Psalm 119 (118):18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Furthermore, we interpret and grasp the divine Scriptures in a profound and spiritual manner. For instance, the lamb that was sacrificed by the Jews in ancient days symbolizes the true Lamb of God, Christ our Lord, who was offered for our salvation; and just as the anointing of the door frames with the blood protected those who marked them, so too does the blood of the true Lamb of God redeem us from the dominion of evil and from eternal death. Additionally, the Israelites who crossed the Jordan River into the promised land serve as a representation of us Christians; through the waters of holy baptism, we too enter into the promised realm—the Kingdom of Heaven. This insight remains completely veiled to the Jews, as the Apostle Paul notes, “a veil lies over their heart” (2 Corinthians 3:15).

Consider what follows: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It seems clear that this speaks of the same blessed individuals just mentioned. To engage with the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to walk blamelessly on the righteous path, to observe His law. Then, it states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we know that those who practice iniquity can still study the Lord’s testimonies, choosing knowledge over righteousness. Additionally, some may explore these testimonies not from a place of piety, but with the intent of learning how to live correctly. Such individuals do not yet embody the blamelessness required by the law of the Lord, and therefore, they do not yet experience His blessing.

The psalm indeed asserts: “They that do evil walk not in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we must strive, with the guidance of God, in whose hands we and our words rest (Wisdom 7:16), so that what is rightly proclaimed is not misconstrued by those hearing it. We must take care not to suggest that all the 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), cannot be regarded as walking in the ways of the Lord, since sin is a form of evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Conversely, since it is undeniable that they walk in the Lord's ways, does this imply they are free from sin? This is certainly untrue, for this statement is made not merely to prevent arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would simply have said, “Humility is not in us.” The following words clarify this point and dispel doubts: for after stating this, the 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 mean when he says: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded a greater offering? Or left insufficient? In either scenario, the implication seems contrary to the renowned wisdom celebrated by the Greeks in their sages and acknowledged by the Latins: “Do nothing in excess.” The Latin expression sometimes uses the term “nimis” in a way that echoes throughout Scripture and our everyday speech. In this instance, when he claims, “You have accused us of upholding Your commandments excessively,” we can glean a deeper understanding; when we express love to a close friend by saying, “I love you too much,” we do not intend to imply anything beyond what can be rightly comprehended, but rather that our love is significant.

“O that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this responsibility: Oh, if I could grasp the weight of what You have borne! When you hear this, acknowledge it as a willing desire, and upon recognizing this yearning, lay aside prideful presumption. Who can claim to desire what is within reach so much that they could attain it unaided? Therefore, if one desires what God commands, it is imperative to pray for His grace to fulfill His commands.

“And I will not be put to shame, as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should approach the commandments of God, whether they are being proclaimed or recalled, as one would observe a mirror, as the Apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This individual wishes to reflect God’s commands, not to be bewildered; for they aim to be not merely hearers but doers of the Word. Thus, they yearn for their paths to be straight, enabling them to observe the statutes of God. How can one be made straight if not through the grace of God? Otherwise, in seeking to reflect upon God’s commands, they may instead find a source of confusion rather than joy.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will declare Your righteous judgments” (Psalm 117:7). This is a confession of praise, not of sin; much like when it is stated, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as written in the book of Ecclesiasticus: “So 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.” In truth, if my ways are set aright, I will offer praise to You, for it is You who has accomplished this, and it is Your glory that I proclaim.

He continues: “I will keep Your statutes” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “Do not forsake me, even in abundance,” or as some copies convey, “not even in excess.” Yet, since God had distanced Himself from the world amidst the wilderness of sin, He might have completely abandoned it were it not for the powerful remedy of His grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; now, according to this prayer of Christ's body, He forsook it not even excessively, for “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Theodoret observed that not everyone who studies holy texts discerns the miracles within them; only those enlightened from above can do so. According to Nicetas, we perceive as if through a mirror in a deeper contemplative manner, grasping the sacred Scriptures — for the lamb symbolizes the true Lamb of Christ, and just as the anointing with His blood has saved us, so too does the blood of Christ offer our redemption. Bezimenny remarked that a covering lies over the eyes of those who reflect on the law, and when one turns to the Lord, as Paul states, that veil will be lifted. Upon its removal, we will witness the marvelous truths contained within the law, understanding it in a spiritual sense and unveiling the mysteries ensconced in its images and shadows, for the law itself cast a shadow of future blessings.

