Psalm 119 (118):50Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider now what follows: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It seems that no other group of the blessed is referenced here apart from that which has already been established. To diligently examine the Lord’s testimonies and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to embody blamelessness along the path, to truly live by His law. He further states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). It is apparent, however, that those who engage in wrongdoing may yet explore the testimonies of the Lord, as their preference lies in knowledge rather than righteousness. Others also scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord, not because they embody goodness, but in hopes of learning how to live righteously. These individuals do not yet tread blamelessly according to the law of the Lord and, as such, remain outside the realm of blessedness.

It is affirmed in this psalm, and it holds true: “They that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance—who encompasses both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16)—to ensure that what is rightly expressed is not misconstrued by the reader or hearer. We should be cautious that all the saints, whose proclamation is, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), are not misperceived as unable to walk in the Lord's ways, considering that sin is indeed evil and those who commit such acts do not follow His paths; or, conversely, since it is clear that they walk in His ways, they must not be interpreted as having no sin, which would undoubtedly be incorrect. For this affirmation is presented not merely to prevent arrogance; it would have been enough to state, “Humility is not in us,” especially since the subsequent words clarify the intended meaning and dispel any ambiguity. After this statement, the beloved John concludes, “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 can it signify when he says, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4) Have you taken more than is due? Or have you left something unattained? Regardless of interpretation, the implication opposes the notable and respected wisdom that Greeks admire in their philosophers and that all Latins commend. The sentiment, “Do nothing excessively,” comes to mind. Yet, the Latin term “nimis” is sometimes used biblically in ways that resonate deeply in our dialogues. In this context, when accused of adhering to the commandments too greatly, we glean significant understanding: if we were to tell a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” we would not imply that the affection exceeds what is proper, but rather that our love is profound.

“Oh, if my ways could be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You indeed have undertaken the obligation; if only I could see the weight of what You have taken upon Yourself. When you hear this, acknowledge the expression of earnest desire, and recognize that such a longing dispels presumptuous pride. Who can claim to earnestly desire what they can fulfill independently? Thus, if someone yearns for what God commands, it follows that they must pray for divine assistance to fulfill those commands.

“And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God’s commandments, whether they are being recited or recalled, as we might examine ourselves in a mirror, as James illustrates (James 1:23-25). This individual seeks to reflect such a commitment in his life, aspiring not merely to hear the commandments but to faithfully enact them. Therefore, he yearns for paths of righteousness to obey God’s statutes. How can one attain such uprightness except through the grace of God? Otherwise, approaching the law of God will yield confusion rather than joy if one desires to understand commandments without genuine adherence.

“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 sin but of praise, as witnessed in the words said by the One in whom there was no sin: “I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25) and as recorded in Ecclesiasticus: “Confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He asserts, “I confess according to the inclinations of my heart.” Indeed, if my ways are aligned rightly, I shall offer You praise, for You have accomplished this, and it is Your glory, not mine.

He further proclaims, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8) but what follows? “O do not forsake me too much!” or as some manuscripts convey, “Do not abandon me at all!” But since God withdrew from the world in its sin-laden wilderness, He would have completely abandoned it had it not been bolstered by a powerful remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. According 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).

This concept is echoed by Blessed Augustine, who expounds that the humility required involves acknowledging one’s sins rather than claiming righteousness. The comforting assurance is found in the scripture, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The Lord Himself also proclaimed, “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Augustine further elucidates that humility can manifest as a result of tribulations sent to temper pride and test patience. The life-giving promise for such trials is encapsulated in the words, “In your patience you shall gain your souls, and not a hair of your head will perish” (Luke 21:18, 19), alongside the assurance that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Lord further instills hope in our prayers, instructing us to say, “and lead us not into temptation,” indicating His commitment to answering such requests.

St. Athanasius also resonates with the prophet’s plea for comfort in humility. The trust induced in him by the divine word brought solace, so much so that even calamities—whether facing death, serious illness, loss of possessions, or persecution—could not extinguish his hope. St. Ambrosius confirms this sentiment by stating that the hope inspired by the Lord's word gave him encouragement to endure life’s challenges, cultivating trust rooted in faithfulness to God. The example of the Apostle Paul illustrates this, as he experienced comfort only when he began to endure suffering for the Lord’s name. He encouraged steadfastness in faith, declaring, “Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-37). Therefore, whoever wishes to triumph over hardships must adopt a comforting hope; regardless of the adversities faced, such confidence ensures resilience against despair. A heart anchored in the conviction that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18) cannot be subdued by insignificant trials.

Additionally, St. Ambrosius speaks of another meaning of “humbling,” referring to the internal struggles against sin and temptation that one must contend with, relying on the Lord’s grace for victory. “In our times of humility,” he notes, “hope serves as our comfort.” This humility occurs during temptations, when the soul is subjected to trials that must be resisted to emerge victorious. Within these challenges lies the true nourishment for the soul, which is sustained and revived by the Word of God. The power of the Word, when embraced and internalized, enlivens the soul. Conversely, when the Word diminishes within us, the vitality of the soul diminishes as well. Just as the spirit sustains the connection between body and soul, so does the Word of God, alongside the grace of the Spirit, sustain our communion with God, the source of all life. Therefore, we must endeavor to immerse ourselves in the Word of God and allow it to permeate our thoughts, emotions, will, and actions, ensuring our lives align with the teachings of Scripture and the divine commandments. St. Athanasius succinctly encapsulates this: “Nothing empowers the rational soul to live as the Word of God does. As the Word flourishes within the soul, so too does the capacity for virtuous living, which ultimately leads to eternal life.”

St. Hilary summarizes these thoughts, stating that “Confidence comforted him in humility,” implying that when he faced scorn, mockery, and dishonor, he found solace in the hope instilled by God. The assurance drawn from the Word of God reminded him that the glory awaiting in heaven vastly outweighed his present trials for remaining faithful to divine will. He understood that a soul enriched by the Word of God contains within it a wellspring of eternal life; those who live by the Word are not swayed by the fleeting accolades of the fortunate. He perceives his own poverty as richer than their abundance, his fasting infused with divine blessings, and his humility destined for glorious reward.

Grant me, at last, the long-awaited aid you’ve promised. In my current trials, I find my only comfort in the assurance of your word. I am deeply troubled by the arrogance of others, yet they cannot sway me from your law; I take heart in knowing that from ages past, you have affirmed what is right. It pains me to witness my adversaries transgress your law. Your law brings me immense joy and is constantly on my mind. Your word rejuvenates me. The promises of God, their remembrance, and contemplation serve as my sole source of comfort in times of distress. Despair brings about confusion and loss of spirit, while melody is the essence of my song—your law permeates my night thoughts. I have resolved to seek your justification wholeheartedly.