Psalm 119 (118):56Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, listen to the next verse: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). To me, it appears that this category of the blessed aligns with the one previously mentioned. To diligently engage with the Lord's testimonies and earnestly pursue Him is synonymous with walking blamelessly on His path, in accordance with His law. Then, it is stated, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we are aware that those who act wickedly may examine the testimonies of the Lord, valuing knowledge over righteousness. Likewise, there are those who explore the Lord’s testimonies, not out of righteous living but seeking guidance on how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the Lord’s law and, for this reason, have not attained blessedness.

It is affirmed in this Psalm, and it holds true: "They that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nonetheless, with God’s assistance, in whose care both we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), we must strive to ensure that what is accurately articulated is also rightly comprehended, so as not to mislead the reader or listener. We must be cautious that all the saints, whose declarations include, "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 interpreted as incapable of walking in the Lord's ways, since sin is indeed evil, and those who do evil cannot walk in them. Conversely, if it is certain that they walk in the Lord's ways, it cannot be supposed that they possess no sin, which we know is false. This statement is not merely intended to evade arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would not have included the phrase, "And the truth is not in us," but would rather have said, "Humility is not in us." The following words clarify the matter and dispel all uncertainty. After this, the blessed John added, "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 is meant by the question: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you taken too much from us? Or have we given too much? Regardless of how one interprets these inquiries, the implication seems contrary to the esteemed principle praised by the Greeks in their sages, which the Latins likewise hold in high regard: "Do nothing to excess." The Latin tongue sometimes employs the word "nimis" in a manner that is weighty and significant. When it states, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much," we grasp the depth of understanding, if interpreted properly; and when we express to a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not intend to imply excessiveness, but rather an abundance of affection.

Oh, if, he expresses, "my ways would be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken on this responsibility: Oh, if only I could realize what You have undertaken for me. When you listen, recognize this as the cry of someone willing; upon recognizing this desire, discard the pride of presumption. For who truly claims to desire that which they can accomplish unaided? Therefore, if one wishes to fulfill God’s commandments, it follows that one should beseech God to provide the strength to fulfill His commands.

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to regard God's commandments, whether they are read aloud or recalled, as one would gaze into a mirror, as the apostle James articulates (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to live in such a manner that they can reflect on the commandments of God without confusion, as they endeavor not just to hear but to do them. This is why he longs for his ways to be straightened and to uphold the statutes of God. How does one achieve such straightness, except by the grace of God? Otherwise, they would find within God’s law a source of confusion rather than joy, if they hope to scrutinize the commandments they do not intend to follow.

"I will confess to You," he states, "O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not merely an acknowledgment of sins, but rather an expression of praise. As Jesus proclaimed, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as recorded in the book of Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He professes to confess according to the guidance of his heart. Indeed, if my ways are made straight, I will confess to You, for You have accomplished this, and it is Your glory, not mine.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts render it, "even too much, not excessively." But since God has not abandoned the world amidst its sins, He would have forsaken it utterly had it not been supported by such a powerful remedy, namely, the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, in accordance with this prayer from the body of Christ, He has not forsaken it, even too much; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Blessed Theodoret interprets it this way: ‘This, states the prophet, compelled me to overcome my own shortcomings and to willingly accept Your justifications.’ Thus, one who desires such a life inevitably finds that remembrance of God is essential, for every commandment he is called to fulfill is a divine commandment, which requires constant attention, as all aspects of our lives are laden with these commandments. Each step serves as a reminder of God, and a life devoted to faithfully observing these commandments profoundly engraves the memory of Him in one’s mind and heart. For this process of nurturing the remembrance of God, one intentionally engages, confident in the understanding that fulfilling the commandments becomes more achievable and mastery over passions becomes more profound and effortless. St. Hilary explains: ‘This refers to the remembrance through which he recalled God’s name during the night, and by the phrase “be unto me” indicates that it was not a fleeting thought or temporary; rather, it was a constant presence, firmly established within him through the strength of faith. It ‘became’ so for him because he sought justification. This verse, alongside the preceding one, serves as a culmination of the eighth verse, where the holy prophet, after detailing various trials and their sources of comfort, ultimately conveys what one should focus on and remain steadfast in. He essentially says, ‘If you seek to please God by walking in His holy will, remain in continual remembrance of God, dedicating your entire self to Him, and anticipating His assistance in every good endeavor. From this will arise an unwavering courage in facing tribulations and steadfast adherence to God’s commandments.’ St. Isaac the Syrian offers insight on this matter: ‘The individual who questions God’s support in good works fears their own shadow, and during times of abundance, they remain dissatisfied, while in tranquility, they are besieged by turmoil; conversely, the one who places their trust in God finds firmness in their heart, their sufficiency apparent to all, and they receive praise even from their adversaries. The commandments of God surpass all worldly treasures; one who possesses them discovers God within themselves. Those who rest in God’s protection have Him as their steadfast guardian; those who aspire to fulfill God’s will will find heavenly angels as their guides; those who are apprehensive of sin will traverse with great caution, finding illumination amid darkness both around them and within. The steps of one who fears sin are safeguarded by the Lord, and in times of temptation, they are preceded by God’s grace.’

In my distress, I long for the help You have promised. The only solace in my current trials comes from the assurance of Your word. Though I am troubled by the prideful, they cannot steer me away from Your commands; I take encouragement from the truth that You have always acted justly since the beginning. What pains me is witnessing my adversaries transgressing Your law. Your law is my greatest delight and remains ever in my thoughts. Your word brings me life—the remembrance and study of Your promises revive the weary soul and serve as my sole comfort. I experience sorrow, confusion, and a loss of courage. My heart sings of Your statutes, and I reflect on Your commands even in the night. I sought Your righteousness, taking it to heart as my guiding principle.