Psalm 119 (118):69Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now pay attention to what follows: "Blessed are those who keep his testimonies and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems to me that there is no other group of the blessed referred to here beyond the one already mentioned. To scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly equates to being blameless in one’s path, to walking in the commandments of the Lord. He then adds, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we are aware that those who commit iniquity do examine the testimonies of the Lord, for they prefer knowledge to righteousness. We also know that some investigate the testimonies of the Lord, not since they live righteously, but in hopes of understanding how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the Lord’s commandments, and for this reason, they have not yet attained blessedness.

It is stated and affirmed in this Psalm: "They that do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nevertheless, we must strive, with God’s assistance, as we find ourselves and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16), that what is correctly articulated, albeit not fully comprehended, may not confuse those who read or hear it. We ought to be cautious that all the 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 thought to walk in the ways of the Lord, since sin is wickedness, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Or, if there is no doubt that they walk in the Lord's paths, it might be misconceived that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly incorrect. This is not said merely to prevent arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would have asserted, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words provide clearer understanding and eliminate any doubt. After stating this, the blessed John continued, "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 observing Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too large a sum or left us wanting? Regardless of which interpretation we take, the meaning seems to oppose that esteemed principle extolled by the Greeks in their philosophers and similarly celebrated by the Latins: "Do nothing excessively." However, the Latin language sometimes utilizes "nimis" in such a context that we encounter it in Scripture and use it meaningfully in our conversations. In this instance, when you accuse us of being overly devoted to your commandments, we understand it significantly if we interpret it correctly; for if we tell a very dear friend, “I love you too much,” we do not imply an excess but rather a profound affection.

"Oh, if only," he says, "my ways were made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have assumed the charge: “Oh, if I could truly grasp what you have taken upon yourself!" When you hear this, recognize the words of one who is willing, and upon realizing this desire, cast aside the hubris of assumptions. For who declares that he fervently desires what is within his capability without assistance? Therefore, if one longs for what God commands, one must pray to God for the grace to fulfill those commands.

"I will not be ashamed as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should perceive the commandments of God, whether when they are spoken or when we reflect on them, like a mirror, as the apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This person desires to become so aligned with God's commandments that he can gaze upon them as if in a mirror, without confusion; he chooses to be not just a hearer, but a doer of the Word. Thus, he yearns for his ways to be straight in order to abide by God's statutes. How can one achieve this straightness, except through the grace of God? Otherwise, he will find the law of God not a source of joy but a cause of bewilderment if he seeks to examine commandments he neglects.

"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 acknowledgment is not a confession of sins but a declaration of praise; akin to the words, “In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as written in the book of Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). "I confess to You," he says, "according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my ways are aligned, I will give You praise, for it is You who accomplishes it, and the glory belongs to You, not to me.

He further asserts, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O do not forsake me, not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts render it, “not even excessively.” But since God abandoned the world to the wilderness of sin, He would have forsaken it entirely had it not been sustained by such a robust remedy, namely the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, according to this prayer from the body of Christ, He has not abandoned it even too much; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

We take comfort in remembering Alexander the Blessed, who, alongside his devoted subjects, inspired by faith and hope in the Almighty, not only healed the profound wounds inflicted upon Russia by its conqueror but also struck at the heart of the enemy—not to bring about death, but to attain liberation from servitude. With gratitude and anticipation, we pray for Alexander II, who bears the blessed name as a precursor to future graces.

Our love for the Tsar desires not to overshadow the brilliance of today with dark thoughts; yet this same love cannot overlook the great challenges that the Tsar and our homeland face due to the betrayals of former allies and present enemies. Indeed, Russia can now bring forth the age-old lament: "the unrighteousness of the proud is multiplied against me." After the injustices of a neighbor, who, having been protected by the Tsar of Russia from a powerful insurrection, chose instead to betray royal agreements and the historical rights of the Holy Places, inflicting suffering on Orthodox Christians and thereby igniting conflict—how many additional acts of injustice were spawned! This ‘unrighteousness of the proud’ could not peacefully accept the victorious strength of Russia, which, far from being a burden to any kingdom or people, has often been beneficial; and, judging through its own failings, it rejected the truth of Russia, spinning wild suspicions and accusations that incited national animosities.

