Let my request come in before thee; deliver thou me according to thy word.
תָּב֣וֹא תְחִנָּתִ֣י לְפָנֶ֑יךָ כְּ֝אִמְרָתְךָ֗ הַצִּילֵֽנִי׃
7 Church Fathers comment on this verse
He refers to his entreaty as a supplication. This notion is echoed in various translations, suggesting the meaning: Let my prayer and my plea rise, O Lord, before Your presence. Since You are willing to accept my prayer in accordance with the promise made to those who repent of their sins, rescue me from my transgressions. The prophet employs numerous expressions to appeal to the Lord's mercy.
Beloved, from the outset, this profound psalm invites us to a state of blessedness that is unattainable for those who lack the desire for it. The lesson imparted by the one who proclaims, "Blessed are the blameless who walk in the way of the Lord" (Psalm 118:1), suggests that if you seek happiness, pursue a blameless life. The former ceases to be content, while the latter remains apprehensive; yet without this blamelessness, it is impossible to achieve the fulfillment that all yearn for. But where can one be blameless if not on that path? In what manner should this be realized but through the law of the Lord?
Now consider his additional words: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). This seems to reiterate the previous category of the blessed. To delve into the Lord's testimonies and pursue Him wholeheartedly is akin to walking blamelessly in His ways, adhering to His law. Then he states, "For they who do evil shall not walk in His paths" (Psalm 118:3). We understand that those who engage in wrongdoing may study the Lord's testimonies, not out of a commitment to righteousness but out of a preference for knowledge over virtuous living. Others may also investigate the testimonies not because they lead exemplary lives, but to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals do not walk blamelessly according to the Lord's law, and thus, they have yet to attain true blessedness.
It is affirmed in this Psalm that "they who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's assistance, in whose grasp both we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is correctly stated does not cause confusion in understanding for the reader or listener. We must be cautious lest all the saints, who declare, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), are thought to not walk in the Lord's ways, since sin is evil, and those who act wickedly do not follow His path. Alternatively, if we acknowledge they do indeed walk in His ways, it could falsely imply that they are without sin. This is certainly not the intent, for such teachings do not merely seek to avoid pride and arrogance. The added words, "and the truth is not in us," elucidate the message and dispel misunderstandings. The blessed John continues, "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).
He further expresses: "You have accused us of being too diligent in keeping Your commandments" (Psalm 118:4). Do you feel we hold too high a standard, or perhaps offer too little? Whichever interpretation we adopt, it seems contrary to the esteemed principle praised by Greek philosophers and commended by the Latins: "Do nothing to excess." Yet the Latin language sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a manner that resonates deeply in Scripture. When one claims, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much," we understand it to imply a great deal of commitment; akin to telling a cherished friend, "I love you too much," without indicating excess, but rather profound affection.
“Oh, if only my paths were directed to observe Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have undertaken the responsibility: Oh, if only I could grasp what you have undertaken! Upon hearing this, recognize it as the expression of willingness. Acknowledge this longing and dismiss prideful presumption. Who, after all, states they desire something within their grasp without seeking assistance? Thus, if one yearns for what God commands, they ought to pray for the strength to fulfill His commands.
“I shall not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should view God’s commandments as a mirror, as articulated by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual wishes to perceive himself accurately against God’s commandments and not become confounded; he desires to be a doer of the word, not merely a hearer. Hence, he aspires for his paths to be made straight in order to uphold God’s statutes. How can one achieve this straightness except by God’s grace? Otherwise, in contemplating God’s law, one would find only confusion rather than joy if they did not strive to act upon it.
“I will confess to You, O Lord, in accordance with my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession does not refer to sins but rather to praise, as reflected in the words, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth," (Matthew 11:25) and as stated in Ecclesiasticus, "Confess all the works of God, that they are exceedingly good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He asserts, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” If my paths are made right, I will give thanks to You, for it is Your glory, not my own.
He proceeds with: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But he adds, "O do not leave me even too much!" or, as some manuscripts indicate, "Do not abandon me unduly." For although God distanced Himself from the world amid its transgressions, He would have completely forsaken it had it not been preserved by a potent remedy: the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. In accordance with this prayer from the body of Christ, God has not abandoned it entirely; for God was reconciled to the world through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Observe the profound structure of the Divine message. Initially, it states, "Let him draw near," followed importantly by, "Let my petition come in." For access is granted only after one has approached. Once at the entrance, if one is a friend of the Lord’s dwelling, entry is permissible. What was once termed ‘supplication’ is now referred to as ‘petition,’ derived from the term for dignity. Are there not distinctions within the soul similar to the hierarchical distinctions in the world? There exists the dignity of being an Apostle of Christ, along with the various roles and ranks within the Church. The true dignity of the soul lies in possessing virtues, or at least one of them. It is the one who possesses such dignity who utters these words.
The term 'supplication' is what the Prophet describes as prayer. This observation is supported by other interpreters. However, he employs distinct expressions to seek favor from the Lord through them.
