Psalm 119 (118):46Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, pay attention to the next part: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this statement refers to the same blessed group previously identified. To delve into the Lord's testimonies and to pursue Him wholeheartedly is to walk in a blameless manner within His law. He continues, "For they who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nevertheless, we recognize that those who engage in wickedness still examine the Lord's testimonies, prioritizing knowledge over righteousness. We are aware that some who study these testimonies do not do so out of an already righteous lifestyle but in hopes of learning how they should live. Such individuals do not currently walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and consequently, they have not yet attained blessedness.

It is affirmed in this psalm that "they who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s aid—who holds both us and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16)—to ensure that statements made with accuracy do not lead to confusion for those who hear or read them. We must be cautious lest the sacred saints, whose truth is captured in the words, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), be misidentified as not walking in the ways of the Lord. As sin is indeed evil, one might conclude that those who commit evil cannot possibly walk in His paths, or conversely, if it is clear they walk in His ways, one might wrongly think they have no sin, a notion which is undoubtedly incorrect. This reminder serves not only to caution against arrogance and pride; rather, the further addition, "And the truth is not in us," clarifies the intent and dispels any doubts. Following this, the blessed John adds, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What is meant by the statement: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you burdened us excessively? Or left us lacking? Regardless of the interpretation, the sentiment appears contrary to the admirable wisdom praised by both Greek and Latin thinkers: "Do nothing in excess." Yet, the Latin can use the term "nimis" in a context that conveys more profound significance. In this context, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much" should be understood as indicating a great deal of adherence, implying no less than a profound commitment. For instance, when we say to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we do not intend to imply an inappropriate level of affection, but rather an abundance of love.

Oh, if only, he expresses, "my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself the burden of this charge: "Oh, if I could comprehend the weight of what you bear!" As you listen, acknowledge the earnestness of the speaker; recognize the desire expressed, and dispel any arrogance of presumption. Who is able to desire something so deeply within their power that they believe they can achieve it without divine assistance? Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, they ought to seek God's help in fulfilling it.

And "I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we read or contemplate God's commandments, we should view them in a manner like looking into a mirror, as the Apostle James advises (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to reflect God's standards, striving to align their life with His commandments, ensuring that confusion does not cloud their understanding. They do not wish merely to hear His words but are determined to act upon them. Hence, the desire for straight paths and adherence to divine statutes naturally flows from this understanding. But how can one hope for straightness without the grace of God? Without His assistance, they will encounter not joy, but confusion when faced with His commandments.

"I will confess to You," he declares, "O Lord, from the depths of my heart; in this way, I will learn of Your righteous decrees" (Psalm 117:7). This is a confession of praise rather than a mere admission of sin, as we find in the words "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as stated in the writings of Ecclesiasticus, "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). "I confess to You," he proclaims, "according to the sincerity of my heart." If my life is rightly ordered, I will acknowledge You, for it is You who have accomplished this, deserving of praise.

Additionally, he continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what ensues? "Do not forsake me, not even excessively," or as some translations render, "not even too much." Even when God has distanced Himself from the world immersed in sin, He has not completely abandoned it, for it is upheld by a powerful remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, through this prayer from the body of Christ, He has not forsaken it at all; for God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Theodoret further emphasizes that David exemplifies this truth, for prior to his sin, he confronted Saul with unwavering courage, whereas after his transgression, he fled and walked with his head bowed in shame. Didyma asserts that to proclaim the words of God, one must possess a martyr's heart and be prepared for suffering; hence, the prophet refers to God's words as testimonies of martyrdom. Bezimenius concurs, highlighting the necessity of boldly declaring God's testimony before kings, since the One who speaks through us surpasses all earthly rulers, for He is the King of kings. Our expressions of faith do not bring dishonor when we genuinely embody the one who speaks through us; thus, our actions also testify on our behalf.

This way, you will not face embarrassment “before the Holy Angels, before the Son of man in His glory, and before His Father in heaven,” but instead, you will enter into the glory of the One to whom belongs glory forever. Amen.

