Psalm 119 (118):62Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Through these supplications, he triumphed in battles, constructed monuments, and achieved continual victories because he wielded a formidable armament—the might of the Almighty, which empowered him not only against earthly foes but also against legions of evil. Therefore, we, as ordinary individuals under his reign, who enjoy comfort and peace, ought to emulate his example, recognizing that he surpassed even the ascetics in his disciplined devotion.

Not only during daylight hours but also at night, even in the thick of midnight when most find sleep to be a cherished relief, I continued to lift my voice in praise of You and to honor the righteousness of Your judgments. While others are in repose, renewing their physical strength, “I arose to praise Thee for Thy righteous judgments.” What do we understand by judgments in this context? It signifies that our Lord Christ will judge everyone according to their deeds at His second advent. This is the undeniable reality. Hence, we are called to offer our confessions both day and night, seeking God’s mercy for our transgressions. The Evangelist Luke directs us in this understanding by noting that “He stayed all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). The Apostle Paul exemplified this as well when he, alongside Silas, found themselves imprisoned. Despite their confinement in stocks, having endured insults and maltreatment, they devoted themselves to prayer and song. Their steadfast vigil yielded profound results, as they received divine favor from God (Acts 16).

Let’s consider what follows: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that the blessedness described here pertains solely to those previously mentioned. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him earnestly is equivalent to being blameless on the path, embodying the law of the Lord. Then He mentions, “For those who do evil will not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We acknowledge that those who commit iniquity may still examine the Lord’s testimonies because they prioritize knowledge over righteousness. Likewise, others may study these testimonies not out of righteousness but to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and therefore have not yet received His blessings.

It is affirmed in this Psalm: "Those who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance—under whose guidance both we and our words are found (Wisdom 7:16)—to ensure that what is rightly stated is also rightly comprehended, so as not to confuse the reader or listener. We have to be cautious; those saints who declare, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9) should not be presumed to be absent from the Lord’s ways, as sin is wickedness, and those who commit wicked acts do not follow Him. Equally, since there is certainty that they do follow the ways of the Lord, we cannot concede that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly false. This warning is given not merely to prevent arrogance, for the expression, "And the truth is not in us," clarifies this. They would have instead stated, "Humility is not in us," especially since the subsequent words elucidate the meaning and dispel any lingering doubt. For John continues, "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 when it states, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have we taken too much, or perhaps left too little? Regardless of how one interprets this, the essence stands in stark contrast to that well-regarded sentiment lauded by the Greeks and upheld by the Latins: "Do nothing excessively." Yet, within the Latin tongue, the word “nimis” can bear significant nuances, manifesting in Scripture and in our dialogues. In this context, when it is stated that "thou hast accused us of keeping thy commandments too much," we are reminded of our deep understanding; for when we express to a dear friend, "I love you too much," we don’t imply excessive love but rather immense affection.

"O, may my ways become so perfectly directed that I might keep Your decrees!" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this challenge: "Oh, if only I could realize what You have taken upon Yourself." When you hear this, recognize the words of earnest will and desire, and cast off the pride of presumption. For who can claim to want that which is within their power, as if they could attain it without assistance? Therefore, if one wishes to follow what God commands, they should earnestly seek His aid in fulfilling those commandments.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we reflect on the commandments of God—whether read or remembered—we should do so as though gazing into a mirror, as expressed by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to be such that they see the commandments of God clearly, not falling into confusion; they aim not merely to hear but to perform them. Therefore, they yearn for their ways to be aligned with God’s statutes. How can one achieve straightness except through the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God may become a source not of joy but of disarray if one fails to follow its teachings.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this, I will come to know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins, but rather of praise; as it is written, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25). Similarly, in Ecclesiasticus, it says, "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). When this psalmist states, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart," it emphasizes that, if his ways are made right, he will confess because God is the one who has accomplished it, rendering the glory to Him and not to himself.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). What follows, then? "O leave me not, even too much," or as some versions state, "not excessively." Indeed, God could have fully abandoned the world amid sin’s wilderness, but He has not done so completely, sustained instead by the abundant remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. According to this supplication from the body of Christ, He has not forsaken the world even too much; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