Self-serving injustice arose, and, dissatisfied with its many avenues of gain, sought new ones through violence and bloodshed. Is there any sincerity in the pursuit of peace by those who, despite proposing peaceful terms—a route deemed harmless for both conflicting parties after receiving Russia's approval—instead allied themselves with her foes, igniting war? Is there truth in another similar endeavor when allies of both bellicose and non-belligerent powers believed they could forge paths to peace, only for two nations to resolutely revert to warfare, offering no justification for their actions and concealing their true motives? Isn’t the injustice of war starkly evident, as our adversaries aim to avenge their defeats against fortified positions by pillaging the defenseless, deceitfully using the guise of peace to slay or plunder the unsuspecting, showing no mercy to the weak or the elderly, and desecrating the sacred with their sacrilege? What are we to think of an alliance, wherein Christians have conspired with non-believers against fellow believers, with the intent to uphold treaties favorable to Christians, which are rightfully established, yet void of the right to destroy—where defenders trample the defended, enticed not by justice but by threats and alluring promises to lead kings and nations into bloodshed for causes foreign to them? What do you say to this, Christian Russian? Are you not troubled that so much falsehood has been tolerated? "Do not be envious of those who practice wickedness; you will soon see those who practice iniquity vanish like grass, and fade as the green herb" (Psalm 36:1-2).

Israel endured suffering; Pharaoh afflicted it: yet Israel was rescued, while Pharaoh met his end. When Sennacherib and his vast army invaded the kingdom of Judah, mocking the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Hezekiah, even blaspheming God, Hezekiah prayed; Sennacherib and his troops were destroyed, while Hezekiah and Jerusalem were preserved. I bring to your attention the ancient lament concerning "the unrighteousness of the proud that is multiplied," along with the renewed injustices we face, not to deepen your sorrow or undermine your resolve, but to help you find solace, strength, and refuge from evil. Let us consider the words of the ancient adversary of unrighteousness, and discern whether they do not provide us a shield against it and a weapon to counter its attacks. "Multiply upon me the unrighteousness of the proud," he says. If unrighteousness surges against you, how will you defend yourself? By what means will you counter it? Provide us with a pattern, particularly for us who feel defenseless. He continues, "But I will embrace Your commandments with all my heart, O God!" Do you see this remarkable example of confronting encroaching unrighteousness? When unrighteousness lashes out at the righteous, he "with all his heart shall embrace God's commandments" as though those commandments were a reservoir of victorious arms against wickedness. But what can he accomplish with God's commandments if unrighteousness has resolved to disregard them?

He can, by embodying the commandments of God, by evaluating himself through them, by confessing his transgressions, by repenting, and by seeking correction, overcome unrighteousness within himself. Consequently, it follows that he will likely prevail against external unrighteousness as well. If the truth of God permits our foes to assail us vigorously, it is undoubtedly because, while maintaining righteousness before our enemies, we are simultaneously at odds with God Himself. Yet, if we faithfully adhere to God's commandments and establish peace and communion with Him, then without question, the God of righteousness will shield us with His all-powerful protection. The kingdom of God has long ago established, documented, and proclaimed its covenant through Israel with all nations, stating: "But if you shall heed to the voice of the Lord your God, to observe and do all His commandments, then the Lord your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth" (Deuteronomy 28:1-7).