The act of bearing testimony to truth and justice stems directly from unwavering commitment to God's commandments, fostering a sincere integrity that compels one to speak the truth rather than to conceal or distort it. This virtuous witness tends to emerge quietly, revealed in the context of earthly or civil life; it may remain silent when unchallenged. However, the prophet exemplifies a distinctive courage in proclaiming truth—he actively engages without waiting for opportunities, fearlessly entering the fray among the nations. This courage is ignited by a fervent love for God and His glory, often inspired by divine revelation or a direct message from God, akin to the experiences of prophets, apostles, martyrs, and confessors.

What motivates and inspires a faithful individual to bear witness to the truth? It is the assurance that they are aligning with God's creative work, supported and safeguarded by Him. Thus, they are confident that God will uphold them, even when confronting opposition. Trials, losses, suffering, and even death are not seen as defeats; rather, martyrs who endure torture are regarded as victors for their steadfastness in truth despite numerous attempts to sway them. What mindset do such witnesses possess during their testimony? They transcend earthly concerns, focusing instead on the promised blessings of heaven. This was strikingly evident among martyrs, who found encouragement in the prospect of leaving behind the troubled earth for the glorious realms of God, often pleading with their tormentors to hasten their sufferings, viewing them as a means to unite with Christ and share in His glory.

Our interpreters take special note of this aspect in recounting the experiences of martyrs. St. Athanasius states, “Such was Paul, such was Peter, such was the bearing of the Apostles and martyrs.” Saint Ambrose remarks that it is appropriate for any martyr, called before earthly judges, to remain unashamed when facing reproach for their faith in the Crucified One, embracing the glory of the Cross of Christ and demonstrating through divine testimony that salvation is found therein. Blessed Theodoret also cites the witnesses from the Old Testament, saying, “With great comfort, the prophet noted that living according to Your commandments freed him from the fear of kings, allowing him to speak boldly to them.” The great David exemplified this during his forthright conversations with Saul before his fall into sin, and even after his transgressions, he humbly fled from his son Absalom, his head bowed in sorrow. Elijah, standing firmly on truth, rebuked Ahab’s evil ways (1 Kings 18:18), while Daniel advised Nebuchadnezzar: “O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you; let your sins be atoned for by acts of charity and your wrongdoings by generous gifts” (Dan. 4:24). Similarly, Paul boldly declared the truth to Agrippa, Festus, and Felix, and the steadfast martyrs nullified the threats posed by wicked rulers (see Acts 24:26). Some scholars suggest that this passage can also pertain to preachers of the Gospel throughout history. Preaching may be muted within the Church, and while it addresses Christians, it does not always receive a Christian response. The example set by the prophet in this context reminds us that the delivery of truth must be straightforward and fearless, free from compromise or manipulation to placate earthly powers. A firm conviction rooted in truth, complemented by a righteous life, fosters boldness. St. Athanasius asserts that this verse aptly applies to any martyr who is brought “before rulers and kings” (Matt. 10:18), and it equally pertains to those who proclaim the truth to holy souls. He is truly deserving of shame who, having received God's word, fails to declare it with conviction. St. Hilary affirms the source of such a proclamation: “It is the duty of a generous heart to abundantly express the words of divine teaching.” Proclaimers of the truth should be guided not merely by the prophet's example but by the Lord's command to share the Gospel everywhere, receiving the encouragement to “fear not.” Didymus, through Zigabenus, implores those who speak God's word to possess a martyr’s mentality, always ready to endure for the truth. This is why God’s testimony is referred to as a word that embodies martyrdom. In the various circumstances of life, every individual can find ongoing opportunities to testify to the truth, even facing suffering for it. What motivates one to endure such testimony is the trust in God, who never abandons the righteous and upright.

Grant me the promised grace of salvation; then I will be empowered to provide a strong response to my mockers, the Babylonian adversaries and the sinful desires in my soul, by pointing to Your assistance as evidence of my righteousness, which they deride. When Your help arrives, I will fulfill Your law in grateful obedience, living joyfully, and boldly declaring Your commands even to the nobles who currently scorn me. I will reflect upon Your law with joy and strive to practice it diligently. The grace I seek is both an inner illumination and a source of strength, as well as a means of deliverance from my struggles. The word of truth serves as a truthful answer. The notion of spaciousness symbolizes happiness, contrasting sharply with the current constraints I face. To lift my hands in passionate desire towards Your commandments signifies my commitment to fulfilling them earnestly. The past references in verses 45-48 may also be understood as prophetic for the future.