Psalm 119 (118):74Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider the next statement: "Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this sentiment further reinforces the previous assertion. To carefully study the Lord's testimonies and wholeheartedly seek Him is to embody blamelessness in one's journey; it is synonymous with walking in the Lord’s law. He then states, "For they who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we recognize that those who practice wickedness may still examine the Lord’s testimonies, valuing knowledge over righteousness. Additionally, there are those who investigate the Lord’s testimonies not out of righteous living but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they remain unblessed.

It is affirmed in this psalm, and it rings true: "They who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, with God’s assistance, in whose hands we are and from whom our words proceed (Wisdom 7:16), we must strive for clarity, so that what is rightly said is also rightly understood, avoiding confusion for those who hear it. We must be cautious not to imply that all saints—who declare, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9)—cannot be seen to walk in the Lord’s ways, given that sin is wrongdoing and those who do wrong do not follow His ways. Alternatively, since it is evident that they do walk in His ways, it cannot be presumed they are without sin, which is unquestionably incorrect. This statement aims not merely to prevent pride or arrogance, otherwise it would have stated, "Humility is not in us," particularly as the subsequent verse clarifies and dispels all uncertainty. After making this point, the blessed Apostle John continued, "If we confess our sins, He, being faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What is meant by this: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have You demanded too much, or left us with too little? Regardless of interpretation, what is conveyed seems contrary to the wise counsel praised by both the Greeks and the Latins: "Do nothing excessively." Nonetheless, the Latin often employs the term "nimis" in ways that resonate deeply within the Scriptures. In this context, the accusation of being overly strict in keeping Your commandments reveals much about our understanding, akin to expressing love for a dear friend as "I love you too much," which implies great affection rather than excess.

The psalmist expresses, "Oh, if only my ways were steadfast, that I might keep Your statutes!" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, You have taken on this demand. If only I could reach the reality of what You require. When you hear this, acknowledge the earnestness in these words; and recognizing this longing, cast aside any prideful assumptions. For who can sincerely desire what is within their power to achieve without divine assistance? Therefore, if one yearns to fulfill God's commands, one must pray for divine help to accomplish them.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When God's commandments are read or recalled, we should view them as a mirror, as articulated by the Apostle James (James 1:23-25). The psalmist aims to engage with God’s commandments in such a way that he is not confused, as he chooses to be not just a hearer but a doer of the Word. Hence, he ardently desires to maintain straight paths and uphold God's statutes. But how can he attain such straightness without the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God will not bring joy but confusion to those who look upon it and fail to comply.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with sincerity of heart; in this, I will come to understand Your righteous judgments" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is one of praise rather than repentance, reminiscent of the words "I thank You, 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). The psalmist states, he confesses according to the guidance of his heart. If my paths are made right, I will praise You, for it is Your work, not mine.

He then continues: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "Oh, do not abandon me even excessively," or as some translations express it, "not even in excess." Since God had forsaken the world in its sinfulness, He would have abandoned it entirely had it not been upheld by such a robust remedy, namely, God's grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; however, through the prayer of Christ’s body, God has not forsaken it even too much, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Didyma remarks that not everyone finds joy in observing a righteous individual; for some perceive a challenge in the inconsistency of that person's life compared to others, causing them to overlook him. Yet, what presents difficulty to some is a source of joy for the pious. Moreover, sight here can refer to both physical and spiritual perception, suggesting that one might see His word, thoughts, and wisdom. Thus, let us strive to perceive Him in this manner and find encouragement in such understanding.

Hence, he states, “They shall rejoice, because in thy words I have trusted.” Having heeded the Lord's guidance, the prophet is optimistic that, with divine wisdom's aid, he will learn to conduct himself rightly in accordance with God's commandments, culminating in moral perfection. He states that all who revere God will rejoice upon witnessing this transformation within him. What is the source of this joy? It is, “I have trusted in Thy words” or in having placed my trust wholeheartedly in Your words and diligently fulfilling them, signifying that my trust has not been in vain but has led to the achievement of what I aspired to. Ultimately, the focus lies not so much on these specifics but rather on the joy experienced by the righteous as they observe his moral integrity. The prophet does not stand apart but sees himself as united with all who honor God, who are generally more invested in the welfare of others striving to please the Almighty than in their personal achievements. They recognize God's glory along with the magnificence of a life lived righteously, flourishing in their collective pursuit of God’s will, and completing their tasks without faltering along the way. In his plea to the Lord for assistance, he underscores that the Lord delights in witnessing such shared joy in righteous endeavors. God created humanity for joy; “But the wicked cannot rejoice” (Isaiah 48:22), only those who live in godly reverence can find true joy. And now, as the Lord observes the growth of such joy, He is comforted because it signifies the fulfillment of His divine intention in creation. In heaven, the faces of angels beam with collective joy; on earth, mirroring their example, the assembly of the God-fearing comes together in shared delight. The joy of life proliferates universally. The prophet appeals to the Lord, recognizing His pleasure in the happiness of the faithful. It is clear that the awareness of a living bond not only with God but also with all who seek to please Him is a vital aspect of the righteous spirit. A wise individual might claim not to see this connection. This is hardly surprising, for it is often invisible and established without much effort or seeking. In each community, those inclined towards God naturally come to know one another; recognizing shared desires, they unite and rejoice together. “The pure,” states St. Ambrosius, “are naturally drawn to the pure and share in joy; the compassionate connect with the generous; the fasting with the fasting; the prayerful with those who pray.” Even if physically separate, they remain united in spirit. When someone is in a different place, they can soon identify those of similar convictions and join in spirit. Each location gives rise to its own fellowship. Thus, spiritual communion radiates outward in a circle. Being in close quarters is alive with heartfelt unity with all who honor God, and in their thoughts, they share more than when together face to face. It is within this fellowship that life's strength resides. Anyone who perceives themselves as alone before God should not presume worthiness to stand in His presence. God does not desire nor favor such solitary souls. And as for those in solitude? The inhabitants of the deserts carry the entire world within their hearts; they are not spiritually isolated.

O Lord, to whom I am indebted for my being, grant me illumination in the knowledge of Your law, and enable me to experience the higher life beyond this earthly existence. When the righteous see my salvation, they will rejoice, for my hope will find fulfillment. It is only right that You have disciplined me, as this aligns with Your faithfulness to Your promises. May I, through this purification by correction, fulfill the promise while Your mercy prevails. Discourage my adversaries and restore friendship with those who have wronged the righteous on my behalf. Oh, that I could live with integrity, so my prayer might be answered!