Psalm 119 (118):55Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider what follows: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that this description pertains solely to the previously mentioned group. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to earnestly seek Him with one's entire heart signifies a blameless walk, a commitment to the law of the Lord. The psalmist then observes, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We are aware, however, that those who engage in wickedness may very well examine the Lord’s testimonies as they prioritize knowledge over righteousness. There are those who investigate His testimonies not because they live righteously, but out of a desire to learn how to do so. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and thus they have not attained true blessedness.

It is indeed written and affirmed in this Psalm that "they that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we must strive, with God’s assistance, for He holds our words and our lives in His care (Wisdom 7:16), so that true meanings are duly understood and do not confuse the reader or the listener. We must guard against the notion that all saints, who remind us that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), could be thought incapable of walking in the ways of the Lord, since sin is contrary to Him. Alternatively, if it be accepted that they indeed walk in the Lord’s ways, it might erroneously be concluded that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly inaccurate. This is not merely cautioned against to stave off arrogance; rather, it is emphasized with the statement, "And the truth is not in us." The subsequent words elucidate the idea further: "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 the psalmist states, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have we gone too far in our obedience or fallen short? Regardless of the interpretation, the essence seems contrary to the esteemed proverb lauded by the Greeks and similarly admired by the Latins: "Do nothing excessively." The Latin language, however, sometimes employs the term 'nimis' in a sense that resonates deeply with Scripture and our conversations. Thus, in saying "you have accused us of keeping thy commandments too much," we grasp a profound truth. When we express to a beloved friend, "I love you too much," we do not intend it to suggest an excess, but rather an abundance of love.

"Oh, if only," he expresses, "my ways were made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have taken upon yourself this challenge. When you hear this, recognize it as a reflection of desire; and upon acknowledging it, cast away any presumption of pride. For who asserts that they desire what is within their power, believing they can achieve it without assistance? Therefore, if one wishes to fulfill God's commands, they must seek divine aid to accomplish those commands.

"I will not be ashamed while I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). As the apostle James teaches, we ought to view God's commandments much like a mirror (James 1:23-25). This individual longs to look upon God's commandments without confusion, as one who is committed to not only hearing but also doing what is right. Hence, he seeks to align his ways with God’s statutes. How can one find such alignment without the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God would not bring joy but rather disarray, should he attempt to perceive the commandments without following through.

"I will confess to Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This represents a grant of praise rather than a confession of sin. As He said, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), as well as in the Scriptures, "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He asserts, "I confess to Thee according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, when my paths are made right, I will praise You, for it is Your work, not mine.

He further proclaims, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? "O leave me not, neither excessively!" Or as some versions say, "even too much, not excessively." For although God once distanced Himself from the world due to sin, He would have completely abandoned it were it not sustained by the robust remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, according to the supplication of Christ's body, He has not forsaken the world, not even excessively, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

I believe that the night symbolizes a time of temptation; these challenges cast their shadow over individuals, resembling the night itself. During such times, the remembrance of the Lord of all is particularly vital, bringing peace to the soul, uplifting it, and banishing negative thoughts. Origen states that I require the remembrance of God's words at all times, but especially when darkness surrounds me, and the walls, as described by the prophet, encompass me. Thus, unclean desires infiltrate the mind and confound me.

In one understanding, during the stillness of night, when all external distractions faded, I recalled Your name, becoming more aware of You as both the Creator and Sustainer, the embodiment of mercy and righteousness in whose hands lies all; thus, I found myself alongside my weary soul. Reflecting on this brought me the resolve to uphold Your law. In another context, this recollection extends beyond night; it signifies a constant presence of Your name in my thoughts throughout all life’s situations, which facilitates my adherence to Your commandments. My faithfulness thus far stems from my awareness of Your omnipresence, realizing how unworthy it is to permit anything displeasing to You, in words, deeds, or thoughts, and I have remained steadfast to Your law.

In another interpretation, despite the darkness cast upon my spirit by hardships and trials that threaten my loyalty to You, recalling Your name during the night reassured me that all comes from You, meant for my benefit. In this awareness, I found solace and continued in obedience to Your commandments. Blessed Theodoret notes: 'I remembered in the night...' The saints, who rise during the night, lift prayers and hymns to the Almighty. It could be argued that this night symbolizes periods of trial, bringing with it obscurity and challenges. During such moments, the recollection of God brings comfort, encouragement, and counteracts opposing thoughts. Blessed Augustine adds that night represents the humbling that our mortality subjects us to—the night of the arrogant who disregard Your law, the sorrow of the righteous grieved by sinners forsaking Your commands, and the night of this temporary haven until the Lord manifests the hidden depths of hearts and brings forth praises from each individual (1 Cor. 4:5), (1 Cor. 1:31). Thus, it is proclaimed, 'Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory' (Ps. 113:9); this motivates us to keep Your law not for our own glory, but to honor God, much like David did, guided by this principle. He would not have upheld Your commandments if he had not kept Your name in mind; 'for our help is in the name of the Lord' (Ps. 123:8).

St. Ambrose remarks that the righteous consistently seek God’s praise, not only by day but also by night. The term ‘always’ signifies that one’s thoughts on God should remain unbroken by the passage of time. If those devoted to worldly studies forgo slumber, how much more vigilantly should those seeking to know God resist distractions from sleep, surrendering only as much as necessary for the body? David would weep through the night and rise at midnight to proclaim his Lord, while we often dedicate entire nights to sleep. It is in these nighttime hours that prayers should abound, where pleas for divine assistance should be most fervent, and the fear of sin should weigh heavily upon us, especially when solitude seems impenetrable. When enveloped in darkness, one should urgently remember that God perceives all, including hidden matters. Do not think, 'I am cloaked in darkness, who will see me, whom shall I fear, concealed behind these walls?' For 'the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil' (Psalm 33:17). Even if witnesses are absent, must we not recognize ourselves? Is it not the awareness of our conscience that elicits fear? The cover of night is not a shield but rather a catalyst for sin. When the body succumbs to slumber and indulgence, mental alertness wanes, and thus desire can invade the heart. This peril is augmented by the fact that the shame of impurity remains unseen, the value of purity is overlooked, and the honor of chastity goes unrecognized. Night was the time when Judas betrayed the Lord and Peter denied Him. Therefore, it is crucial during such times to remember God, to contemplate His righteousness, and to recall His divine teachings. Let the principles of purity remain ever-present in your thoughts; an occupied mind with these precepts will help avert the fires of desire and temper the urgency of the flesh.

In my desperate condition, I long for the long-promised assistance. The solitary comfort amidst my trials lies in the assurance of Your word. I feel burdened by the prideful, but they cannot sway my commitment to Your commandments; the knowledge that You have always upheld righteousness since ancient times encourages me. What troubles me is witnessing my adversaries transgressing Your law. Your law is my utmost delight, a constant source of remembrance. Your promises breathe life into my weary soul; recalling them and meditating on them revitalizes the distressed and becomes their sole source of comfort. Sorrow leads to despair, confusion, and loss of courage. My song revolves around Your law; the meaning is intertwined with both the law and the night, as interpreted by various translations. In seeking Your justice, I find a profound truth within verse 56.