humility, despite the malice of demons or the strife from those who oppose righteousness, we will have God as our savior; we must simply remember His commandments and not lose heart in our trials.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul references these dispositions in Galatians 5:22-23, naming the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Other scriptural passages also underscore these qualities, and the current verses should be understood in this light, addressing humility, purity of conscience, the pursuit of justification, faith in salvation, patience, a commitment to the moral well-being of others, love for God, and trust in the unchanging nature of God's commandments.

Psalm 118:153 states: "Look upon my affliction and rescue me, for I do not forget Your law." Humility embodies a spiritual attitude where individuals recognize their shortcomings despite any personal accomplishments. This acknowledgment leads them to seek divine assistance for every righteousness, emphasizing reliance on God as the source of strength to initiate, sustain, and complete good works, thus thanking Him as the ultimate Perfector of their actions. This humble spirit is foundational for spiritual existence; without it, one should not expect divine aid, nor will success come without such help.

The prophet portrays this essential disposition as pivotal. Humility can also result from adverse circumstances—such as loss, suffering, and need—which may appear to be the humility he's describing when he states: "Look upon my affliction," followed by a plea for deliverance from external hardships. While this perspective is indeed noted, the prophet emphasizes a deeper, heart-centered humility, which is genuinely pleasing to God. It is on this inner humility that he bases his bold cry for salvation: "Deliver me," akin to a patient asking a physician to remove their bandage after healing. He expresses submission and a recognition of his own insignificance, appealing to God: "O Lord, observe my humble state and release me from my troubles, for I have not forgotten Your law."

Even a great sinner may come to terms with their failures, yet it lacks appropriateness for them to demand of God: "See my plight." Moreover, it is incorrect for them to plead, "Take me away," considering the depth of their habitual transgressions. True worthiness in self-humiliation before God arises only when it is accompanied by genuine faithfulness to His law. A plea for deliverance holds strength only when the conscience is free of reproach for neglecting divine commandments. The faithful servant of God's law remains humble, seeing no claim to worthiness or entitlement to prosperity; hence, he implores, "Deliver me," as an act of grace. When asserting "I have not forgotten Your law," he affirms his identity as a servant of God—an individual who strives to honor His will. He pleads, "Deliver me," seeking this intervention so that all may recognize that those who remain faithful to God's law are cherished by Him.

In my troubles, guide me; however, You will not assist the sinners who reject Your law. In Your vast mercy, revive me. Despite numerous trials, I continue to cling to Your law, and I am disheartened when my foes disregard it. For my devotion to Your commandments, grant me Your aid; Your promises remain faithful and unchanging. The foundation—beginning or first—is the core, the totality of all else, the dominating principle, substance, and essence of everything.