Psalm 119 (118):57Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Pay close attention to the next declaration: "Blessed are they who keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). This appears to reinforce the same group of the blessed that was previously mentioned. To study the Lord's testimonies and seek Him wholeheartedly is to walk blamelessly in His way; it aligns with walking in the law of the Lord. He further states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we observe that those who commit iniquity often scrutinize the Lord's testimonies, driven by a preference for knowledge over righteousness. Others may examine the testimonies, not out of virtuous living, but to discern how they should live. Such individuals, not yet walking blamelessly in the law of the Lord, have not yet attained this blessed state.

It is affirmed in this psalm, “They that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God's assistance—God who holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16)—that what is properly stated is not misunderstood, thereby causing confusion for the reader or listener. We must be cautious lest all the saints, who proclaim, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), be perceived as unable to walk in the Lord's ways since sin is evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways; or, since it is undeniable that they do walk in the Lord's pathways, they may be thought to have no sin, which is certainly untrue. This assertion is not merely to guard against arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would not include the phrase, “and the truth is not in us,” but rather, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent verses clarify the meaning, dispelling doubts. After stating this, 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 mean to say, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have we taken on too large a burden? Or perhaps have we given too much? Regardless of interpretation, the essence seems contrary to the well-known wise adage praised by the Greeks, and equally celebrated by the Latins: “Do nothing excessively.” Nevertheless, the Latin language occasionally employs the term ‘nimis’ in a manner that we find in Scripture, and we use it conversationally to imply significance. In this statement, “Thou hast accused us of keeping thy commandments too much,” we perceive a deeper meaning; when we tell a dear friend, “I love you too much,” we intend for it to express profound affection, not an improper excess.

"Oh, if," he cries, “my ways could be so aligned that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed placed a heavy responsibility upon Yourself: if only I could comprehend the weight of what You have undertaken. When you hear this, acknowledge the words of one who is willing; upon recognizing such earnest desire, let go of the arrogance of presumption. For who can genuinely desire that which lies within their power without seeking assistance? Therefore, if one aspires to fulfill God's commands, one ought to beseech God to bestow the grace to fulfill His will.

“And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). When we reflect on God's commandments, whether in reading or remembrance, we ought to view them as a mirror, as the apostle James articulates (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to see himself reflected in God's commandments clearly, so he remains unconfused, striving not just to hear them, but to act upon them. Thus, he longs for his paths to be straight and for him to uphold God's statutes. How can one achieve straightness but by relying on the grace of God? Otherwise, he will find in the law not joy, but confusion, as he gazes upon commandments he does not uphold.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, from the depths of my heart; in this I will understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not about sins, but rather a proclamation 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 noted in the book of Ecclesiasticus: “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He says, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my pathways are straightened, I will commend You, for You have accomplished it, and Your praise, not mine, is the focus.

He continues: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? “O leave me not, even too much!” or as some versions state, “Not even excessively." Despite God having distanced Himself from a sinful world, He would have abandoned it entirely, were it not for a robust remedy—grace through our Lord Jesus Christ—through which He did not forsake it excessively. For God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Such a person can affirm, I have pledged to uphold Your law—the spiritual law of which Paul speaks, affirming that the law is indeed spiritual. How is it possible for those who, like the Levites, entirely possess the Lord as their inheritance, to not adhere to the law and the commandments of the Lord?

The only recourse is to kneel before the merciful God and plead: “Have mercy on me according to Thy word!” Having received the call to repentance and the forgiveness of sins, what follows is crucial. It is essential to contemplate the new life, both collectively and individually, aligning it with divine commandments and redirecting one’s steps toward God’s presence. There are numerous hurdles to embarking on a new path. However, when one ponders the framework of this new life, every obstacle can be confronted with a readiness to overcome them, no matter the cost. This is why the one resolved to uphold the commandments remains steadfast against these challenges. The influences of sinful companions and habits may tempt him, but they will not sway his commitment to remember God’s law. Thus, all connections to sin are severed. Yet, the battle against temptation persists; one must nurture goodness and gather strength to withstand evil. The prophet indicates three potent means for this purpose: prayer during the night, fellowship in Scripture and prayer with devout individuals, and above all, surrendering oneself to the grace of God.

