Psalm 119 (118):54Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now listen to his continued affirmation: "Blessed are they who keep his testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that no other group of the blessed is referred to here apart from those previously mentioned. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to sincerely seek Him is to embody blamelessness on the path; it is to live in accordance with the law of the Lord. He then states, "For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we recognize that those who commit wrongs may still engage with the Lord's testimonies, for they sometimes prefer knowledge over righteousness; others may familiarize themselves with God’s testimonies, not out of a commitment to righteousness, but to learn the righteous way to live. Such individuals are not yet living blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and hence, remain outside of blessedness.

It is written in this psalm, and it is true: "They that do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with the aid of God, whose support governs both our lives and our words (Wisdom 7:16), that the truths spoken may not be misunderstood and thus confuse the listener. We must be cautious not to exclude all the saints from the description: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9). This does not imply that saints cannot walk in the ways of the Lord—since sin is indeed evil, those who engage in evil cannot walk in His ways—or suggest that since they undeniably walk in His ways, they must thus lack sin, which would be false. This warning aims to prevent pride and self-deception. This is clarified by the apostle John, who 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 to proclaim: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have we perhaps overstated our commitment? Or have we fallen short in some way? Regardless of our interpretation, the essence seems contrary to the noble principle celebrated by Greek sages and esteemed by Latin philosophers: to do nothing excessively. The Latin sometimes employs the term ‘nimis’ in contexts that carry significant weight. When we declare, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much," we grasp a profound truth. If we say to a dear friend, “I love you too much,” we do not imply an excess beyond what is appropriate, but rather a deep affection.

Oh, if only, he sighs, "my ways could be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this concern. Recognize the earnest desire behind these words, and having acknowledged this yearning, let go of prideful presumption. Who claims to earnestly desire what lies within their power without Divine assistance? Therefore, if one aspires to follow God’s commands, one ought to beseech Him for the strength to fulfill those very commands.

"I shall not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God’s commandments, whether read or remembered, as a reflection, much like how the apostle James describes (James 1:23-25). This person wishes for such alignment with God’s will that they view the commandments as a mirror, guiding rather than confusing. Their intent is not merely to hear the commandments but to actively implement them. Thus, they yearn for their ways to be aligned with God's statutes. But how can one attain straight paths, except by God's grace? Otherwise, the law, when examined, brings not joy but disarray, particularly for those who do not follow its guidance.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; in doing so, I shall become aware of Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 117:7). This confession pertains not to sin, but to praise; as for instance, the acknowledgment in which it is stated, "In whom there is no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25) and as also written in Ecclesiasticus: "so confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). When he states, "I confess to You according to the direction of my heart," he implies that if his ways are set aright, it is by God's action that he makes this confession, for it is not his glory, but God's due praise.

Furthermore, he articulates: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). What follows? "O leave me not, not even too much!" or as some versions express, "Not excessively." Despite God having forsaken the world amid its sins, He would have distanced Himself even more without the sustaining strength of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; yet now, in alignment with Christ’s prayer, He has not abandoned it even slightly, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Yet, as I pondered Your justifications, I warmed my heart with love for them, dispelling the dark mood within and counteracting the wretched influence that sin tends to impose on the soul.” Or similarly: “The sight of rampant evil caused me distress, but I found comfort in Your justifications, meditating on them and securing my belief in their steadfast nature and salvation, which stands in stark contrast to the devastation wrought by wickedness.”

True life serves as our refuge. Many sincere believers share the sentiment of being “strangers and aliens on the earth” (Heb. 11:13). For the prophet, this was heightened by his perception that those around him did not resonate with his spiritual state. Their intentions and actions diverged from his own, rendering him an outsider. A different spirit stirred within him, one not of this world. Thus, he distanced himself from them and sought what originated from the same heavenly source that empowered and enriched him with God’s justifications. These divine insights provided the familiar air of his spiritual homeland. Much like the joy that springs forth in springtime when one leaves a confined space to embrace the open fields, the prophet sang as the heavenly truths he cherished enveloped him in their justifications. This not only brought him comfort but also cast away the malign influence from the sinful realm that pressed upon him.

In the Church, the singing of spiritual hymns was established by the apostles to uplift the souls gathered in piety amidst various trials and simultaneously to dispel the worldly spirit that inevitably affects those living in its midst. When entering the house of God, one cannot approach without proper preparation; singing fosters an affinity with the spiritual realm. Both are accomplished through spiritual melodies within the temples. A divine service conducted without song lacks its full depth. Outside the temple, nothing counters the spirit of the world more effectively than the singing of spiritual hymns. When one feels overwhelm, beginning to sing can provide relief. Thus, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with psalms and hymns. St. Hilary asserts that the prophet teaches us to keep the psalms in our hearts so that we can vocalize them as an act of service. St. Ambrose notes that the proud did not divert him from God’s law; he found solace in the judgments of the Lord. The anguish caused by sinners did not overwhelm him; he fortified himself through singing of God’s justifications. What resides in the heart is generally expressed in song; and what is sung leaves a more lasting impression on the senses. We must not merely skim over our readings without retaining their essence, but rather, we should commit them to memory whether we have the text in hand or not. Let the justifications of the Lord be our hymn and song; let us sing with spirit and intellect (1 Cor. 14:15), so that we do not hear the reproach: “You have turned back my words” (Ps. 49:17). To combat forgetfulness within the sacred space, wise Solomon commanded that singers proclaim the marvelous deeds of God (2 Chron. 5:12). Singers should always be present in the assembly of those who seek God, for their music drives away unclean spirits, much like how David’s songs banished the tormenting spirit from Saul (1 Sam. 16:23). Before prophesying, even the prophets instructed skilled singers to set the atmosphere with pleasant sound, preparing them for the Spirit’s grace (4 Sam. 3:15). Sweet singing uplifts not merely the ears but elevates the spirit and the heart; hence, the New Testament is referred to as a song, as the Lord revealed: “We will sing to you, and not dance” (Luke 7:32). He sang to us of the forgiveness of sins. The children of Israel should have recognized this, but their blindness led to reproach. However, those tethered by worldly concerns cannot sing of God’s justifications. The prophet further emphasizes: “in the place of my coming.” Here we are aliens, yet in God’s presence, we belong. Consequently, the apostle proclaims that in God’s household, those who are called to faith are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints, members of God’s family (Eph. 2:19). Those who dwell in divine matters become strangers to the world; those who sing cast aside the burdensome cares that weigh down the heart. As one liberated from earthly concerns and passions, the prophet joyfully declares: “I will sing to Thee, O God, with the psaltery. My mouth shall rejoice when I sing unto Thee, and my soul, which Thou hast rescued” (Psalm 70:22-23). He sang with joy, nourished by the greater blessings bestowed upon him. His spirit was nourished by reverence for the Divine, which invoked his song.

Grant me, at last, the long-anticipated assistance! The only source of comfort through my current struggles lies in the words of your promise. I face great distress from the proud, yet their actions cannot sway me from your law; I find encouragement in the certainty that you have consistently established your truth since ancient times. It grieves me, however, to witness my adversaries disregard your commands. Your law is my greatest delight, an eternal source of remembrance. Your word brings me life; the promises you convey, when remembered and studied, revive the weary soul and serve as its sole comfort.

Sorrow brings about despondency and confusion, while your statutes inspire joyful song. By night I reflect on the guiding principles you have provided, always seeking your vindication.