Psalm 119 (118):27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now listen to the further declaration: “Blessed are they who keep his testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other category of the blessed is referenced here aside from the one already mentioned. To examine the Lord’s testimonies and to earnestly seek Him is to embody blamelessness in the way; it is the essence of walking in the law of the Lord. He continues, “For they who do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who commit wickedness often scrutinize the Lord's testimonies because they prioritize knowledge over righteousness. Others may also examine the Lord's testimonies, not because their lives reflect goodness but in hopes of understanding the way they should live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the Lord’s law; hence, they have not attained blessedness.

It is affirmed in this Psalm: “They who do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s assistance, as it is through Him that we and our words exist (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is accurately stated isn’t misinterpreted by the reader or listener. We should be cautious lest all the saints, whose teaching includes, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), be perceived as not walking in the Lord’s ways. This could imply they do not commit sin, which is certainly untrue. This scripture isn’t merely to guard against arrogance; otherwise, it wouldn’t add, “And the truth is not in us,” but rather, “Humility is not in us.” The following words clarify this meaning and eliminate any doubt. Blessed John further writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

The question is posed: “Have you accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have we demanded too much or left too little? Regardless of interpretation, the implication seems contrary to the respectably wise motto appreciated by the Greeks and upheld by the Latins: “Do nothing in excess.” Yet, in Latin, the term “nimis” conveys a weighty significance that appears within scripture and our conversations. In this indictment of keeping the commandments excessively, we can glean much from the intended understanding. When we tell a close friend, “I love you too much,” it is understood as a profound love rather than an unseemly attachment.

He expresses, “Oh, if only my ways were made straight, that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this responsibility; how I wish to realize the weight of that burden. Hear these words and recognize this expression of longing; and upon recognizing the depth of desire, let go of the arrogance of self-sufficiency. For who can genuinely want what is within reach without divine assistance? Therefore, if one desires what God commands, one should earnestly pray to Him for the grace to fulfill those commands.

“I shall not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should reflect on God's commandments when they are read or remembered, much like looking into a mirror, as stated by Apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to reflect the commandments of God correctly and to be undeterred; his intent is to be not merely a hearer but also a doer of the Word. Thus, he yearns for his ways to be upright in keeping the statutes of God. How can one achieve straightness except through God’s grace? Otherwise, the law of God might become a source of chaos rather than joy if one does not truly engage with the commandments.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not one of sinfulness, but rather a proclamation of praise; akin to the acknowledgment, “In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and As noted in the book of Ecclesiasticus: “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). Hence, I confess to You according to the direction of my heart; if my paths are made pleasing, I will offer praise, for the honor belongs to You alone.

He further states, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what comes next? “Oh, do not forsake me even when I have failed” or as various texts emphasize, “not even excessively.” Given that God did not abandon the world during its wilderness of sin, He would have done so entirely, were it not for the powerful remedy of grace given through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, in alignment with the prayer of Christ’s body, He does not forsake it excessively; for God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Such wisdom is echoed by saints like Chrysostom, Theodoret, and Ambrose. Chrysostom’s thoughts, as noted by Zigaben, illustrate that the prophet rightly desires divine insight to accurately chart the right course, avoiding error, as often evil can masquerade as good. Theodoret adds that we require divine understanding to achieve virtue per God's law, warning against the pitfalls of vanity and urging the ascetic to seek not human accolades but to uphold chastity for love of virtue. Therefore, the prophet justly appeals to partake of divine wisdom to discover the path of righteousness.

Ambrose emphasizes that the prophet seeks not merely to learn God’s justifications but to grasp the full scope of “the way of justification.” There is a clear progression here: first, one must understand the justifications of the Lord, then the order and gradation of justifying actions, discerning what is to be done first and what follows. Simply knowing what to do without understanding the proper sequence does not equate to complete comprehension. Often, individuals falter not for lack of action but due to missteps in their order of execution. Various contexts require different approaches: some actions are suitable for social living, others for a life of renunciation; distinct practices are needed in different stages of spiritual growth—from the beginning of faith to one's flourishing. Every endeavor has its appointed time and place, and what is beneficial must align with that context.

In terms of justification, Blessed Augustine suggests that it refers to the highest forms of justification, or miraculous works of God that the holy prophet aspires to attain. These miracles are often incredible enough that those lacking practical experience may struggle to believe that they can be realized. Such miracles include genuine love for one’s enemies—rooted in sincere emotion rather than superficial compliance—courage akin to that of martyrs, which transforms suffering into joy, and unwavering prayer that embodies a profound and incomprehensible communion with God. These acts are not merely feelings but manifest the earnestness of individuals unified in spirit with the Lord, presenting a life of perfect care, not merely in intention but in action, aligning with God’s will in accordance with His promise: “all these things shall be added” (Matt. 6:33). The miraculous nature of such moral living is cultivated through the grace of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus.

Moreover, we may also interpret this as St. Hilary does, reflecting a desire to perceive the justifications outlined in the Old Testament, aiming to see the true justification found in the Redeemer, as foreshadowed by those ancient ordinances. Hilary articulates a distinction between justification itself and the path toward it, indicating that the sought outcome is distinct from the very process utilized to pursue it. The prophet does not request to learn about the physical rituals of the law, which are already clear, but rather seeks an understanding of the hidden mysteries represented in the visible ceremonies. He recognizes that the law’s justifications serve only as shadows of true divine justifications. Hence, in order to grasp this path of justification and transcend from shadow to reality, the prophet prays for clarity, aspiring to delve deeper into the awe-inspiring works of God regarding our salvation.

For Christians today, we have external pathways to justification, which serve as a means for those seeking reconciliation with the Lord, often tainted by conscious sins. These avenues might include prayer, fasting, worship, retreat from secular distractions, voluntary penance, and diligent effort to enact it. This journey has been validated by the experiences of believers across ages. However, the true strength lies not in these external actions alone but within the inner transformation they should inspire. The authentic way of justification is a matter of heart and disposition rather than merely a sequence of outward acts. One could diligently engage in all these activities and derive no benefit unless these endeavors resonate from a sincere heart. Hence, it is vital to pray as one begins this journey, asking the Lord to guide our hearts so that our path bears true, fruitful fruit, leading us to the wondrous manifestations of God’s boundless mercy for penitent souls.

When the prophet speaks of mocking at the wonders of God, he alludes to the actions he promises to take upon receiving divine illumination. The term "mock" here conveys a different nuance from its Greek counterpart, ἀδολεσχετῖν, which reflects a steadfast and dedicated engagement with spiritual matters such as reading or prayer. St. Ambrose explains that this term signifies a depth of meditation and a diligent pursuit of mastery, whether in thought or practice. Thus, there exists both a contemplative and an active engagement implied. A person who has recognized the path of divine justifications must inevitably reflect upon and ponder them more profoundly. Yet, such contemplation must also manifest in fruitful action; the conscientious individual cannot afford to remain passive but must engage actively to gain the necessary skills. Consequently, St. Ambrose suggests that one who comprehends divine mysteries ought to immerse themselves in the wonders of God.

In this light, the prophet expresses a commitment to regularly reflect on the marvelous deeds of God, intending to revel in the understanding bestowed upon them. This should not be satisfied solely with contemplation; rather, one should approach the study of Scripture with the earnestness of an athlete training for a competition to uncover the hidden mysteries and divine counsels. Alternatively, others interpret the phrase “I will mock” to mean a resolve to widely proclaim the marvels of God’s mercy and truth: “My tongue shall rejoice in Thy truth” (Psalm 50:16), sharing the extraordinary ways of divine justifications and glorifying God for orchestrating them. Didymus remarks, “I will declare to all Thy wonders,” while St. Athanasius comments that having understood the mysteries of divine justifications and learning how to walk in their ways, he will be equipped to exclaim and articulate the wonders of these justifications.

My spirit is in a state of deep distress; elevate it through your grace! If I have beforehand lamented about my difficult circumstances, you have always listened; hear me now and teach me internally how to keep your law, for only then will I grasp the wonders of wisdom found within your commandments. My spirit is utterly weakened by my sorrows; grant me renewed strength to shun evil and bestow upon me grace regarding your law—enabling me to understand and execute it rightly. I seek only what is just and delight in fulfilling your will, knowing that you will sustain me and bring me joy.

This imagery reflects the profound anguish of the mind and outward affliction. My soul has been lifted from despair, as the psalmist's hands hang low from distress. The phrase "my soul grows slack with sorrow" indicates deep emotional turmoil. May your law grant me mercy, rooting it firmly within me. To have an enlarged heart signifies liberation from external wants or a deepening of inner understanding and strength to obey the law, resulting in joy. To remain worthy of such grace, I strive to adhere to God's commandments to the best of my ability.