Psalm 119 (118):45Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider what he adds next: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems to me that no other group of the blessed is indicated here except the one previously mentioned. For to examine the testimonies of the Lord and wholeheartedly seek Him is to walk blamelessly in His law. He continues with the declaration, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we understand that those who commit iniquities may still explore the testimonies of the Lord, prioritizing knowledge over righteousness; similarly, others may seek to understand the testimonies, not because they live righteously, but to discover how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and, thus, have not reached blessedness...

It is stated that "they that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with the aid of God, in whose hands both we and our words exist (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that correctly articulated truths are not misconstrued by the reader or listener. We must avoid the implication that all 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)—cannot be considered as walking in the Lord’s ways, since sin is inherently evil and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Or, acknowledging that they indeed walk in His ways, one might erroneously conclude that they are without sin, which is certainly incorrect. This assertion is not merely intended to discourage arrogance and pride. Otherwise, it would not include the phrase "and the truth is not in us," but would instead say "Humility is not in us"—particularly as the subsequent words clarify the intended message, removing any uncertainty. After stating this, blessed John further 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 mean when he says: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Did you overreach in your demands? Or did you give too little? In whatever way we interpret this, the sense appears to stand in stark contrast to the well-regarded and noble principle cherished by Greek philosophers and unanimously lauded by Latin thinkers: "Do nothing in excess." Yet, in the Latin tongue, the word "nimis" can carry meanings found in Scripture, used in our conversations to convey profound significance. In this passage, when you claim we observe Your commandments excessively, we glean much meaning if we interpret it rightly; for when we express love for a dear friend by saying "I love you too much," it does not translate to an excessive affection, but an intense devotion.

Ah, if only, he laments, my ways could be so straight that I might keep Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed placed this burden upon Yourself: "Oh, if only I could realize what You have taken upon Yourself." When you hear this, recognize it as the voice of one willing, and acknowledging this desire, let go of presumption. Who claims to desire what lies within their capability without divine assistance? Hence, if one longs to fulfill what God commands, they ought to pray for His grace to enable them to do so...

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to perceive the commandments of God, whether when they are read or remembered, as one would look into a mirror, as the apostle James articulates (James 1:23-25). This individual longs for alignment in their life, desiring to view God’s commandments reflectively, without confusion, choosing to be more than merely a hearer, but a doer as well. Thus, they crave straightened paths to fulfill God's statutes. How might one achieve such straightness if not through God's grace? Otherwise, the law of God would be a source of confusion rather than joy for one who wishes to examine commandments of which they are unaware.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, according to the direction of my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Thy righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This does not refer to a confession of sin, but rather a proclamation of praise; similar to how it is declared, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto Thee, 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). He states, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will give You praise, for it is Your work and not my own...

He further proclaims: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8)... But what follows? "Do not leave me even in excess!" or, as some manuscripts suggest, "nor excessively." Yet because God deserted the world in its wilderness of sins, He might have entirely forsaken it were it not supported by a powerful remedy, which is the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; and now, according to this prayer of Christ's body, God did not completely abandon it, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19)...

Love for God creates space within the hearts of individuals, for true love knows no confinement. Loving God involves actively seeking and adhering to His commands. As the Lord stated, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Thus, one who earnestly seeks God's commands walks in freedom, experiencing a life filled with breadth; for those who love the Lord embrace all things, endure all challenges, and are therefore unbound by limitation.

