Psalm 119 (118):34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Next, he proclaims: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that no different kind of blessed person is referenced here than those previously mentioned. To scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly embodies the essence of being blameless along the path; it signifies walking in His law. Following this, he states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we are aware that individuals who commit wrongdoing indeed study the testimonies of the Lord, opting for knowledge rather than righteousness; others also engage with the testimonies not because they live righteously but in hopes of understanding how they should conduct their lives. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, which is why they have not yet attained blessedness.

It is written and affirmed in this Psalm: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's aid, in whose hands both we and our words rest (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is correctly stated is also rightly comprehended, so as not to confuse the reader or listener. We must be cautious, lest all the saints, whose words are, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), should be thought incapable of walking in the ways of the Lord due to the association of sin with evil, and thus, those who commit evil cannot walk in His ways; or, due to the undeniable fact that they walk in the ways of the Lord, they could be regarded as sinless, which is certainly false. Such statements are not made merely to prevent arrogance and pride; otherwise, the phrase "And the truth is not in us" would not follow, as they would have said, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the meaning and dispel all doubts. After making such a declaration, blessed John 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 states: "Have you accused us of adhering to Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you imposed excessive demands or left us with an inadequate measure? Regardless of which interpretation we adopt, the meaning appears to contrast with the well-known and esteemed principle celebrated by Greek sages and lauded by Latin scholars alike: "Do nothing to excess." However, the Latin language may sometimes employ the term "nimis" in such a manner that we find it in Scripture, using it in our discourse as notably significant. Here, the implication of being accused of following Your commandments excessively suggests that we grasp a deeper understanding if perceived correctly; and should we express to a beloved friend, "I love you too much," it does not imply an inappropriate amount, but rather a profound affection.

"O that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed undertaken the responsibility; oh, that I might comprehend what You have embraced. When you hear this, recognize the voice of the willing, and upon acknowledging this expression of desire, cast aside the arrogance of presumption. For who can sincerely claim that they desire what is within their capability without the necessity for assistance? Thus, if one yearns for what God commands, they should pray for His aid in fulfilling those commands.

"I will not be ashamed as long as I observe all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should regard the commandments of God, whether read or recalled, like a mirror, as the apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to be like that mirror, reflecting God’s commandments without confusion, for he chooses to be not merely a hearer, but a doer of the word. Thus, he yearns for a straight path to keep God's statutes. How can one achieve such straightness other than through the grace of God? Without this grace, one will find in the law of God not a source of joy but of bewilderment, should they wish to gaze upon commandments they do not follow.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not of sins, but rather of praise; as it is said, "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: "Confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He declares, "I confess to you according to the direction of my heart." Indeed, should my ways be made right, I shall confess to You because You have accomplished it; it is Your glory and not mine.

"He also adds, I will keep Your statutes" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O do not forsake me" or, as some manuscripts phrase it, "not even excessively." Since God had turned from the world amidst its sinful wilderness, He would have completely abandoned it had it not been upheld by such a potent remedy—namely, the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; yet now, according to the prayer of the body of Christ, He has not departed even excessively, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

The essence of the heart remains consistent in both contexts; it is only the heart that can recover from sin, which is why it is not stated, “I will recover it with all my heart” in the earlier verse. However, one can fulfill the law externally without genuine heartfelt commitment, hence it states here, “I will keep it with all my heart.” True adherence to the law requires sincerity. Yet, since the heart can be blind, there arises a need for divine guidance so that the illuminating wisdom of reason may clarify the principles of righteousness and direct the heart towards virtuous actions. This is akin to a prophet’s prayer for understanding and illumination through the Holy Spirit, enabling diligent study of God's law, with a promise to fulfill it once understood.

Blessed Theodoret observes that while the Lord instructs us to examine the Scriptures, those who undergo this examination need enlightenment from on high, both to discover what is sought and to preserve that which has been found. Bellarmine notes that initially, the request was for favor concerning the law, but now it shifts towards a heartfelt and comprehensive knowledge of it—not out of mere curiosity, but for the purpose of safeguarding what has been learned. St. Hilary further elaborates that the foundation of wisdom is to turn to those who possess understanding when one is uncertain. Thus, the prophet first seeks wisdom for better comprehension of what is unclear, acknowledging that having received wisdom necessitates diligent inquiry, stating, “and I will test Thy law.” He includes the intention to carry out what is revealed through his research, affirming, “and I will keep it also.” Understanding that true obedience derives its power from the heart, he concludes with the commitment to “keep it also with all my heart.”