May my plea come before You, Lord; according to Your promise, rescue me. The term for plea (αξιομα) has been rendered as supplication by Aquila, while Symmachus translated it as humiliated supplication (ικεσια). Just as David declared, "Let my supplication come near," he also states, "Let it come in," emphasizing that when a plea approaches God, it will certainly reach Him. David's desire in his plea was that God, in His wisdom or according to His promise—both of which interpretations apply here—would free him from temptation, as God had assured David of aid in a unique and specific manner.
It is essential, as Theodoret noted, to first draw near before entering fully. For instance, when someone approaches the home of an esteemed individual, if they are a true friend and deserving of companionship, they are welcomed inside. Similarly, sincere and unblemished prayer reaches the throne of grace and stands before God, achieving its aims, with prayer being empowered by virtue until it stands before Him. In contrast, sin, with its burdensome weight, hinders prayer. Eusebius remarked that it is common for the righteous to cry out for help, recognizing their ongoing battles and anxieties in this life.
There are petitions for worldly matters—such as requests to be a ruler, judge, or king—as well as those concerning ecclesiastical roles like priest, bishop, or patriarch. Additionally, there are heartfelt pleas regarding the soul—requests for the cultivation of virtues. Hence, one who offers such a genuine and appropriate petition prays to God in this manner: "May my plea come before Your presence; Lord, as You have said, rescue me." Origen explained that one can discern their plea has been received when they experience deliverance through God’s promise and wisdom. For the individual who transcends all passions is saved by God in alignment with His word.
Individuals who find themselves constrained or ensnared often yearn for liberation. Every person experiences such a plight moment by moment, yet not all remain acutely aware of it in the same manner. Some believe they can alleviate their struggles and disentangle their issues by relying solely on their own methods, while others, though not completely dispassionate toward their own efforts, seek enduring deliverance from the one true God and turn to Him consistently, whether their troubles are large or small. These are the ones who truly act with wisdom. What may seem confusion to the mind translates into constriction and chains in life. Mental perplexity finds resolution through understanding, while life’s shackles are broken by divine assistance.
Unbeknownst to us, the cramps and impediments are eased, the rigidity is straightened out, and the obstacles are made smooth (Luke 3:5). Every aspect of existence is subject to God's direction. Surrender fully to the Lord, and your liberation will be at hand. "I will trust in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, and I am with him in his affliction; I will sustain him, and I will exalt him" (Psalm 90:14-15), declares the Lord. The prophet, in light of this truth, encourages us to seek deliverance through prayer, saying, "According to Thy word deliver me," thus humbly expressing hope before the Ever-Watching One rather than claiming a right to salvation. Those who reach this spiritual stature, empowered by God, walk in hope like lions (Proverbs 28:1). This does not imply passivity; rather, they employ every available means, yet do not place their confidence in anything, knowing that all human efforts can be as fragile as a spider’s web. They trust completely in the Lord and recognize their strength as arising from God’s power at work within them. True trust is not the negation of active forces, but a state of the heart that is at rest, fervently active while simultaneously resting in God’s presence. Hence, even the call for deliverance is often unnecessary, as trust itself communicates an unceasing yearning for aid. The prophet mediates the quest for guidance and relief through fervent prayer: "Let my prayer come near before Thee... let my petition come before Thee." This signifies success in the spiritual journey. Prayer resembles the smoke of a censer, drifting on the ground, ascending into the air, and rising like the fragrance of incense on the mountain (Song of Songs 3:6). This imagery depicts a focused prayer, where the mind, unencumbered by distractions, stands soberly before the omnipresent and all-seeing God. Such prayer, in its essence, naturally draws near to the Lord and enters into His presence. It emerges concurrently with the cultivation of trust and love within the heart, inspired by these virtues, ultimately attracting both spiritual edification and divine deliverance. Collectively, this reflects the highest spiritual condition, wherein the Spirit bestowed by God dwells within Him, and He resides in them, having found in their hearts a suitable dwelling place due to the purity that has been nurtured inside them.
Let my plea draw near to You, O Lord; grant me wisdom through Your word. May my request reach You, O Lord; rescue me by Your command. Allow my mouth to sing when You instruct me in Your ordinances. My tongue will illuminate my speech with Your words, for all Your commandments are truth. Your hand will be my assistance, for I cherish Your commandments. I long for Your salvation, O Lord; Your law serves as my guide. My soul will live and offer praise to You, and Your judgments will sustain me. I have wandered like a stray sheep; call upon Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.
Hear me, grant me light, and deliver me from my adversaries, for I will extol You and Your law. Aid me, for my desire for Your assistance is great, and I do not see myself as unworthy, for I revere Your law. Surely You will accomplish this. Though I admit I have strayed like a lost sheep, I belong to Your faithful, O Lord; You will call me, as a good shepherd does, and save me. Again, he calls for the calming of his foes, seeking their condemnation; if his prayer is granted, which he anticipates with confidence, he will glorify God for it, and all who fear the Lord will rejoice alongside him.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS