Psalm 119 (118):30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now consider what follows: "Blessed are they who keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that these blessings refer to the same group previously mentioned. To diligently examine the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly embodies a life of blamelessness; this is to walk in the path of the Lord’s law. He states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who commit wrongdoing also study the testimonies of the Lord, often valuing knowledge over righteousness, and some examine them not from a place of virtue but in a quest for how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus they remain outside the state of blessedness.

It is recorded in this Psalm and stands as truth: "they that do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance, as we are in His hands along with our words (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly said does not confuse the hearer or reader through misunderstanding. There is a caution to consider concerning all the saints, whose assertion is that "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9). Either it would imply they cannot be said to walk in the ways of the Lord because sin is wickedness, or if they are indeed walking in His ways, it would render them to be devoid of sin, a clear falsehood. This is articulated not merely to evade pride but emphasizes the absence of truth if such a claim is made, as it continues, "And truth is not in us," rather than saying, "Humility is not in us."

To further illuminate this, blessed John adds: "If we confess our sins, He, being faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What then does it mean when it is said, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have You imposed excessive demands, or perhaps taken too much away? Regardless of the understanding we derive from this, it seems to contradict the esteemed notion praised by the Greeks in their wise men and celebrated by the Latins—"Do nothing in excess." However, the Latin expression sometimes employs the term "nimis" to convey significant meaning within Scripture and everyday conversation. To say "you have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much" signifies an abundant commitment rather than an improper one.

"Oh, if only my ways were made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself a profound charge; recognize the earnestness in this plea, and upon understanding this expression of desire, cast away any arrogant pride. Who claims to desire fully what lies within their reach while ignoring the necessity of divine assistance? Thus, to sincerely wish for what God commands is to implore Him to enable such aspirations.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view the commandments of God as a mirror, as the Apostle James indicates (James 1:23-25). The individual wishes to reflect this commitment by not only listening to these commandments but also fulfilling them. Hence, he fervently seeks to align his paths with God’s statutes. How can one find righteousness except through God’s grace? Otherwise, the law of God may become a source of confusion rather than joy for him who does not abide by it.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the intent of my heart; in this, I shall understand the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This act is one of praise, not merely a confession of sins; it echoes the words of Him in whom there was no sin, "I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and it resonates with the teaching of Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God, for they are exceedingly good" (Sirach 39:15-16). The psalmist declares, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart." Certainly, if my ways are rendered right, my confession becomes a proclamation of Your greatness rather than my own.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what then follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or as some manuscripts indicate, "Leave me not excessively." However, considering that God withdrew from the world amidst its sins, had it not been for the powerful remedy provided by grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, He might have abandoned it entirely. Thankfully, by adhering to this prayer of Christ’s body, He did not forsake the world even too much, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Eusebius notes that one who truly loves the truth and refrains from speaking falsehood, acting with integrity, can proclaim, “I have loved the path of truth.” Similarly, anyone who consistently remembers and contemplates God’s judgments and commandments can say, “I have not forgotten Your judgments.” Origen adds that such a sentiment can only be genuinely expressed by someone who regards the visible world as transient and deceptive, while seeking the eternal and ultimate truth. The path chosen by those preoccupied with fleeting wealth and earthly prestige is not the true way. Thus, one who has embraced the path of truth remains mindful of God's judgments and His promises.

In the first aspect, phrases such as "I have chosen," "I have clung," and "I have acted" reveal a deep commitment and love. In the second aspect, sentiments like "I have not forgotten Thy destiny," "I will not bring shame upon Thee," and "Thou hast enlarged Thy heart" express reliance and an awareness of God's generous life-giving essence. Clearly, the ultimate goal resonates in the notion of God's grace filling the heart, allowing one to walk in the direction of His commandments, unencumbered by difficulties or hindrances. St. Hilary suggests that the law serves as the guiding path towards this aim, referring to it as "the way of truth."

Every person has their own journey, yet not all walk the path of truth. Jesus Himself distinguished between the broad and narrow ways, evaluating their end results. Many follow paths that appear straightforward and just but are ultimately distorted and illusory. The prophet asserts that he witnessed such deceptive routes; he recognized only one true path and chose to follow it.

