Psalm 119 (118):159Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, hear his further words: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that the blessed category mentioned here aligns with what has already been established. To truly examine the testimonies of the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness and walk in His law. He goes on to say, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). It is well-known, however, that those who commit iniquity do examine the testimonies of the Lord, as they prioritize knowledge over righteousness. We also acknowledge that others study the testimonies not because they lead righteous lives, but to learn how they ought to conduct themselves. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus they do not yet experience blessedness.

It is indeed written in this Psalm that “they that do evil walk not in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance, for whom both we and our words are entrusted (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly stated is not misinterpreted by the listener or reader. We should be cautious so that all the saints, whose declarations include, “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 as failing to walk in the Lord’s ways simply because sin is evil and those who commit evil do not walk in His paths. Alternatively, since there’s no doubt that they walk in the ways of the Lord, they should not be thought to be sinless, which would clearly be incorrect. This assertion isn't made merely to avert pride; rather, it highlights the essence of humility as it is clarified further in subsequent phrases. Following this, the blessed John proclaimed, “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 demanded something unreasonable? Or have we perhaps withheld our all? Whichever way we interpret this, it stands in contrast to that memorable and noble wisdom praised by the Greeks in their philosophers and which the Latins uphold without exception—never go to extremes. Yet, the Latin language has its particular usage of the term “nimis,” found in Scripture and reflected in our conversations, portraying significant meaning. Here, the accusation of keeping Your commandments too stringently implies much when understood correctly; to express to a dear friend “I love you too much” does not suggest excessiveness, but rather conveys a substantial degree of affection.

Oh, if only, he expresses, my ways were aligned so that I might adhere to Your statutes (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have taken upon Yourself this obligation: How profound it would be for me to grasp the burden You carry. As you hear this plea, recognize the expression of earnest desire, and set aside the arrogance of presumption. Who can genuinely express that they desire what lies within their power, while believing they can achieve it unaided? Therefore, one who yearns for God’s commands must earnestly pray to Him for the strength to fulfill them.

And “I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should view God’s commandments as a reflection, as the apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). The individual aspiring to adopt a blameless life wishes to regard God’s commandments in this mirror, not becoming disillusioned, as he aspires to be a doer of the Word, not merely a hearer. This is why he longs for his ways to be straight, and to faithfully observe the decrees of God. How does one achieve straightness other than by the grace of God? Without this grace, one would find in God’s law a source of confusion rather than joy, if they approach the commandments without intent.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the sincerity of my heart; through this, I will understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This proclamation conveys not merely a confession of wrongdoing, but rather an expression of admiration, as seen when he states, “I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as noted in Ecclesiasticus: “Confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). When he says, I confess to You in alignment with the earnestness of my heart, it implies that if my paths are indeed made right, I will rejoice in confessing, as Your deeds merit praise rather than my own.

He continues with, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But then he adds, “O leave me not even too much!” or according to some copies, “not even excessively.” Although God retreated from the world amidst the wilderness of sins, He would have abandoned it even further if it had not been sustained by such a strong remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet now, in response to this prayer of Christ’s body, He did not forsake the world even in excess, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Ultimately, the emphasis on God’s mercy is greater than mere law adherence, as the Apostle affirms that no one is justified by the works of the law (Galatians 2:16). To explore this further, the reader may consider the meaning behind Psalm 102: He who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 102:4).

Athanasius remarked that when he encountered anyone lacking wisdom, he was filled with zeal for piety. Similarly, the blessed Paul grieved for the Jews, and the Lord Himself wept over Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah also lamented over the people's sins. It is said that the righteous should grieve for every lawless individual, especially for those who have made a covenant with God regarding their way of life or faith, such as abstaining from marriage or remaining chaste, yet fail to uphold His words.

