Psalm 119 (118):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider his further words: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and seek him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that there is no other group of the blessed described here than the ones already mentioned. To study the Lord's testimonies and earnestly seek Him from the depths of one’s heart equates to walking blamelessly along the path, aligning with the law of the Lord. Then it is said, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we understand that those who commit iniquity often study the Lord’s testimonies, preferring knowledge over righteousness. Others may also explore the testimonies not because they live righteously but rather to discover how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and as a result, they have not attained true blessedness.

It is affirmed and acknowledged within this psalm that “they that do evil walk not in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with the grace of God, who holds both our lives and our words, that what is correctly stated may not lead the reader or listener astray due to misunderstanding. We must exercise caution lest we perceive that all the saints, who declare, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), either seem incapable of walking in the Lord's ways, as sin is contrary to His path, or, acknowledging that they walk in His ways, could mistakenly be thought to be without sin, a notion that cannot be correct. This assertion serves not merely to prevent arrogance but emphasizes that “truth is not in us,” which would have conveyed the absence of humility rather than a lack of truth. Following this, the blessed Apostle adds, “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 imply when it says, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly”? (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too high a price or perhaps been too generous? Regardless of interpretation, the essence seems contrary to the esteemed wisdom often lauded by both Greek and Latin philosophers, which advocates against excess. Yet in Latin, nimis can suggest a nuance that resonates deeply, implying that to claim, “You have accused us of keeping Thy commandments too much,” denotes a significant understanding. When expressing affection to a dear friend by saying “I love you too much,” we do not imply overstepping proper bounds, but rather a profound depth of feeling.

Oh, if only my ways could be rendered so straight that I might keep your decrees (Psalm 118:5)! You have indeed taken on a significant responsibility: Oh! if I could grasp what you have undertaken. In this, recognize the fervent intent of those who desire to align their lives; upon acknowledging their yearning, one should cast aside presumptuous pride. For who claims to want something within their grasp without the aid of the Lord? Therefore, if one wishes to fulfill what God commands, they must earnestly pray for divine assistance in achieving it.

Furthermore, “And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). When we meditate on God’s commandments — whether during readings or in our memories — we ought to regard them as a mirror, as noted by the Apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to see themselves accurately reflected in the commandments of God, aiming to act upon them and not merely hear them. Consequently, they seek to align their paths with God’s statutes; yet, how is it possible to straighten one's path apart from God's grace? Otherwise, the law will offer not joy but confusion, if one gazes upon the commandments without intention to adhere to them.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is less a confession of sin and more an expression of praise, paralleling, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as highlighted in Sirach: “Confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He asserts, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Truly, if my efforts are made right, my confession will be unto You, for the accomplishment is Yours — a testament to Your glory, not my own.

He further states, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” Or, as reflected in some manuscripts, “not even excessively.” Despite the fact that God appeared to abandon the world amidst its transgressions, He would have forsaken it to an even greater extent if not for the powerful remedy that is the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; yet, according to this prayer, He did not forsake it even too much, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Another shared a similar sentiment: I have not lived like many others, nor engaged with worldly affairs; hence, I seek not earthly rewards, but rather that which delights You and is beneficial for me—specifically, that You would not obscure Your commandments, which many fail to see. For those who recognize their status as sojourners on earth, God, as Theodoret states, does not hide His commandments, but reveals them justly to those willing and able to observe them. Thus, if we desire not to have God's law concealed from us, we must refrain from regarding the present as something enduring.

Once the commitment to live a life pleasing to God is established, this understanding becomes essential to one's moral and spiritual existence.

Those who embark on this path have, in essence, entered the Heavenly Jerusalem and begun to inhale its divine atmosphere. Therefore, the longing for our earthly sojourn should remain ever-present. The moment this longing fades, one shifts from their rightful identity as a wayfarer and begins to settle into a local mindset, losing touch with their foundational essence. In such a state, one may appear alive but is truly spiritually dead. Nothing can obstruct our walk with God as severely as neglecting this vital fact, yet this is a truth that often escapes our notice. We live as though this earthly existence is permanent, meticulously planning for a future here as if it were endless. We ought to pray, “Do not obscure, Lord, the reality that every human is made from dust and will return to dust; let not our minds or memories be clouded with mundane concerns.” Yet, we seldom think to pray for this; we beseech God for many things, but this vital request rarely crosses our lips. Our blindness in this regard is profound! Some even believe that eternal life will unfold on this earth as it does now—a grave misconception!

Moreover, as we navigate this world, we often feel lost or confused. Arriving in a foreign land, unknown to anyone and unacquainted with local customs, we naturally stand out as outsiders, distrustful and unfamiliar. Though we are indeed strangers on this earth, we often forget who understands these matters best. When we become captivated by our celestial homeland, alienation from earthly attachments defines our true wanderer status. Alongside this journey is the pressing need to understand how to behave and maintain our identity, ensuring we do not blend into the local culture but proclaim our status as travelers through our words and actions. This spiritual turmoil is evident to the holy prophet, who inspires sincere supplication: “Do not conceal Your commandments from me...,” asking God to reveal how best to navigate life according to His will.

Those who wander in spirit often face disapproval. The overt adversaries we face, who seek to oppress, are not as threatening as the hidden foes who entice our hearts and minds, cloaking their harmful thoughts with subtlety. While it may be easier to identify lies and overt sins, the insidious suggestions wrapped in clever reasoning can elude our discernment. Only God knows the path to salvation and can uncover the traps set for us, whether through His direct guidance or the counsel of those more seasoned in faith. The prophet’s prayer illustrates this; he acknowledges, “I am a traveler, and I face enemies on all sides. You alone, O Lord, are all-knowing: do not withhold from me the guidance I need, revealing Your will for my current situation so that I may avoid peril.” Saint Mark the Subbot also laments ignorance, recognizing it as a root cause of our missteps and deviations as we journey toward our heavenly homeland.

As a nearsighted wanderer, I rely heavily on Your guidance in the law, and my intense longing for it makes me deserving of Your aid. The proud surround me, disregarding Your law and ridiculing my dedication; let Your curse fall upon them, thus freeing me from disgrace. They are powerful in their hostility, yet they cannot sway me from Your law, which is my everything.