Psalm 119 (118):166Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems that no other group is referred to here besides the previous one. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly signifies being blameless on the path; it equates to walking in the law of the Lord. Subsequently, it is declared, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we know that those who commit wrongdoing do examine the testimonies of the Lord, as they prefer knowledge over righteousness. Others may pursue the testimonies not out of righteousness but to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and thus they are not yet blessed.

It is affirmed in this psalm: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's assistance, who holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly stated is not misinterpreted by the reader or listener. We must guard against the notion that all saints, whose words echo, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), might be seen as not walking in the Lord's ways, given that sin is evil, and those who engage in evil do not follow His paths; or that, since there is no doubt they walk in the ways of the Lord, they might be considered as having no sin, which is certainly untrue. This assertion is not made merely to prevent arrogance; otherwise, it would have concluded with, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words elucidate the meaning and eliminate doubt: "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).

What does it imply when it reads, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded an excessive price? Or have you left something wanting? Regardless of interpretation, the essence seems to contrast with the well-known and esteemed teaching appreciated among the Greeks and praised by the Latins: "Do nothing in excess." However, the Latin can sometimes convey the term "nimis" in a context that carries significant meaning. In this context, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much" reflects a deeper understanding. For when we express deep affection, saying, "I love you too much," we do not mean excess; rather, we imply profound devotion.

"Oh, if," he expresses, "my ways were made so straight that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, the onus lies with you: if only I could grasp fully what you have undertaken. When you hear this, recognize the language of willingness, and upon recognizing such desire, set aside presumptuous pride. For who claims to desire what is within their capability without seeking assistance? Thus, if one yearns for what God commands, one must pray for divine help to attain such commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we read or reflect upon God’s commandments, we should perceive them as a mirror, as the Apostle James indicates (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to align himself with the commandments of God reflected back, without confusion, because he chooses to be not merely a hearer but also a doer. Therefore, he seeks to have his paths straightened in order to adhere to God’s statutes. How can one become straightened, save through the grace of God? Otherwise, he will find the law of God a source not of joy but of disarray should he wish to contemplate the commandments unobserved.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; in this, I shall know Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins but rather of praise; akin to how one might declare, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25) and as recorded in Ecclesiasticus: "Thus confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). Truly, he states, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my paths are made right, I will confess to You, as Your deeds merit praise, not mine.

He continues with, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). Yet what comes next? "O leave me not even too much!" — or, as some versions express, “not excessively.” However, since God chose to forsake the world amid its sins, He would have forsaken it entirely without the strong remedy, which is the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; yet presently, according to the body of Christ's plea, He did not forsake it even to any excessive degree, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Blessed is the one who seeks the salvation of God and treasures His commandments. Such a person, living a complete life, will reach the ultimate joy that the apostles themselves experienced, to whom He proclaimed, "Let your loins be girded, and your lamps burning. And you shall be like men waiting for the return of their lord." Moreover, if he eagerly awaits the Savior, of whom it is said, "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God," then surely he must also treasure the commandments of that God from whom he expects salvation, ensuring he remains pure in both his deeds and his hopes.

Thus, I resolved to faithfully pursue the commandments of Your law, not merely as a burden or an obligation, but as the deep longing of my heart, which cherishes them: “Thy commandments I have loved.” St. Ambrose notes that a desire for salvation leads to love for the commandments, and an active love for them fosters trust, which ultimately rests in God. What a remarkable sequence of spiritual transformations, and what a glorious outcome—rest in God! Just as a child is warmed and nourished by the love of its mother, our spirit is nourished through its complete surrender to God and rest in Him. God is so intimately close that nothing can be nearer, and He is the very fullness of all things, overflowing with grace. Open yourself to Him, and everything you need will be poured into you, perpetually, as long as you remain receptive through unwavering faith, absolute trust, and sincere goodness. The Lord promises: “I stand at the door, and if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him” (Rev. 3:20). He enters into every heart that opens itself not to bind as a ruler but to enrich, to delight, and to fill, as a generous giver. His Supper is ever-present with Him; thus He invites, “Come unto Me, all of you who labor... and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He provides true rest to all who find their refuge in Him with unwavering assurance. And it shall be the same for you; in paradise, you will dwell. Therefore, make haste to rest in God; hurry, for while the Lord is near, the path to Him is not brief for us. Begin to walk patiently in the commandments, holding onto the hope of salvation. Do not allow self-pity to hinder you; approach this journey with a certain sternness towards yourself. If you do this, the challenging pursuit of the commandments will transform into an exhilarating love for them, and the anticipation of salvation will become a tangible experience of it. Both will culminate in the comfort of God, from Whose hand no one can take you, as the Savior Himself assured: “My Father... is the God of all, and no one can snatch My sheep out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:29).

It is not humanity that I fear, but rather Your word alone, which is my greatest source of joy and strength. Since I detest sin and hold Your law dear, I praise You daily because You have bestowed upon us this law, which provides joy to its adherents and shields them from external temptations. Therefore, I wait with confidence for Your aid, as I am both a lover and a diligent keeper of this law.