Psalm 119 (118):154Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, reflect on his further affirmation: "Blessed are those who keep his testimonies and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems evident to me that he refers to the same group of blessed individuals previously mentioned. To contemplate the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness in the journey, to live in accordance with the law of the Lord. He then states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We recognize that those who commit wrongdoing may indeed examine the Lord's testimonies, for they often prefer knowledge over righteousness. Others, striving to understand how to lead a righteous life, may still not walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord; hence, they cannot claim blessedness at this stage.

Scripture asserts with clarity, "They that do evil, walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nevertheless, we must strive, by God's grace, understanding that both we and our messages are in His hands (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightfully expressed is not misconstrued by the reader or listener. We must be cautious not to conclude that all saints—whose testimony includes, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9)—are excluded from walking in the ways of the Lord simply because of sin, or that, since they do walk in His ways, they must be free from sin, which is undoubtedly a false notion. This warning is not merely to prevent arrogance, as evidenced by the subsequent statement, "And truth is not in us," rather than "Humility is not in us." The following words illuminate the intention, dispelling any doubts: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Consider the implication of the phrase: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4). Have You demanded too much, or have we retained too little? Regardless of the understanding, the meaning seems contrary to the esteemed Greek principle praised by their philosophers, which the Latins also uphold: "Do nothing in excess." However, the Latin uses the term "nimis" in such a way that it assumes a deeper meaning; in this context, the accusation of being too zealous in keeping Your commandments communicates much if we interpret it correctly. When we say to a beloved friend, "I love you too much," it signifies an abundance of love rather than an inappropriate excess.

"Oh," he implores, "if my ways would be so straight that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed assumed the burden of this desire; how I hope to fulfill what you desire of me! When you hear this, recognize it as the expression of one who earnestly wishes for transformation and cast aside any arrogance. Who among us can claim to pursue what is in our power without divine assistance? Therefore, if we wish to embody the commandments of God, let us earnestly petition Him for the strength to comply with His directives.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to regard God’s commandments as a mirror, as the Apostle James instructs (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to view the commandments of God as reflections of his own life without confusion, for he is not merely a hearer but a doer of the Word. This is why he longs for righteousness and aims to walk in the statutes of God. How can one achieve such straight paths without God’s grace? Without it, he will discover that the law becomes a source of dismay rather than joy if he attempts to gaze upon commandments he does not keep.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this I shall learn about the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not one of sin but one of praise, akin to the recognition expressed by the Lord, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25) and as recorded in the book of Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God, for they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). The psalmist declares, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my ways are aligned with Your will, my confession will be made known, for it is Your achievement, not mine.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or as some versions state, "not excessively." Since God has indeed withdrawn from the world due to its sinful nature, His departure would have been complete except for the strength of the remedy provided—His grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. According to the prayer of the body of Christ, God has not forsaken the world entirely; rather, He actively reconciled it through Christ, as we learn in 2 Corinthians 5:19.

When a sinner turns to the Lord in true repentance, they confess, "I have sinned; I will not sin again. I will strive to adhere to Your commandments in thought, word, and deed." With the forgiveness received and acceptance back into the community of those who earnestly work for God, their primary concern is to act in accordance with a conscience enlightened by God's commandments, avoiding actions that might grieve that conscience. Thus, whatever decisions they make are firmly rooted in a clear conscience that assures them their actions align with God’s will. In this manner, their life progresses; their conscience is untroubled, likened to a pristine sky devoid of dark clouds. Should any moment arise that disturbs their thoughts, feelings, or desires, immediate repentance restores their lightheartedness and clarity of conscience.

This purity and lightness signify a joyful life lived in accordance with divine commandments, even amidst trials, both external and internal. In this state lies the foundation of such a life and the confidence grounded in God. With the innocence of a child, one may approach God with assurance, offering prayers without hesitation. True prayer grows and flourishes only when founded upon a consciousness of a pure heart. Genuine ascetics understand and embrace this, as it embodies the essence of authentic prayer. The prophet exemplifies this, boldly calling upon God, "Judge my case." Should you desire the same boldness? Maintain a clear conscience in all matters. Yet, place not your trust solely in this; rely on the grace of God, so that your prayers may be heard. As the prophet further articulates, "Thy word, for Thy sake, gives me life." The plea, "Give me life," is a cry for deliverance. External afflictions may render a person lifeless, hence the phrase, "a slain man." Restoration from sorrows refreshes the spirit of one weighed down by grief; the prophet seeks revival through deliverance from that which has brought despair.

Why does he seek this? "For the sake of the word." What does this word represent? It is the promise of God, a protective covering for those who remain faithful, not merely in outward appearance but witnessing the condition of their hearts. The promise declares, "He will call upon Me, and I will answer; I am with him in trouble; I will rescue him... and show him My salvation" (Psalm 90:15-16). Holding onto this promise, the prophet cries out, "Thy word, for Thy sake, gives me life." His conscience reassured him of his innocence; however, he understood that genuine pardon does not solely rest on his consciousness but rather in God’s merciful hand. He implores, "Deliver me as you have promised, O Lord," for while his conscience is clear, it may not see every nuance of wrongdoing, and something deserving of reproach could elude his awareness. Only divine sight, "brighter than the sun," discerns what lies deep within (Sir 23:27). Consequently, even though the prophet is unafraid of God's judgment based on what his conscience affirms, he acknowledges its potential shortcomings. Hence, he places his complete trust in the merciful promise of God. "I will be justified in nothing of my own, but rather through Him" (1 Cor. 4:4). This disposition should characterize those passionately devoted to genuinely pleasing God.

In my times of distress, aid me; however, to my enemies, the sinners who scorn Your law, do not extend Your help; in Your great mercy, give me life. Despite the multitude of trials I endure, I remain steadfast in Your law, and I grieve when I see my foes disregarding it. For the sake of my devotion to Your law, assist me; Your promises are steadfast and immutable. The beginning, as the essence and sum of all things, serves as the principal agent, embodying the truth and the soul of all that exists.