Psalm 119 (118):49Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Listen to his continuation: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It seems to me that this describes the same group of the blessed mentioned previously. To engage with the Lord's testimonies and to earnestly seek Him means to be blameless on the journey and to abide by the law of the Lord. He further states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we recognize that those who commit wrongdoing can examine the Lord's testimonies because they choose knowledge over righteousness. We also see others who study the Lord’s testimonies, not because they are living well, but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they are not yet blessed.

It is written and affirmed in this Psalm: “They that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with the assistance of God, in whose care we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), that what is accurately expressed is not misinterpreted, leading to confusion for readers or listeners. We must be cautious not to consider all the saints, whose words declare, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), as incapable of walking in the ways of the Lord. Since sin is wrongdoing and those who commit wrongdoing do not follow His paths; or, considering that it is evident they do walk in the Lord's paths, we cannot assert they have no sin, an assertion that is indeed false. This was not stated merely to guard against arrogance and pride; if it had been, the phrase “And truth is not in us” would not have been included but rather “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent words clarify the intention and dispel any doubt. After this, the 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, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly”? (Psalm 118:4). Have you taken too much from us, or left us with too little? In either case, the meaning seems to contradict that esteemed principle admired by Greek philosophers and esteemed by the Latins, “Do nothing excessively.” Yet, occasionally, the Latin expression “nimis” carries such significance that we encounter it in Scripture, finding it deeply meaningful in our dialogues. In this instance, “You have accused us of adhering to your commandments too much” implies a deeper understanding. When we tell a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” we do not intend to imply an excess but rather a deep affection.

Oh, if only, he exclaims, “My ways would become so straight that I might keep Thy decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have assumed the responsibility: Oh, if only I could comprehend what you have taken upon yourself. When you hear this, recognize the willingness behind the words, and once you identify the expression of desire, relinquish the arrogance of presumption. Who can assert that they sincerely desire to accomplish what is within their power to achieve without divine assistance? Therefore, when one longs for what God commands, one ought to pray to Him for the grace to fulfill His commandments.

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should view God’s commandments as one looks into a mirror, as the Apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to become so aligned with them that they can reflect upon God’s commandments without confusion, as they choose to be not merely hearers but doers of them. For this reason, he desires his paths to align straight and to adhere to God’s statutes. How can one achieve such straightness apart from God’s grace? Without it, one will find in the law of God not a source of joy but a cause of confusion, should one wish to reflect upon commandments they do not follow.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Thy righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not concerning sinfulness, but rather an act of praise; akin to “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as it is written in Ecclesiasticus: so confess all the works of God, acknowledging their goodness (Sirach 39:15-16). He affirms, “I confess to Thee, according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my paths are made straight, I will confess to You, for it is You who have achieved it; it is Your praise, not my own.

He then states, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or, as some texts render, “even excessively.” Since God had forsaken the world amid its wilderness of sin, He would have entirely abandoned it had it not been upheld by such a powerful remedy, namely, by the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; thus, according to this prayer of Christ’s body, He did not forsake it overwhelmingly, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

What is the essence of this remembrance they seek from Him, if not that He will remain with them according to His pledge, which serves as their solace during trials? As He proclaimed, “And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

He is distressed by the sluggish realization of God's promises (verse 49), by the humbling experiences he endures (verse 50), by the arrogance of adversaries and mockers (verses 51-52), by the prevalence of sin and wickedness (verse 53), and by his transient existence on earth, a place of exile (verse 54). In all his tribulations, he turns to God and His holy commandments, striving to maintain an appropriate response, which is expressed in a variety of phrases, but consistently in thought, as will be revealed (verses 55 to 56).

Psalm 118:49 states, "Remember Thy words unto Thy servant; upon them hath Thy hope given me." The words that have inspired the prophet’s hopes are the promises bestowed upon him. He seeks a reminder of these promises due to the disconnect he perceives between his current trials and the expectancy ignited by God's assurances, or perhaps he anticipates circumstances that could jeopardize his hopes, or he may simply require divine comfort and mercy. These promises, rich in mercy, prompt him to say, “Recall what I have spoken; grant me even a small portion of what You have pledged, because now more than ever, I feel my need.” This request is underpinned by an unwavering trust in the unchanging nature of God's word.

