Psalm 119 (118):24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider the addition: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). I believe there is no other category of the blessed described here than the one already mentioned. To delve into the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is synonymous with being blameless on the path, in walking according to the law of the Lord. Furthermore, he states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we recognize that those who commit wrongdoing may still study the testimonies of the Lord, for they prefer knowledge over righteousness; there are others who examine the testimonies not because they live righteously but to learn the way they ought to live. Such individuals have yet to walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus not yet blessed.

It is clearly written in this psalm, and it is true: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we must strive, with the help of God, who holds both us and our words in His hand (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is said rightly is also understood correctly so as not to confuse the reader or listener. We must beware of interpreting the words of all saints, which state, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), in a manner that suggests they cannot be seen as walking in the Lord's ways since sin is inherently evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Or, accepting the fact that they do walk in the Lord's ways, one might incorrectly conclude they have no sin, which is certainly untrue. This statement is not merely to denounce arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would have been framed as, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the intent and remove any ambiguity. For after stating this, the blessed John added, "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 he states, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly"? (Psalm 118:4). Have You taken more than You should? Or have You left too much? Regardless of our interpretation, it appears to contradict that esteemed saying admired by the Greeks and extolled by the Latins, "Do nothing in excess." Nevertheless, the Latin sometimes uses the term “nimis” in a manner so profound that it appears in Scripture, and we utilize it in conversation meaningfully. In this case, if we speak of our devotion as keeping Your commandments too much, we convey a profound sentiment; when we tell a beloved friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an excess that is inappropriate but rather a great deal.

Oh, if only my paths were made straight, that I might adhere to Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). You have certainly taken upon Yourself this task: O, how I long to realize what You have undertaken. When you hear this, identify the words of the willing, and recognizing this desire, cast aside any prideful presumption. For who can truly desire what is within their ability to achieve without assistance? Therefore, if one aspires to fulfill what God commands, it is imperative to petition God for the grace to carry out His commands.

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should view God's commandments, whether they are proclaimed or remembered, as a mirror, as the Apostle James has articulated (James 1:23-25). This individual wishes to see themselves reflected in God's commandments without confusion, for they choose not merely to hear them but to act upon them. That is why they desire their paths to be straight and to uphold God's statutes. How can one achieve such straightness if not through God's grace? Otherwise, they will find the law of God to be a source of confusion rather than joy if they fail to observe its commandments.

"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 not a confession of sins but a declaration of praise; as stated, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25). It is written in Ecclesiasticus, "Confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he states, according to the guidance of my heart. Indeed, if my paths are made right, I will confess to You because You have accomplished this, and it is Your praise, not mine.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts say, “not even excessively.” For while God could have forsaken the world in its sinfulness, He would have done so utterly had it not been sustained by a remarkable remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet now, in accordance with this prayer from the body of Christ, He does not forsake it, not even too much, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Consequently, the testimonies and justifications provided by God, along with His word, stand as a source of solace and wise counsel during the trials faced on the path of a life pleasing to God. It is evident that there is no better approach to life. In times of both internal and external struggle, one should turn to the word of God; it will illuminate a clear and broad path, teaching one how to navigate challenges with ease. Achieving this requires minimal effort—merely complete obedience to God's commands and a willingness to make sacrifices to fulfill them. Such a disposition allows the Divine word to infuse the soul with exactly what it requires at any given moment, for the One who speaks this word is present, aware of the needs of those seeking His guidance, and capable of inscribing His wondrous wisdom in the hearts and minds of believers. Saint Isaac the Syrian notes that through divine grace, those who seek enlightenment feel as if a beam of mental clarity illuminates the verses of scripture, differentiating the basic words from the profound meanings intended for the soul. He further explains that if one's mind merely skims the surface of the Divine Scriptures without truly penetrating to grasp the profound treasures within, the mere effort and zeal to comprehend scriptural truths suffices to anchor one's thoughts firmly in the esteemed guidance of God; this is especially crucial as the heart can falter under the burdens of negative influences from both external and internal criticisms. The verse, while seemingly connected to the preceding one, holds significance that extends to the entirety of the eight verses (Psalm 118:17-24), as the word of God contains remedies for internal afflictions such as blindness, forgetfulness, apathy, and distraction. The word of God enables us to recognize these ailments, prompting self-examination of our souls, and offers the necessary support and direction to escape from such adverse states. Furthermore, it imparts wisdom on navigating external obstacles in pursuit of God's path. Thus, those who dedicate time daily to reading the Holy Scriptures, enriched by attentive prayers, unknowingly cultivate their spirits and prepare for actions that please God, storing up thoughts that will surface at opportune moments, guiding their words and deeds appropriately. In this manner, the third set of eight verses flows seamlessly with a unified thought. This supports the notion that all are composed in a similar fashion, which encourages a quest for cohesiveness in each of the eight verses. When such unity is lacking, it is important to attribute it to one’s own misunderstanding rather than assume that it does not exist.

Bestow upon me revitalizing grace so that I may obey Your law; grant me illumination to explore the marvels of wisdom contained within it. As one who is nearsighted and lost, I greatly require Your guidance in the law. My devotion to it makes me deserving of assistance. Surrounding me are the proud who disregard Your law and ridicule my integrity; let Your curse be upon them and rescue me from dishonor. Those who perceive me as an adversary are strong, but they cannot sway me from Your law, which is of utmost importance to me.