Psalm 119 (118):63Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In contrast, those who replicate wicked actions will hear, ‘If thou sawest a thief, thou hast made haste with him, and with an adulterer thou hast partaken’ (Psalm 49:18). Let us, dear brethren, refrain from joining in fellowship with such individuals; let our community be with those dedicated to righteousness. Numerous examples exist of the demise of sinners, leading to the destruction of others as well. When someone entices you to sin, respond with, ‘I have not sat in the assembly of vanity, nor will I enter into the transgressors of the law’ (Psalm 25:4). ‘I have not set before my eyes the deeds of transgression; I have hated them that do transgression’ (Psalm 100:3).

Now pay attention to his further words: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). Here, it appears that no new category of the blessed is introduced beyond what has already been mentioned. To diligently examine the testimonies of the Lord and to earnestly seek Him is to walk blamelessly in His ways, fulfilling the law of the Lord. He then states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We recognize that those who commit iniquity do examine the testimonies of the Lord, not from a desire for righteousness but rather for knowledge; and others may study the testimonies not because they live rightly, but to learn how to do so. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and thus are yet to attain true blessedness.

It is both written and affirmed in this psalm: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we must strive, with God's assistance, who holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly articulated is not misinterpreted by the audience. We ought to guard against the idea that all saints, who have proclaimed, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), are believed to tread in the paths of the Lord since sin is unrighteous and those who engage in wrongdoing do not walk in His ways. Alternatively, given that they undoubtedly walk in His ways, it should not be assumed that they are without sin—such a notion is certainly erroneous. This is articulated not merely to shun arrogance, for if so, it would have stated, "Humility is not in us," whereas the subsequent words shed further clarity on this point, dispelling any potential confusion. After making this assertion, 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 does it mean, "You have accused us of adhering to Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you asked for too great a commitment, or perhaps left too little? Regardless of our understanding, this sentiment stands in stark contrast to the esteemed principle praised by the Greeks in their philosophers and similarly revered by the Latins: Avoid excess in all things. However, the Latin language sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a context that resonates deeply within Scripture and our dialogues. In this assertion, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much," we are prompted to understand it rightly; when we express to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply a limit, but rather convey a profound affection.

Oh, how he expresses, "Oh, that my ways were made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken on the burden: if only I could achieve what You have taken upon Yourself. When you hear these words, discern the voice of one willing and, recognizing this heartfelt plea, abandon the arrogance of presumption. For who is it that desires what is within their reach, thinking they can attain it alone? Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, they ought to beseech Him to grant the very desires of their heart.

And, "I shall not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to regard God’s commandments when recounted or recalled, akin to looking into a mirror, as the Apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). The individual seeks to become such a person as to see God’s commandments reflected clearly and not be disoriented by them, choosing to be not only a hearer but a doer of the Word. Thus, he longs for his ways to be straight, desiring to uphold the statutes of God, which can only be accomplished through God’s grace. Failing that, the law of God could become a source of confusion rather than joy for those who strive to gaze upon commandments they do not follow.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the integrity of my heart; in this I shall understand the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not an admission of sin but a declaration of praise, as illustrated, "In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as indicated in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he asserts, in accordance with the sincerity of my heart. Indeed, should my ways be made right, I will offer my praise because it is by Your work, not my own.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "Oh, do not forsake me even too much!" or as some versions say, "Do not abandon me excessively." Since God has not completely abandoned the world in its sinful wilderness, He would have utterly forsaken it without the profound remedy of grace provided through our Lord Jesus Christ. According to this prayer from the body of Christ, He did not forsake it excessively; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

To be a partaker of Christ suggests maturity, as indicated in the statement, “We are made partakers of Christ.” The individual referenced here claims to be a participant alongside those who fear the Lord, not only those who fear Him but also those who observe His commandments out of reverence. The true sign of fearing God is to keep His commandments. Therefore, when we talk of being a participant, we imply being a friend and ally, as the Syriac translation provided by Theodoret uses “friend” in place of “partaker.” This is echoed in Ecclesiastes where it states, "When they fall, one shall lift up his partner" (Ecclesiastes 4:10). Thus, he conveys that he is a friend and companion of those who revere and uphold His commandments. Theodoret further reflects this sentiment in another psalm: “I am greatly esteemed in the eyes of Your friends, O God!” There are indeed those who follow the commandments not only out of fear but from a place of love, being filled with the love of God.

When you witness the great number of those who sin—the wicked and unjust—who express wrongdoing openly while considering the patience of God toward such transgressions, remember that even in light of these significant offenses, God commands His sun to shine on both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust; then you will acknowledge that “The mercy of the Lord is full of the earth.” Teach me Your righteousness.

In his midnight prayer, the prophet integrated all efforts that a person can make toward goodness within himself, and in unity with others who honor God and observe His statutes, he connects with all means necessary to triumph over evil, drawing upon mutual conversation, brotherly advice, wisdom from elders, and shared love. By collaborating with other devoted individuals committed to goodness, one who strives becomes fortified, united with their collective strength—and God is present among them. When the Lord is present wherever two or three gather in His name, this truth magnifies where many are assembled, particularly when all are moving forward without hesitation, striving toward the highest honor. Those who join such a community find little time for weakness and no inclination to stray. A young ascetic once inquired of an elder, ‘How can I cultivate the fear of God?’ The elder replied, ‘Go to an experienced elder’ - further adding, ‘Attach yourself to a God-fearing man, and you will learn to embody the fear of God.’ Another elder was asked, ‘Why do you not instruct your disciple and tell him what he should do?’ To this, he replied, ‘What is there to teach? Let him observe how I act, and he will emulate it.’ The witness of one’s fear of God and all other virtues serves as the finest instruction. Without uttering a single word, the example communicates profound lessons that leave nothing to be desired. The power of collective prayer is remarkable. It is said that hermits lacked nothing they could seek through prayer when they all prayed together. Thus, as long as there was a genuine brotherly bond and each person was equally fervent in their spiritual pursuit, their spiritual lives thrived. Individuals would openly express to one another: ‘Brothers and fathers, I am troubled by such and such temptation, please pray!’ And as prayer commenced, the trial would fade. In every situation, the community of God-fearing individuals, buoyed by their mutual love and trust, creates a moral fortitude among them so that any one of them can withstand even the most daunting temptations. For this reason, the holy prophet identified fellowship with those who fear God and obey His commandments as one of the most powerful strategies against sin. St. Gregory the Great noted that when one aligns themselves with someone zealous for good, they reap the benefits not just from casual conversations and examples but also from their very presence. This connection ignites within them a passion for truth and virtue, helping them escape the shadows of sin and aspire toward the eternal light; in such a person, indifference or apathy towards divine matters can no longer be found.

My primary focus is consistently on my life (ways), which I strive to align with Your statutes, from which nothing can lead me astray. Indeed, my foes bring me great anguish, yet even amidst my deepest trials, I reflect on Your law; even at night, I rise to honor You, the Lawgiver and Judge. All righteous individuals are my companions; manifest Your mercy by granting me Your guiding grace.