Should you come across something that confounds you, and your pursuit of understanding is not simply borne of curiosity, seek guidance from someone who is both attentive and knowledgeable, particularly from the teacher designated by the Church, so that mutual enlightenment may occur regarding the truths revealed. If you find that your neighbor interprets matters differently than you do, return to the same Psalms, which will assist you in overcoming this challenge, instructing you to call out in prayer to God: ‘Open my eyes, and I will understand the wonders of your law.’

A veil obscures the truth from the spirit, which explains the natural inclination to utter the plea, “Open my eyes.” When a person approaches the Lord, the veil is removed, allowing them to perceive all that they have sought. The joy derived from such clarity is beyond description, as those who have witnessed it affirm. Yet, much like one emerging from darkness into light initially finds even a dim glow striking, that same individual, upon further observation, begins to recognize its true intensity—as St. Paul attests, “For now we see through a glass, darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12). Thus, for even those enlightened in Christ Jesus, the prayer, “Open my eyes,” is never redundant.

From the essence of these verses, we can deduce that there is also another form of spiritual obscurance in the mind’s eye—a temporary blindness or darkening that can occur for individuals living in accordance with God's will, be it through correction or guidance. A person may be blinded concerning their own state, others, or the unfolding of events, convinced that their perception is accurate, and act accordingly. In truth, however, reality remains concealed; the veil is upon their eyes, preventing sight. Once truth is unveiled, the individual who once walked in ignorance repents in astonishment for failing to see, learning through this experience to be wary of their limited vision and, even while walking in light, sincerely imploring the Light-bearer, “Open my eyes.” Allow me to recognize the truth concerning myself, others, and the world around me, so that in thought and action, I may align with the genuine and not a mere illusion of truth.

A particular manifestation of temporary spiritual blindness is ‘forgetfulness.’ St. Mark the Ascetic frequently laments this adversary and cautions others against its deceptions. The enemy distracts the individual from vital, encouraging, and cautionary reflections, causing a person to forget their identity, direction, expectations, and the One for whom they labor, ultimately leading one to act like an impulsive, thoughtless child. This forgetfulness does not always result in major missteps, yet it inevitably dampens the spirit’s vigor and disturbs the entire spiritual framework. This highlights the necessity for those sincerely pursuing holiness to pray, “Open my eyes,” so that I may continually hold before my mind the awareness of my unworthiness as a sinner, that Your watchful eye is ever upon me, that death is imminent, and I must confront the dark abyss of judgment before You and hear Your decree about me. Let me keep this at the forefront of my consciousness, that I may strive relentlessly for my salvation while I still have time and cling steadfastly to the saving cross, in which all my hope resides. One who has their eyes opened perceives reality as it truly is. They understand God and the Divine order of creation and grasp what is required of us, as expressed by the holy prophet: “And I will understand the wonders of Thy law.”

As a blind wanderer, I am in dire need of Your guidance, and for my deep affection for it, I seek Your assistance. Surrounding me are the proud who disregard Your law and deride my diligence; let your curse rest upon them, and deliver me from their scorn. Despite their strength and hostility, they cannot deter me from Your law, which means everything to me.

Similarly, the Psalmist expressed, ‘Open my eyes, and I will understand the wonders of Thy law.’ Until the grace of God reaches our souls, illuminating and nourishing them, we cannot adequately receive the seed of the Word of God, just as a natural seed cannot take root and flourish in good soil without the presence of moisture and sunlight.