When the allure of sleep often overcomes individuals, I have chosen to praise and exalt Your righteous judgments, not merely on occasion but each midnight, seizing this moment as an opportunity for prayer amidst the daily cares that bind me. The Apostle Paul, alongside Silas, exemplified this, for while shackled and suffering from injuries, he harmonized prayer with song, experiencing the benefits of this devout vigil and being graced by divine favor.

Saint Athanasius notes that he devoted not just the day but the entire night, even at the quietest hour, to singing praises and declaring God's righteous decrees. This mirrors the experience of the divine Apostle and Silas, who, despite enduring wounds and imprisonments, engaged in prayer and song, ultimately witnessing the fruits of their midnight vigil through the generosity of God. Saint Ambrose further emphasizes that daytime prayer is insufficient alone; it is crucial to rise during the night, especially at midnight, to pray.

The prophet states, "I remembered Thy name in the night," and also declares, "I rose up at midnight," to instruct us that we should not only wake in the night, but at its deepest hour, to seek God through prayer. While it's possible to acknowledge God during the night without rising, the act of getting up signifies earnestness in seeking forgiveness and guidance, particularly as we combat our transgressions.

In these hours, myriad temptations may assail us. The fleshly desires are notably ignited, and the adversary sets traps, exploiting our vulnerabilities. With the heart racing and the mind clouded by fatigue, the enemy takes advantage, attempting to ensnare the soul, cloaked in darkness and prompting immoral thoughts under the guise that no one observes. When the mind attempts to resist these temptations, it may find itself arguing with examples from saints who have fallen yet sought repentance, a tactic which the enemy despises even as he seeks to deceive.

The adversary aims to persuade the soul that sin goes unnoticed, whispering lies that the Most High does not see our faults. In such moments, we should elevate our thoughts toward God with fervor, knowing that the light of His presence will drive the enemy away, allowing us to navigate midnight free from temptation. Therefore, let us rise during this hour of prayer when the tempter is most insistent. In times of greater peril, divine aid is more available, but only for those who are vigilant and pray.

Stand firm and awaken your spirit. If you are found drowsy, He who watches over you will not hesitate to wake you, commanding peace over the tumultuous soul besieged by the enemy's strife. We must awaken for the Bridegroom arrives at midnight, ensuring He does not find us in slumber. Our hearts should be ready to extol the Lord, singing praises and acknowledging His eternal purposes, expressing gratitude for His blessings.

Walking the righteous path becomes a reward from Him for those who surrender themselves fully to Him. Those earnest about purging vice and fostering virtue often dedicate midnight to prayer, engaging in extended communion with God. Saint Isaac the Syrian emphasizes this practice as paramount for spiritual flourishing. Why does the prophet highlight this specific vigil among all acts of devotion? It represents a concise embodiment of them all.

One who fails to give their body rest at midnight will struggle to find balance at any other hour. Will he truly provide for his needs while indulging in idleness or excess? Rising at midnight symbolizes the pinnacle of all physical disciplines, just as midnight prayer encapsulates all spiritual endeavors—sobriety, watchfulness, attentiveness, theological reflection, contemplation of God's mysteries, and the various works aimed at resisting sin and fostering virtue.

Thus, the prophet emphasizes this practice, as those who engage in it recognize that behind this midnight observance lie all other works typical of ascetics. This necessitates its inclusion as a crucial link within the broader teaching on the importance of prayer.

My focus remains steadfast on my path, which I strive to align with Your laws, impossible to divert me from. Indeed, though my foes bring me great anguish, I maintain my thoughts on Your commandments; even in the darkest hours, I rise to exalt You, the Lawgiver and Judge. All virtuous individuals are my companions; manifest Your mercy by bestowing upon me Your enlightening grace.