What is the prophet being called to comprehend and investigate? It pertains to the spiritual significance of all divine decrees. For instance, the six days of labor reflect the six days of creation, while the seventh day symbolizes God's rest after His creative work. Similarly, the new moon festival serves as a foreshadowing of eternal life in heaven. The prophet seeks understanding of additional elements, such as the meaning of jubilee years, circumcision, unleavened bread, Passover, and the significance of the promised land itself. He expresses a desire to grasp these meanings, vowing that once understood, he will delve even deeper into his studies and cherish the insights discovered, pledging to adhere to them wholeheartedly.

St. Ambrosius continues this theme, urging deeper exploration into what actions please God, following the interpretations of the law as given by the Lord. We are called to walk in the spiritual law, adhering to the commandments enacted by Christ, as articulated in Matthew 5: “It was spoken to the ancients... But I say unto you.” Just as there is a Holy of Holies, so too is there the ultimate commandment of commandments. When one comprehends the law in this spiritual manner, it fortifies the resolve to keep it sincerely. In contrast, the Jew may recite the law vocally without genuine comprehension or heartfelt appreciation; thus, he is rebuked: “With the mouth he honors Me, but his heart is far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13). How can someone who is distant from the Lawgiver truly keep the law?

By deeply engaging with the law and integrating its spiritual meaning into one's life, the true law-abiding individual, as expressed by St. Augustine, reaches the pinnacle of a holy and righteous existence, loving God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and his neighbor as himself; this embodies the essence of the law and the prophets. Is it not the case that many devoted believers and Christians often miss the true fruit of their labors due to a lack of understanding and an unwillingness to explore what transcends the law? Consequently, they may push against the thresholds of faith without fully entering in.

Christianity does possess an external framework, which is essential for all individuals. Still, its meaning diverges significantly from that of the Old Testament's faith tradition. In the earlier context, every detail was strictly inscribed by divine hand, where deviation—even in appearance—was considered sin. However, the Church of Christ, unlike the rigid traditions of the past, has received the living spirit of Christ Jesus, which continually manifests and evolves, adorned splendidly within the ranks of the Church. Just as this spirit of life is ever-present, the outward expression of this spirit is dynamic, unlike the stagnant nature of a mere legalistic observance.

While the law remains singular, “let all things be honorable and according to rank” (1 Cor. 14:40). In this divine order, we are nurtured and renewed by the spirit of life itself. The power lies within this spirit. Should it become dormant, and should we only adhere to the structured life of the Church, we risk becoming indistinguishable from those who follow the law without the circumcision of the heart—those who may outwardly cleanse themselves without concern for inner purity, professing devotion while pursuing self-serving ends.

Thus, a person who stands on the periphery of worship with vanity in their heart may return home believing they have performed their duty, much like one who mechanically recites prayers without true engagement of mind or spirit. Such individuals may mistakenly assume they need not seek a deeper spiritual life, only awaiting the reward of righteousness. The worthiness of good deeds arises not from mere external compliance but from the spirit in which they are performed. If we neglect this truth, we may become enslaved to the external forms of worship, perceiving them as the essence of faith: “Touch not, taste not, handle not.” This mindset fosters a form of bondage that the Lord desires to liberate believers from.

Bestow upon me the grace to regard Your law as the sole measure of my life; enlighten my understanding of it. Help me to perform Your will in private and shield me from all harm. Fulfill the covenant You have made with those who revere You; alleviate the shame that burdens and torments me, demonstrating that Your law bestows blessings upon those who uphold it. For the sake of my love for Your law, revive me.

Establish a law for me—a guiding principle derived from Your ordinances; may observing this principle become my foremost commitment. If by Your grace I can follow the path of Your justifications as my law, then I will diligently explore that path, striving to comprehend all its meanings. Perhaps also instruct me in the reverence of Your word, which pertains to the promises given concerning those who fear You. Let the shame of my past be removed, as they once thought to utterly destroy me.