As stated in Psalms 118:57, “My portion is thine, O Lord; I will keep Thy law.” To whom does one rightly proclaim this? It is appropriate for those who abandon all else to serve the Lord alone, as well as for those who forsake sin and realign with the righteous path of God’s law. Both declare in their hearts, “To Thee, O Lord, I dedicate my entire self,” the first aiming to dwell perpetually with the one Lord, choosing the part of Mary who sat at the Lord's feet, absorbing His word; and the second seeking to honor the Lord by fulfilling His commandments through the best possible service to others. The Lord observes both of these individuals, for they have trust in their hearts to please Him. The essence of this verse underscores that the soul recognizes in the Lord its highest good, its treasure, and the Source of all its desires. Individuals often chase various earthly fulfillments to satisfy their longings, dedicating all their efforts and time toward them; whether or not they succeed is known best to them. However, those who, by bypassing everything else, find their ultimate good solely in God, will indeed discover true satisfaction in Him, as only God can bring contentment to our spirit. He continually beckons our souls—not through loud proclamations, but in quiet whispers, expressing discontent with all that humanity seeks for nourishment from creation. The clarity of His call comes through the Word of God, and grace instills the strength to respond. Thus, when, through God’s grace, one encounters a person living estranged from God or in His favor, they become inquisitive and seek that individual out; leaning on them and committing to follow their guidance, they turn away from everything else and internally profess, “My portion, O Lord. I will seek You alone, I will strive for You alone.” This intent is evident in the essence of the eighth verse, particularly in the latter part where it states: “I will keep Thy law.” After wandering through the wilderness of sin, the soul resolves to adhere to the Lord's law, with the aim of pleasing Him so as to attain His presence and find true rest in Him. From this moment forward, God becomes one’s portion, and His law the standard by which to live.

This resolution is a result of the transformations occurring within the sinner’s soul, for such a proclamation does not arise spontaneously. What sinner does not acknowledge their own failings and recognize the imperative to abandon their misguided life? This awareness is characteristic only of the hardened and desperate. Many might think: I will indulge in sin for a while longer, and then I will reform. As they become ensnared in sinful behaviors, it is common for them to cling to the notion of future repentance, unless they harden their hearts, surrendering to sin and ultimately to Satan, the path they are treading while deferring their return to God. Almost all sinners fall into the trap of thinking they will postpone repentance, with the hope of converting tomorrow, but some consider the urgency of their conversion now, treating it with the seriousness it warrants. Such a change of mind often arises suddenly, capturing their full attention, leading them to focus solely on this vital issue, making a definitive decision without delay. This phenomenon is a mystery of our spiritual existence that eludes explanation, save for the grace of God, which operates mysteriously within the depths of conscience and awareness. It disturbs the human spirit, creating an urgency to attend to their moral condition and amend it. Yet, this represents only the beginning. It may be said that very few sinners do not experience such a transformative moment. Yet, after a brief period—whether minutes, hours, or even days—they may retreat from that moment without making a decisive commitment, again yielding to previous habits by postponing their conversion. True freedom is at stake, for conversion is not accomplished solely through grace, but requires an active choice. Grace may awaken the spirit, and the Word of God may divide soul and spirit, allowing the conscience to hear the rebuke of the former life and agree with it; the next step rests with the individual to reconsider their options, ultimately rejecting one path in favor of another.

At this junction, the internal battle for life or death commences. One side represents habitual sin, alongside Satan and the world; the other side comprises the spirit and conscience, coupled with grace. Meanwhile, the awareness and freedom of choice linger in the balance, yearning to escape the shackles of sin. However, the precise workings of this struggle within a person’s spirit are inscrutable. Often, those undergoing this transformation may not retain a clear recollection of all that transpires. Nevertheless, the unrighteousness and deceit of sin, the world, and Satan become apparent, and the individual recognizes they have been misled by illusions that threaten their downfall. This leads to a conscious decision to turn away from those falsehoods, embracing instead the path of divine commandments and pleasing God. The grace of God solidifies this aspiration within the individual, culminating in a heartfelt affirmation: “I will keep Thy law, O Lord. From henceforth, Thou, O Lord, art my portion!” This decision epitomizes the profound shift the prophet conveys in this verse. It signifies the fundamental and essential turning point away from a life of sin, marking the beginning of a new journey, albeit one that may still be fraught with challenges, yet is pursued with hope. The individual has firmly stepped onto the promised land.

I consistently focus on my life’s path, striving to align it with Your laws, from which I will not be swayed. It is true that my foes bring me considerable anguish, yet in my deepest troubles, Your law remains my contemplation; even during the night, I rise to exalt You, the Lawgiver and Righteous Judge. All virtuous individuals are my companions; manifest Your mercy by granting me Your illuminating grace.