Psalm 119 (118):160Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The nation of Israel originated from him alone, yet the Lord fulfilled those promises, increasing the nation in number like the stars in the sky, and blessing all peoples through his seed, as promised. The psalmist alludes to this by stating, ‘and for ever all the judgments of Thy righteousness.’ As a prophet, he envisioned the everlasting reign of Christ, noting that truth adorns the origins of God's declarations. In another psalm, it is written, ‘the works of His hands are truth and righteousness’ (Psalm 110:7).

Now heed the subsequent declaration: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems to me that no distinct group of the blessed is mentioned besides those we have already identified. To scrutinize the Lord's testimonies and to pursue Him wholeheartedly is to walk blamelessly in His ways. He then states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who practice wickedness may examine the testimonies of the Lord, attracted more by knowledge than by righteousness, and there are others who study the Lord's testimonies not because they live righteously but in hopes of discovering how they ought to conduct themselves. Such individuals do not walk blamelessly in the Lord’s law, and for this reason, they have yet to attain true blessedness.

It is truthfully proclaimed in this Psalm that "they that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with the aid of God, in whose hands we and our words dwell (Wisdom 7:16), that these truths are not misinterpreted and lead to confusion for the reader or listener. We must be cautious that all saints, whose words declare, "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 mistakenly regarded as those who do not walk in the ways of the Lord, given that sin is indeed evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways; or, since it is evident that they walk in His ways, they should not be interpreted as being without sin, which is undoubtedly false. This assertion serves not merely to guard against pride and arrogance; otherwise, it would not have followed with "And truth is not in us," but could have claimed, "Humility is not in us." The succeeding phrases clarify the intention, dispelling any possibility of doubt. After making this assertion, the blessed John further 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 signify: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have you required an excessive measure? Or have you demanded too little? Regardless of our understanding, the meaning appears to contradict that esteemed principle celebrated by Greek philosophers and universally extolled by Latins: "Do nothing excessively." Yet, the Latin language occasionally employs the term "nimis" in a manner that imbues it with significance in Scripture, and it carries weight in conversation. In this context, when it states, "thou hast accused us of keeping thy commandments too much," one grasps a profound understanding if they interpret it rightly, similar to expressing to a dear friend, "I love thee too much," where the intention is not to imply excess but rather deep affection.

Oh, if only, he exclaims, my ways might be so aligned that I could keep Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). Truly, You have undertaken the responsibility. If only I could comprehend the depths of what You have taken upon Yourself. When you hear this, recognize it as the longing of the heart; and upon acknowledging this desire, cast aside the arrogance of presumption. For who can genuinely claim they desire what lies within their power without seeking assistance? Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, they ought to pray for divine aid in fulfilling those commands.

And "I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to perceive the commandments of God as a reflection, as the Apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). The individual desires to embody such a state that they may behold God's commandments without confusion, choosing to be not merely a listener but a doer. Thus, he seeks to have his paths aligned and to faithfully uphold God's statutes. Yet, how can one be made straight if not through the grace of God? Without it, they will find themselves confronted by the law of God, not as a source of joy but of turmoil, if they seek to inspect the commandments without the intent to follow them.

"I will confess to You, Lord, with all my heart, and in this, I will know Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not of wrongdoing, but an expression of praise; this aligns with the sentiment expressed, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto Thee, 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 according to the guidance of my heart," it suggests that if he aligns his ways, he will offer this confession, for the glory belongs to You, not to me.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "Do not abandon me, not even excessively!" or, as some manuscripts phrase it, "not even too much." Since God had forsaken the world in its sinful wilderness, had it not been for the robust remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, He would have left it utterly abandoned; yet now, in response to this prayer of the body of Christ, He has not abandoned it, not even excessively, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Cyril and Athanasius assert that the first, natural, and fundamental word of God the Father is truth, embodied in the Son, who is also truth. This interpretation suggests that this commandment, given by You, is to be recognized as true in every aspect—thought, word, and deed. Theodoret further posits that the beginning of God's words could also refer to the promises made to Abraham, from whom the Jewish lineage originated. These pledges were fulfilled, resulting in a multitude that swelled to the number of the stars in the sky, and through these promises, he blessed all nations through his descendant. David proclaims the eternal and unchanging nature of Your judgments, illustrating that the power of Christ is everlasting. Thus, the beginning of God’s words is adorned with unwavering truth, declaring that all of Your judgments and decrees are steadfast, as it is stated: “for ever Thou hast founded them.”

Thus, it is essential for them to hold firmly in their mind and heart that two outcomes are inevitable: to live by God's word or to resign oneself to eternal destruction—eternal, because ‘for ever the whole destiny of God's righteousness,’ meaning the authority of God's decrees, which righteously inform us on how to live, endures forever. In eternity, God's commandments will accompany us, serving either as our advocates or our accusers. Understanding this reality, can we still pause and hesitate regarding our choices? The adversary recognizes the strength of these convictions and thus strives to undermine them. He succeeds by fostering forgetfulness or diverting our attention to trivial matters, or by introducing uncertainty: ‘perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.’ Once the soul succumbs to this, life unfolds chaotically, swayed by the tumultuous currents of society, filled with confusion and disorder. In this state, the enemy pounces, collecting his prey and amassing a wealth for his eternal domain, alongside those who follow him. However, the individual who retains the commandments in their heart and believes in their unchanging nature remains steadfast. Surrounded by turbulence, they stand tall as if perched on a solid cliff; amidst howling winds, they feel secure as if snug in a comfortable chamber. The adversary can make no impact on such a person. While there may be attempts to sway them, these influences do not unsettle their position or alter their path in life. Consequently, their thoughts and convictions remain consistent, both internally and externally. The longer they remain anchored in the same truth, the more established they become, ultimately transiting unchanged through the shadow of death into eternity, dwelling again in the same realm of God's unyielding truth. The entire world, which knows no boundaries, is sustained by God's truth, yet it does not exist independently; it is upheld by the omnipotent hand of God. As it does not stand alone, it cannot deviate from these divine judgments on its own. However, we are free; we must willingly submit to these truths and align ourselves with them to harmonize with all of creation. ‘All things work together’ unto God, the Creator and Almighty. To attempt to escape this divinely ordained order, though it may seem empowering, is ultimately futile, for true goodness—both temporal and eternal—resides in embracing it. Those who willingly remain within this structure sense that it is the proper way, while those who seek to break free experience an unsettling dissonance, for they become lost and disoriented.

Help me in my time of trouble; yet to those who sin and disdain your law, you will not extend your aid. In your great mercy, revive me. Despite numerous persecutions, I remain steadfast in your law, and my heart aches when my enemies violate it. For the sake of my devotion to your law, assist me. Your promises are faithful and unalterable. The beginning, as the essence and sum of all things, serves as the authority that governs all, functioning as its principle, substance, and soul.