Psalm 119 (118):61Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

4:9), thereby deceiving the Lord, who sees all things, even the hidden depths of our hearts. In a similar vein, the Israelites "sat down to eat and drink, and afterwards rose up to play" (Ex. 32:6), and in their descent into sin, they ultimately worshipped the golden calf, betraying themselves to idolatry in the wilderness. Likewise, Judas, enamored by material gain, betrayed his Master and ultimately took his own life. In contrast, Peter, recognizing his denial, wept bitterly in repentance, thus bringing an end to his transgression. Therefore, my dear brother, if we find ourselves in sin, we must promptly return, taking care not to linger in our faults, lest one sin lead to a continuous chain of others.

Now, listen closely to the following words: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this passage refers exclusively to the same group of blessed individuals as before. To delve into the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him fully is to embody blamelessness in the journey, to walk in the divine law. Then he states, "For those who do evil will not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we understand that those who commit wrongdoing may also examine the Lord's testimonies because they prioritize knowledge over righteousness; we know others may study the Lord's testimonies not because their lives reflect goodness, but to discern how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, which is why they have not yet attained blessedness.

It is indeed written in this Psalm, and it is a truth: "They who do evil do not walk in His paths" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with the grace of God—who holds us and our words in His power (Wisdom 7:16)—to ensure that what is rightly stated is also rightly comprehended, so that it does not confuse the reader or listener. We must guard against the assumption that all saints, whose words declare, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), cannot be perceived to walk in the ways of the Lord, as sin itself is evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Alternatively, since it is certain that they do indeed walk in the Lord's ways, it cannot be assumed that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly incorrect. This is not articulated merely to evade arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would have concluded simply with "Humility is not in us." Rather, the subsequent statement clarifies the meaning and dispels any doubts. Following this, the blessed John continued, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What does it signify when he proclaims: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have you asked for an excessive amount or taken away too much? Regardless of which interpretation we choose, it seems to contradict the esteemed and universal sentiment praised by both Greek and Latin sages: "Do nothing in excess." However, in Latin, the term "nimis" is often used to convey a very sincere meaning, as reflected in Scripture and our conversations. In this context, when thou hast been accused of excessively observing Your commandments, we comprehend a profound understanding; for when we tell a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an excess beyond measure, but rather an abundance of love.

"O that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, You have taken upon Yourself the burden: Oh, may I realize what You have embraced. When you hear this, recognize that these are the words of one who is willing; and upon recognizing this expression of desire, discard the pride of presumption. Who can claim to desire that which is within their capacity to achieve without divine assistance? Therefore, if one longs for what the Lord commands, they ought to invoke God to enable them to fulfill His commandments.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we encounter the commandments of God—whether in reading or remembering them—we should reflect upon them as if looking into a mirror, as the apostle James instructs (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to embody the truth of the commandments so fully that they see them clearly and are not troubled, for they choose to be not merely hearers but also doers. This is why he desires his ways to be straight, to adhere to God's statutes. Yet how can one achieve straightness without divine grace? Otherwise, one will find in the law not a source of joy but of confusion if they seek to examine the commandments while neglecting their duty.

"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 is not a confession of sins, but an act of praise, much like the words, "I acknowledge You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as written in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He confesses, then, according to the guidance of his heart. Truly, if my ways align with righteousness, my confession is to You because You have accomplished this, and it is Your glory, not my own.

He continues: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O do not forsake me even too much" or, as other translations suggest, "Not excessively." Although God withdrew in the wilderness of sins, He would have abandoned it wholly if not for the profound remedy of grace given through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, according to the prayer of the body of Christ, He has not abandoned it even to a great extent; for God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Theodoret speaks of the deceptions of both demons and mankind, drawing from notions of captivity. Isaiah also warned: Woe to those who draw sins upon themselves like a long cord. This is why some of the early church fathers, who taught the importance of self-control, labeled demons as rope-bearers, due to the complexities and deceit they weave to ensnare humanity. Origen referred to persistent and intertwined sins as ropes, indicating that those who commit one sin are inclined to entangle themselves further, as seen in the example of David, whose adultery led to murder, and Cain, whose fratricide was compounded by deceit. Though these sins may wrap around the initial wrongdoing, Theodoret asserts that one can still hold fast to the law of God, especially by turning to repentance, which can break the chains of sin.

Nevertheless, as the prophet asserts, I have not forgotten Your law, nor have I permitted them to obscure it in my thoughts or allow affinity for them to overshadow my affinity for Your decrees. It is essential to sever these bonds in the initial resolve, as this is when all is offered to the Lord, regardless of the repercussions that may follow. At that point, considering the pursuit of a renewed existence (v. 59) involves both opposing detrimental associations and eliminating negative habits from within oneself. (v. 59) This reflects the progression of a convert's life. However, while refining one's life, the allure of prior inclinations can rekindle in him at any moment, especially when stirred by certain situations, causing these tendencies to seem to rebind and tighten him again. This is where the recollection of the law, which one must diligently adhere to during moments of resolution, emerges in the mind and conscience to counteract these temptations. This remembrance serves to rebreak those bindings, just as the resolve to uphold the law initially shattered them. Although the prophet claims: ‘I have not forgotten’, he implies that the law remains vivid in memory, acting as a blade to sever those ties whenever they attempt to tighten once more. There is a story of an individual transformed, who, upon encountering former companions of a sinful lifestyle calling him back to his past actions, simply declared: ‘I am no longer the same,’ and, turning away, proceeded on his own path. Such resolute determination is profoundly powerful! It provides the strength of will that even the softest ties of companionship cannot disrupt. St. John Kolov offers a poignant illustration on this matter in his ‘Dostopamamyatnye tales’. In a certain city lived a strikingly beautiful woman who attracted many admirers, including the ruler of that region. One day, he proposed to her: promise to live with purity, and I will marry you. She consented and entered his household. However, her previous suitors persisted in their pursuit and, learning of her being taken by the governor, concocted a scheme to entice her out. They reasoned that if they approached directly, the governor would imprison them, so they decided to go behind the house and whistle; she would recognize their tune and come outside. They executed their plan, but the reckless woman, hearing the whistle, covered her ears and hurried into the inner chambers, securing the doors. St. John Kolov elucidated this parable: the adulteress symbolizes a sinful soul; her former suitors represent passions and wicked people; the ruler depicts Christ; the inner chamber signifies a heart dedicated to Christ; and the whistling embodies the temptations arising from thoughts and encounters. This demonstrates how a soul that has turned to the Lord seeks refuge in the heart, presenting itself in prayer before the Lord, thereby dispelling the temptations that arise. Thus, the sinful bonds, initially severed by the first determination to serve the Lord, are effortlessly torn again whenever the adversary plots to ensnare the repentant sinner anew.

I consistently focus on my conduct, striving to align it with Your statutes, from which nothing can sway me. Indeed, my foes bring me much turmoil, but even in my deepest trials, I meditate on Your law; in the night, I rise to glorify You, the Lawgiver and Judge. All righteous individuals are my companions; reveal Your mercy by bestowing upon me Your illuminating grace.