I call to You, O Lord, that You may gaze upon me, for I have diligently kept Your commandments. My observance is not out of obligation or coercion, but springs forth from a place of love, genuine intention, and tenderness. This understanding and judgment can only be perceived by You, who discerns all inward movements. As expressed by Bezimenny, others may fulfill Your commandments with irritation or through compulsion, yet it is the perfect person who accomplishes them with love. Even though the law of the Lord recognizes the willing as blessed, love transcends mere willingness. Despite my love for Your commandments, I remain in need of Your grace to truly live for You, because whatever a person accomplishes, they are always dependent on Your grace.

The commandments dwell within the very essence of his being, directing every aspect of his life.

He loves not merely the actions aligned with the commandments but also the inherent purity and ideals they represent. His affection extends beyond acts of humility to humility itself, beyond mere abstention from anger and impurity to the essence of meekness and chastity, and beyond performing acts of mercy to the virtue of mercy itself. When the prophet appeals to God—“see”—he aims to convey that he does not speak lightly or with vanity, but with genuine self-examination under the gaze of the omniscient One. He acknowledges, without self-flattery, that he truly loves God’s commandments with all his heart.

This inner disposition serves as the foundation from which true moral behavior originates: a profound love for divine commandments rooted in an appreciation for the virtues they promote. Such love is not obligatory but arises naturally when one encounters true virtue, for these virtues are innately part of our spiritual makeup. Created in the divine image, we carry within us the seeds of all divine virtues. These virtues long to shine forth in our hearts, unless they are obscured by the passions that distort and overshadow them. Passions cause our indifference toward virtues and foster an opposition, ultimately leading us away from them. Without God's commandments, we might have risked completely extinguishing all vestiges of goodness.

However, the commandments, once heard, penetrate our hearts—rekindling the memory of the virtues and illuminating the state of being they afford, standing in stark contrast to the darkness brought about by passions. This recollection encourages us to embrace the commandments, drawn by the transformative power they possess to restore our long-lost, yearned-for spiritual light—naturally, we comply. Initially, this obedience is sparked by a sincere desire for spiritual benefit derived from the commandments, necessitating the activation of our will. Yet, as we persist in adhering to them—overcoming passions—we resuscitate the suppressed virtues within us. This revitalization allows us to savor the sweetness of reawakening. Once we relish the allure of virtue, it becomes an intrinsic part of our hearts, irresistibly binding us to it; this love is born from within, illuminating and enveloping our hearts.

Thus, virtues progressively surround our hearts and become the focus of our affection, not all at once, but through a gradual unfolding, as everything has its appointed season. When our hearts radiate the fullness of virtues, in spiritual delight, we are able to voice with the prophet, “See how I love Thy commandments”—not only the commandments themselves but also the virtues they embody. This constitutes a glimpse of spiritual paradise! Such love encapsulates the joy of experiencing the sweetness of the virtues. This is how the Kingdom of God resides within us! Consequently, God transitions from being a fleeting visitor to a perpetual indweller. Therefore, when the prophet pleads, “Lord, in Thy mercy dwell in me,” his desire is for the Lord to persist in abiding within him, bringing renewal. The Lord is the source of life, and wherever He is present, there flow abundant streams of joy and vitality. The one who has tasted this life, when praying, “Live in me,” expresses a longing for God’s continuous presence, confident that His enduring presence will naturally emanate life.

The Lord is inclined to dwell in a heart filled with goodness and righteousness, yet He is not confined to this; He chooses freely where to settle. He may withdraw at will. When He departs, darkness and coldness descend upon the heart. For this reason, it is essential to persist in prayer: “Do not deprive me, Lord, of Your grace; dwell in me continually according to Your mercy.”

The Twentieth Eighth Verse speaks to my need for help in my trials (vv.153-154); however, to those who sin and scorn Your law, You will not offer assistance (v.155); in Your abundant mercy, grant me renewal (v.156). Despite facing numerous trials, I remain steadfast to Your law (v.157) and feel crushed when my adversaries violate it (v.158); for the sake of my commitment to Your law, aid me (v.159); Your promises are faithful and unchanging (v.160). The beginning or primary essence (archē) serves as the fundamental substance and the guiding principle of all things, encompassing their essence, substance, and soul.