Consider what follows: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no different group of the blessed is mentioned here than those previously noted. To delve into the testimonies of the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness along the path; it fulfills walking in the law of the Lord. Next, he asserts, “For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who commit iniquity may still examine the Lord’s testimonies, choosing knowledge over righteousness; and some seek the Lord’s testimonies not out of virtuous living, but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals are not yet blameless in the law of the Lord, and therefore, they have not yet reached blessedness.
It is declared in this psalm, and it is indeed valid: "They who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s help, in whose hands we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly asserted is not misinterpreted, leading either the reader or the listener astray. For we must be careful not to think that all saints—whose words declare, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9)—cannot be seen as walking in the ways of the Lord, since sin is contrary to goodness and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Alternatively, since it’s evident that they do walk in the ways of the Lord, one might mistakenly believe they are free from sin, which is certainly incorrect. This was not stated just to prevent arrogance and pride, as it would have sufficed to say, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the intent further and dispel any doubt, for after stating this, blessed John continued, “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 when it says: "You have alleged we keep Your commandments too stringently" (Psalm 118:4)? Have You demanded too much, or perhaps too little? Regardless of which interpretation we take, the implication appears to contradict that revered guidance celebrated by Greek philosophers and esteemed by the Latins: “Avoid excess.” Yet, the Latin tongue also employs the term "nimis" in a manner that resonates deeply. Here, "You have accused us of observing Your commandments too closely" can be profound, for saying "I love you too much" to a dear friend is not meant to convey an inappropriate excess but rather a great depth of feeling.
He fervently expresses his desire: "Oh, that my ways may be made straight so that I may keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this responsibility. When you hear this, recognize the longing within; and having identified this desire, cast aside any arrogance born of presumption. For who claims to covet what lies within their capabilities without divine assistance? Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, one must earnestly pray for God to enable them to fulfill His directives.
And "I shall not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should regard the commandments of God as a reflection in a mirror when they are proclaimed or recalled, as stated by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual longs to see himself clearly through the commandments of God and not be disoriented, desiring not merely to hear them but to act upon them. Hence, he yearns for his ways to be aligned and for the statutes of God to be upheld. How is one to achieve this alignment other than through the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God will serve not as a source of joy but as confusion if one fails to truly engage with the commandments.
"I will confess to You, O Lord, with sincerity of heart; in this, I will understand the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of transgressions but rather a declaration of praise; as it is written, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as noted in the book of Ecclesiasticus, "Confess all the works of God, for they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). I acknowledge You, he states, according to the sincerity of my heart. Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will laud You because it is Your work and Your glory.
He continues: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? "Do not leave me, not even excessively!" or as some versions note, "Not even too much." Despite God having turned away from a world steeped in sin, He would have abandoned it to a far greater degree, were it not for the powerful remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. But now, in response to this prayer emanating from the body of Christ, He has not forsaken the world, not even in a minor way; for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).
THEOSIS