It is universally acknowledged that our constraints in moral freedom stem from these passions. What hinders the hand ready to perform good? Self-interest. What causes the soul to languish at witnessing a neighbor's joy? Envy. What immobilizes a person who should be on their way to church to pray? Self-indulgence and laziness. In all matters, this holds true. However, one who seeks and loves the commandments—and commits to unwavering fidelity to them—may experience the onslaught of such passions, yet they do not dominate or ensnare him; he swiftly repels them. As he grows more adept at fulfilling the commandments, he barely feels their weight. “He who does not confine his mind to worldly and carnal concerns, but rather directs it towards heavenly matters and resides in the celestial realm, while the sinning individual is ensnared by the chains of his passions,” states Saint Ambrose. Consider the wealthy man; although he possesses numerous fields, it is never enough—he desires more; the entirety of the earth fails to satisfy him. Saint Hilary points out that “the prophet is not constricted. It is the hearts of sinners that are confined, and those souls tainted by sin lack the honor of God’s visitation. To accommodate the immense God, our hearts must be spacious, cultivated through loyalty to His commandments. The prophet enjoys spiritual breadth because God resides in him, and God resides there because the prophet diligently seeks His commandments. Reflect on the broad understanding that envelops us when we delve into the Holy Scriptures to examine God’s commandments, and consider how vast our humility feels when it aligns itself with Divine desires. Conversely, sins contract the spirit of every soul; to those who do not merit the presence of God’s glory, life seems anything but spacious.” Blessed Augustine raises the question: “What does it signify to walk in breadth?” He responds, “It signifies walking in the love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, given unto us. This Spirit teaches us to fulfill the commandments in love for God and our neighbors.” Zigaben interprets this breadth differently, paraphrasing it to say, “In all my endeavors, I have encountered opportunity and success, for I have embraced your commandments and remained steadfast in my dedication to them. Even amidst tribulation, I was not weighed down, for the good report from my conscience reassured me of profound love and unwavering fidelity to Your commandments, thus expanding my heart even in trials. A good conscience is a source of comfort for its possessor.” Yet, in the immediate context, it is more fitting to understand this breadth as that in which one who trusts in God perceives himself walking, and indeed does walk. This trust and the accompanying faithful adherence to God’s commandments is articulated in various teachings by St. Isaac the Syrian. He notes that “there exists a hidden Providence. You too will be favored by it if you first encourage yourself in faith to cast your anxieties upon God, replacing your worries with His care. When God observes your pure trust in Him above all else, this unwavering faith will be infused within you, enabling you to feel that it is undeniably present—that force which many, feeling its presence, brave the flames without fear, and walk upon water without trepidation, for faith empowers the soul, allowing it to look beyond the daunting aspects of life.” “If you have once entrusted yourself to the Lord, who is entirely capable of protecting and overseeing you, and if you follow Him closely, then do not be anxious about worldly matters. Instead, reassure your soul that every task is sufficiently cared for by Him to whom you have surrendered your spirit. He is aware of your needs. In such trust, you will witness God’s wondrous works — you will see how God is perpetually near to rescue those who revere Him, enveloping them in His invisible Providence. Although this presence may be invisible to your worldly eyes, do not doubt His existence; often, He opens your spiritual eyes, leading you to joy. When you are firmly established in such trust, you will find that distressing thoughts flee from you, rendering the challenges you encounter manageable and light.” He concludes by contrasting a reliance on one's prudence, which is accompanied by fear, with faith, which is infused with hope. The degree to which one is guided by their own understanding dictates how much fear constrains them. Conversely, those who embrace faith quickly attain freedom and self-possession, enjoying life as a child of God, fully liberated. Furthermore, faith enables one to transcend all earthly limitations, whereas human wisdom often faces obstacles. Indeed, the nature of water cannot support a physical footprint, and one who approaches fire inevitably encounters suffering. Yet, faith transcends these barriers, buoyed by the promise: “If you pass through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the waters overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:2). Many have, through faith, entered the flames, subdued their searing heat, and walked through the midst unharmed, traversing the sea as if it were dry land. He emphasizes that such trust is attainable solely through devoted service to God and obedience to His commandments. The individual who remains unconcerned with the transitory matters of this world, entrusting himself wholly to the Lord day and night, seeks virtues above worldly desires and dedicates his time to Divine undertakings. As such a person does not fret over food, clothing, or shelter for his body, he reflects a perfect and rational trust in the Lord. This trust is indeed the loftiest and wisest hope. It is fitting for one who serves God diligently to expect His unique care. Conversely, a person whose heart is entirely consumed by earthly matters, who repeatedly indulges in sin without regard for what pleases God and retreats from virtue, cannot possess a radiating hope. Restrained by scarcity or overwhelmed by the consequences of their own misdeeds, they might claim, “I will trust in God; He will alleviate my burdens.” Yet, such individuals deceive themselves. Genuine hope in God is preceded by diligent labor in fulfilling God’s commandments. Do you believe that God cares for His creation? Let your faith be coupled with righteous action, and then God will answer your cry.

Grant me the promised grace of salvation, and in return, I will confront my mockers and provide clear evidence of Your support as a testament to the truth of my cause, which is currently being ridiculed. When Your assistance arrives, I will express my gratitude by obeying Your law, I will experience joy, I will confidently declare my faith even in the presence of those who scorn me, and I will reflect upon and practice Your words with zeal. Grace represents both spiritual illumination and external deliverance from hardship. The word of truth signifies a response that is undeniably valid. The imagery of spaciousness signifies joy, contrasting with my current struggles. Raising my hands signifies a passionate desire to fulfill Your commandments earnestly. The references in verses 45 to 48 might also indicate a future expectation as understood in the original Hebrew.