Psalm 119 (118):169Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, pay attention to what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that no distinct category of the blessed is referred to here beyond those previously mentioned. To ponder the divine testimonies and earnestly seek Him is to walk blamelessly on the path; it signifies walking in the Lord’s law. He continues, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we recognize that those who commit iniquity do in fact examine the testimonies of the Lord, valuing knowledge over righteousness. We also observe others who study the testimonies not because they already lead virtuous lives, but to learn how they should live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the Lord's law, and therefore, they are not truly blessed.

The psalm affirms and reiterates this truth: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with the assistance of God, who holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), ensuring that what is astutely articulated is not misinterpreted by the reader or listener. We should take care not to conclude that all the saints, whose declaration is that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), are thought not to walk in the ways of the Lord, since sin is an evil that prevents them from doing so. Alternatively, if it is clear they do follow the Lord's path, one might mistakenly think they are devoid of sin, which is undoubtedly untrue. This assertion is made not merely to avoid pride and arrogance; otherwise, it would state, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the meaning and dispel doubts. After stating this, the blessed John added, "If we confess our sins, He, being faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What could it signify when he claims, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have you imposed a heavy burden? Or taken too much away? Regardless of the interpretation, the implication seems to contrast the eminent and noble principle praised by the sages of the Greeks, whose sentiment echoes in the Latin adage, "Do nothing excessively." Yet, in the Latin language, "nimis" is often employed in a context captured distinctly in Scripture, making its usage profoundly significant in conversation. In this instance, when he claims we have been accused of adhering to Your commandments excessively, we derive great insight if understood correctly; and when expressing to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," it does not imply an excess but rather a deep affection.

"O that my ways were made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Truly, You have taken upon Yourself this burden: if only I could embrace what You have accepted. As you reflect on this, acknowledge the heartfelt words spoken, and upon recognizing this sincere yearning, relinquish any presumption of pride. Who claims to fervently desire what is within their control without divine assistance? Thus, if one yearns for what God commands, they should beseech God to empower them to fulfill His commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we encounter God's commandments—whether through reading or recollection—we ought to view them as reflections, as the apostle James instructs (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to be such that they perceive God's commandments as a mirror, free from confusion, for they are not merely hearers but doers as well. It is for this purpose that they desire their paths to be straight and to observe God's statutes. How can one achieve straightness if not through God’s grace? Otherwise, they will discover in the law of God not joy but disarray if they seek to discern the commandments which they neglect.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with a sincere heart; in this, I shall know Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins but an expression of praise, akin to the words, "I confess unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as written in Ecclesiasticus, "Confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He states, "I confess to You, according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, when my ways are made right, I will confess to You, for it is Your work, and thus worthy of praise, not mine.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some variants read, "not excessively." Although God withdrew from the world mired in sin, He would have forsaken it entirely if not for the powerful remedy, which is the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, according to this plea from the body of Christ, He did not abandon it fully, as "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

As Origen noted, in the initial verses of the alphabetical sections, the psalmist began to outline God's way without yet seeking His presence. It was only upon reaching the conclusion of the psalm and the final Hebrew letter that he commenced to pray for his supplication to ascend to God. True prayer rises to God when offered with complete intention. We recognize that a distinction exists regarding drawing near to God: those who are more spiritually mature, like Moses, are invited to draw closer, as it was said of him, he alone may approach God. Those in a lower state do not approach directly; instead, their prayers come near, as David asserts, "Let my prayer draw near before Thy face."

Nevertheless, God is not confined to a physical location; we can draw near to Him through the sincerity of our hearts. Additionally, one can draw closer to Him through virtuous living, and the further one strays from virtue, the farther one is from God. Eusebius remarked: if the phrase "make me wise" were straightforward, why would it be necessary to specify "in Your word"? The importance of this clarification can be illustrated by similar examples. For instance, one might say, "Teacher, instruct me in the art of healing."

He states, "Set a sign and, turning within yourself, observe—what passions have grown weary and departed from you; whether you notice that amid the decay, living flesh begins to form, symbolizing peace of mind; whether you can discern that your intellect is becoming clearer; whether distracting thoughts arise during times of prayer; do you sense that your soul is finding tranquility and humility; does your mind, apart from the will, find joy in the spiritual realm; does an indescribable joy surge within you, irresistibly pulling your thoughts inward” (Isaac Sirin, Word 45). Elsewhere, he highlights different signs for both contemplative and active spiritual lives, indicating that each path has its indicators. A similar theme is reflected in these eight verses, which present signs to assess whether one is on the right path and walking as they ought; this forms a vital conclusion to his moral teachings.

While we shall not list the specific signs beforehand, the essence of each verse will reveal them. In Psalms 118:169, it is stated, "Let my prayer draw nigh before Thee, O Lord; according to Thy word make me wise." This underscores the notion that seeking divine wisdom in all matters, without relying solely on oneself, is indeed appropriate. In this way, one emulates the prophet who called out to God: “Lord, according to Your word, make me wise.” Wisdom here refers to the understanding of life situations or guidance on actions based on Scripture. Although our minds possess a capacity bestowed by God to comprehend and interpret various matters, each individual has their own threshold of discernment for navigating external affairs and moral clarity; yet, these capacities are not limitless. Consequently, there exist numerous intricate questions whose answers are sought not merely out of curiosity but due to genuine necessity.

It is common to consult the most knowledgeable or experienced among us, but even their insights are not boundless, and placing unconditional trust in them can be misleading. Acknowledging one's limited understanding often leads one to seek the Source of wisdom through earnest prayer. Recognizing that even in situations resolved through routine judgment, there can be uncertainty about whether the solution is correct, it is prudent to turn to God for direction in all instances. One might say, "Wait, a revelation will come in time!" For the person who wholeheartedly entrusts themselves to God and persists without reverting to their previous ways, guidance will arrive swiftly. The Lord is always near. Thoughts do not arise or unveil truth from external sources alone; it may seem as if one’s mind is functioning independently, yet it is often guided by an external influence.

This can be likened to someone who knows an unfamiliar place; they take another by the hand and lead them, simply pointing out when they arrive. Many live their lives by such counsel, yet it can be challenging to recognize that insights emerging from within one’s soul are indeed divine guidance. This understanding cannot be explicitly defined. To sincerely seek such guidance, receive it, and differentiate it is a state achieved at a certain level of spiritual maturity. For those who have reached this level, everything concerning this aspect becomes clear; for those who have not, explanations may feel incomprehensible. This clarity arises when the heart is cleansed from passions, allowing the Spirit of God—the Spirit of truth—to dwell within, leading one into the profound depths of God: as expressed by the Apostle, the anointing teaches us (1 John 2:27).

Help me, for I yearn for Your assistance and consider myself worthy of it, as I hold Your law in high regard. Surely, You will act on my behalf. Though I am like a lost sheep, I belong among Your faithful, and You, O Lord, will call me as the Good Shepherd who rescues me. Repeatedly, I seek relief from my enemies and their judgment; if my prayers are answered, which I anticipate with confidence, I will glorify You for it, and all who honor You will rejoice alongside me.