St. Ambrose comments that the prophet's words indicate sincere conversion, highlighting that those who are greedy or attached to worldly possessions cannot claim to walk the true path. The wealthy cannot take their riches with them, and when faced with death, they become poorer than those who are destitute. Likewise, temporal glory and sorrow fail to represent the way of truth, which resides in the eternal, while the material world is fleeting. To follow the true path, we must detach ourselves from worldly concerns and live by faith. A life rooted in faith connects us to God, the only true Being; in contrast, those devoted to worldly matters merely "walk in an image" (Psalm 38:7), and the reality will ultimately confront them.

What does it mean to walk in the way of truth? It signifies living according to the Gospel and in accordance with Christian faith. Jesus Christ embodies both Truth and the Way. By following Him genuinely, not merely in appearance, we commit ourselves fully: "Not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom, but he that doeth the will of the Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). Truly enter into the way of truth, ensuring a sincere walk therein.

"I have chosen the way of truth with my entire will, and my will is anchored in this path." Until the light of truth prevails, one may experience a divided will, where conscience—enlightened by the Gospel—identifies what is right, yet conflicting thoughts may arise, leading to internal struggle. In the pursuit of forgiveness upon repentance, we must vow allegiance to God's will, though sometimes our will may grudgingly linger on past temptations, alluding to familiar comforts. This inner conflict indicates that true conversion is still in progress, as remnants of worldly desires remain pressed down but ready to surface if allowed.

Until this arduous journey is complete, the reassurance of forgiveness may not resonate clearly within, with a complete sense of "Your sins are forgiven" (Matthew 9:2) still absent. However, once this passage is transcended, impurities fade, selfishness is extinguished, and passions quiet down—bringing unity of purpose. The prophet rejoices, uttering, "And Thy destiny I have not forgotten." St. Augustine notes that God's will for the path of truth aligns beautifully with Divine judgments and providences, which foster both excitement and steadfastness in pursuing the true way.

The remembrance of God's decrees instills a sense of inevitability surrounding this path, binding one's will to follow it resolutely. But what are these destinies? They encompass the full scope of God's divine intentions for us, made known from the moment He chose to reveal them until one's awareness is fully attuned to their realization. This divine understanding pertains not only to the broader experience of salvation but also personally to each individual. These truths become clearer as a penitent faithfully navigates the tumultuous nature of repentance, ultimately merging with one’s consciousness.

Thus, those who are cleansed develop a profound awareness of God's justice and their standing within His plan, making it impossible for them to forget. As we remember God and our identity in Him, we also recall His judgments: "They do not escape his mind, but continually circulate in the eye of his understanding." The connection between God's will and remembrance is undeniable, as it fosters a spirit of moral necessity. Recognizing God’s judgments leads to the realization that all unfolds according to His will, which is unchangeable and steadfast.

Such determinations ground our understanding of salvation; we must act in accordance with this revelation or risk being excluded from the saved. When this understanding occupies the consciousness with the same clarity as recognizing day or night, the truly repentant individual, driven by a desire for spiritual preservation, chooses to align with God's decrees, discarding any hesitation. The trappings of worldly suffering do not deter him, for he realizes the choice between resisting and being saved or yielding and perishing. This reflects the potency of moral necessity! While the material world is constrained by physical forces, the moral realm is enacted under the structure of spiritual inevitability, enforced by the guiding hand of God, who desires salvation for all.

My soul feels an immense burden; uplift it by Your grace! If in the past I lamented my difficult circumstances, You listened to me then; hear me once more, and teach me inwardly how to fulfill Your law. Only then will I comprehend the wonders of wisdom found within Your commandments. My soul is utterly weakened by my grief; restore my strength so that I may turn from evil, bestowing upon me grace concerning Your law, so that I may understand and fulfill it rightly. I seek only what is just and gladly do Your will, trusting that You will assist me and bring me joy. The depiction of a troubled mind, alongside external affliction, highlights the Psalmist's burdened spirit. The soul was lifted from despair; the Psalmist's hands were heavy with distress. Your law—grant me mercy, rooting it deep within my soul. To expand the heart can mean liberation from external need or inward enlightenment, empowering me to adhere to the law. In either instance, joy will fill the heart. To remain worthy of such grace, I strive to keep God's law to the best of my ability.