Consider his further words: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that there is no different group of the blessed referenced here beyond those previously mentioned. To diligently examine the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly signifies blamelessness and a life lived in accordance with the law of the Lord. He states, “For they who do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who commit wickedness often engage with the Lord's testimonies, choosing knowledge over righteousness. Others may also study these testimonies, not out of a life well-lived, but to discover how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the Lord's law; therefore, they are not yet considered blessed.
It is written and affirmed in this Psalm that “they who do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's aid, in whose hands both our being and our speech remain (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly articulated is also rightly comprehended, so as to avoid misleading the reader or listener. We must guard against suggesting that all the saints, who assert, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), cannot possibly walk in the Lord’s ways, since sin is destructive, and those who do evil do not follow His paths. Conversely, we should not think they walk in His ways without sin, which would be undoubtedly false. This truth is asserted not merely to guard against arrogance, for the following words further clarify the intent and dispel confusion. Following this, the blessed John states, “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 signify when he states, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly” (Psalm 118:4)? Did you request an excessive sum? Or did you withhold too much? Regardless of the interpretation, the essence seems contrary to that esteemed principle celebrated by the Greeks among their wise men and echoed by the Latins: moderation is key. Yet the Latin language employs the term “nimis” in such a way that we often encounter it in Scripture and in our discourse as profoundly significant. When we encounter, “thou hast accused us of keeping thy commandments too much,” we derive substantial meaning if we interpret it correctly; saying to a cherished friend, “I love thee too much,” carries the implication of deep affection, not of excess.
“O, if only,” he laments, “my ways were made straight so that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself that burden: Oh, if I could embody what You have taken upon Yourself! When you hear this, recognize the words of a willing heart, and in acknowledging this desire, cast away the pride of self-sufficiency. Who can truly claim to aspire to what is within their ability to accomplish without divine assistance? Therefore, if one desires to fulfill God's commands, they ought to beseech God for the empowerment to do so.
And he continues, “And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God’s commandments as one might look into a mirror, as the apostle James advises (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to reflect the command of God clearly, avoiding confusion, for they choose to be not merely hearers of the law but doers as well. Thus, he longs for his ways to align with God’s statutes. But how can one achieve this alignment except by the grace of God? Otherwise, upon examining the law of God, rather than finding joy, one may encounter confusion if they neglect to fulfill it.
“I will confess to You, O Lord, with my heart; by this, I will understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not one of sin but of worship; as seen when he declares, “In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as it is written in the book of Ecclesiasticus, “so confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He states his intention to confess according to the guidance of his heart. Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will offer praise to You, for it is Your work and not mine that deserves honor.
He adds, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” Or, as some manuscripts read, “not excessively, but leave me just enough.” God did not forsake the world amidst sinfulness. Had God abandoned it entirely, it would have perished utterly, were it not for the powerful remedy provided: the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; indeed, according to this prayer of Christ’s body, He forsook it not even excessively, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).
THEOSIS