Whoever comprehends this message will not entertain the notion that he, or any of us, is excluded from the current struggle for the Fatherland against unjust enemies. No, each of us is engaged in this battle, whether through its cause or its success. Through our faith, prayers, repentance, purity, good deeds, in short, by living out God’s commandments, we draw upon the strength and assistance of God for ourselves and for those valiantly defending the Fatherland. Conversely, by neglecting God’s commandments and indulging in sin, we distance ourselves from His power and aid. And what if more among us forfeit God's grace than those who attract it? History recounts the battles of God's people; after Joshua and his army miraculously crossed the Jordan and brought down Jericho with the sound of trumpets and shouts, when they later assaulted a smaller city, Israel’s soldiers were unexpectedly repelled and defeated. The leader and the troops, perplexed and fearful of the apparent withdrawal of God’s support, sought the reason. Why? "The Lord said to Joshua: ...the children of Israel have sinned; ...that is why they cannot stand against their enemies" (Joshua 7:10-12). The transgressor, Achan, had secretly taken forbidden spoils from Jericho, and he met destruction. Thus, God’s assistance and victory returned to Israel's army. If a single sinner and one sin could cause such devastation, how much more perilous is the myriad of sins from countless sinners! Let us grasp the truth: our own unrighteousness is more detrimental to us than that of another; our sins pose a greater threat than our adversaries. We must resolutely confront these internal foes. The effective weapon against them lies within our grasp: it resides in the Word of God, in His commandments, and within our conscience! Therefore, as "the unrighteousness of the proud" multiplies upon us, let us humbly and ardently "with all our heart embrace the commandments" of God, so that through their faithful observance, we may secure our safety and salvation. Amen.

This response is understandable, as his righteous living stands in contrast to their choices; deep down, they know they should aspire to his example, yet they find reminders of his virtue intolerable. Even in silence, his mere existence disturbs their conscience, provoking a sense of discomfort. This aversion often leads to unkindness and attempts to obstruct or undermine him; feelings of dislike can manifest into actions, and as opposition escalates, so does hostility.

The innocent, God-fearing individual faces a barrage of accusations, criticisms, insults, and offenses from every side. While he bears these grievances with patience, he still righteously acknowledges before God that the injustices directed at him continue to multiply. The prophet does not complain but testifies to his unique burdens, affirming, “They have their own, and I bear mine.” St. Ambrosius observes that the more one diligently serves the Lord, the more adversaries are stirred to confront him, akin to a brave warrior drawing the greatest number of foes to secure the highest reward of truth. The reality of falsehood is encouraging in this context, for though one faces trials, as St. Peter encourages, one should not be overly troubled as long as the suffering is not due to personal wrongdoing. Rather, if one’s suffering is solely for devotedly serving the true God, there is cause for joy. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Rejoice, inasmuch as ye partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy.”

The prophet categorizes the proud as those who reject God’s commands, encompassing both the godless and those wielding authority, including the noble and affluent. For typical sinners surrounded by negative influences, pride serves as the primary root of sin; this is even more pronounced in those perceived as superior. Such an individual grows arrogant, forgets God, and begins to dismiss His laws, leading to disdain for the devout and strict adherents of His commands. Regardless of their anger, the devoted believer commits to “testing Thy commandments with all my heart.” Despite the prevalence of injustice, as Blessed Augustine explains, his love for God’s commandments remains unwavering. Those who delight in the justifications of God find His commandments sweet, engaging with them lovingly to enact what they comprehend; fulfillment through action leads to deeper understanding.

“I will examine” conveys a determination to probe into the essence of Your commandments, aiming to grasp the full scope of Your will without diminishing their meaning due to external challenges or contradictions with worldly values. What I understand, I will fulfill, demonstrating the reality of adherence to Your commandments amidst adversaries who detest me. I resolve to remain steadfast in being true to Your commandments, regardless of the proud’s opposition; I will even glean insight from them, for this aligns with Your divine intention, despite their resistance. Additionally, I will seek strategies to continue executing deeds that bring You pleasure, even in the face of their disapproval.

You have shown me great favor in the past; now, I ask for Your grace to provide me with the strength and insight to follow Your law, in which I steadfastly believe. The trials I face have tethered me to Your word; please grant me a complete understanding of it through Your goodness. Despite all the persecution, I do not waver in my commitment; I do not grow callous like my adversaries; rather, I continuously focus on Your law, which is dearer to me than any earthly possession.