But does God experience forgetfulness as humanity does? He does not. Thus, when the word “remember” is used, it conveys the supplicant's desire to receive what has been vowed, rather than implying that God has overlooked His promises. Scripture employs “remember” in varied contexts, sometimes signifying divine forgetfulness, as in “Why hast Thou forgotten me?” (Psalm 41:10) or “Why dost Thou forget our poverty?” (Psalm 43:25). Yet, God declares through the prophet that if a sinner repents, He will forget all their transgressions (Ezekiel 18:21-22). Divine forgetfulness differs fundamentally from human forgetfulness. When God alters the natural order, remaining unchanged in His eternal counsel (Psalm 32:11), it may seem as though He has had a lapse of memory. Thus, when the plea “remember” is made, it reflects the desire for the fulfillment of the promises rather than an indication that God has disregarded them.

The request to God to “remember” essentially asks Him to fulfill His promises. David is expressing, “fulfill what You have pledged to Your servant.” The phrase “Thy hope hast given me” suggests that by trusting in the divine promises, the prophet nurtured his hope. St. Augustine interprets this as an acknowledgment of God's conditional promises, which rely on the faithfulness of those who receive them. The prophet, recognizing his own inability to meet these conditions, implores God to aid him, thus positioning himself to fulfill the promises that are contingent upon such faithfulness. St. Hilary notes that David’s prayer implies his longing to be deemed worthy of God's remembrance of the encouraging words spoken to him.

God's words to David are explicitly documented in Scripture. The prophet Nathan conveyed God's message saying, "I have raised you up from the fold of the sheep to be ruler over my people Israel, and I will be with you wherever you go, and I will eliminate all your enemies before you." Moreover, God assured, "I will give you rest from all your enemies," and upon hearing this, David exclaimed: "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And these things, O Lord God, are but a small matter to You, as well as the promise concerning my house." He then goes on to declare: "And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have spoken these good things concerning Your servant. Now therefore, please bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever, as You have spoken" (2 Samuel 7:8-29). Motivated by these proclamations, David remained vigilant in anticipation of their realization, relying on the certainty of the prophet's words, he approaches God with a prayer asking Him to remember His promises, which it is unlikely He would neglect.

St. Ambrose interprets David's plea not as arrogance, but rather rooted in the conviction that the true God cannot be untruthful. David's appeal suggests: my trust is not based on mere admiration, but rather You have instilled in me a sense of hope. He sees himself as a servant awaiting sustenance from a master, or a soldier anticipating remuneration from a king. We, too, can echo these sentiments in our prayers to God. The promises we receive in Christ are not solely for the future but encompass our present reality. When you reflect on these promises and do not witness their manifestation in your life, beseech God to remember them and to realize them within you. If obstacles exist preventing their fulfillment, simultaneously request that He removes these hindrances and grants you the worthiness to receive what is pledged.

Forgiveness has been assured to the repentant; yet if you continue to feel weighed down by despair, pray that God indeed assures you of His forgiveness and that you may experience the joy it brings, for "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" (Psalm 31:1). It is promised that those who are baptized with water and the Spirit, or who weep tears of repentance, will undergo spiritual renewal and embark on a new life; such a promise ought to manifest in you, even while the lingering effects of your old ways appear unyielding. Pray that the Lord will liberate you from "this body of death" (Romans 7:24), allowing His presence to dwell within you rather than sin.

Further, it is guaranteed that each person will be taught by God, not through external means but through the internal writing of God's truths upon our hearts; this should also be true for you, despite experiencing darkness and the absence of enlightenment in your spirit. Pray that the Lord may finally become your guiding light, illuminating all who enter the world. It is assured that genuine worshippers will engage with God in spirit; you too must strive to worship rightly, even as you acknowledge deficiencies in your external worship and the absence of spiritual engagement. So pray for the One who inspires prayer (1 Samuel 2:9) to guide you in approaching Him appropriately.

This principle extends to every facet of life. Yet ensure that your petitions do not become mere empty words. Remember to commit to fulfilling what is required of you so that your prayers carry genuine significance. Your declaration should consistently be: "Behold, I am doing, or I will do to the best of my ability what lies within my power; but remember, O Lord, what You have promised to those who labor for You, and accomplish Your good will in my soul." When you diligently strive in your life’s work, you will be able to proclaim alongside the Apostle: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). This embodies the pinnacle of promises and hopes reinforced by God's word: "Where I am, there also shall my servant be" (John 12:26).

Grant me, at last, the help You have promised. The only solace I find in my current trials lies in the assurance of Your word. Though I am troubled by the proud, they cannot lead me away from Your law. I take heart knowing that from the very beginning, You have always upheld justice. What truly troubles me is seeing my adversaries transgress Your commandments. Your law is my greatest delight and I consistently remember it. Your word brings life to me—the promises of God, their remembrance, and contemplation revive the weary soul and serve as the sole source of comfort. Despite my sorrow, my loss of courage, and my confusion, I turn to Your law, which remains ever in my thoughts.