Psalm 119 (118):77Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems that the only type of the blessed referred to here is the same as previously mentioned. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to earnestly pursue Him is to be blameless on the path—it signifies walking in the law of the Lord. He then states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We acknowledge that those who commit iniquity do examine the Lord’s testimonies because they prioritize knowledge over morality; while others study the testimonies not due to their virtuous living but to understand the path to righteousness. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and for that reason, they have not yet achieved blessedness.

It is clearly articulated in this Psalm: "They that do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s assistance, in whose hands both we and our words exist (Wisdom 7:16), that what is accurately stated is not misunderstood, causing confusion for the reader or listener. We ought to be cautious about interpreting the words of all the saints, whose declarations are, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9). This may lead one to conclude that they cannot walk in the ways of the Lord, since sin is inherently evil, or erroneously assume that those who certainly walk in the ways of the Lord possess no sin, which is manifestly untrue. This assertion is not made merely to discourage arrogance and pride; if that were the case, it would not have been added, "And truth is not in us," but rather, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the meaning and dispel any doubts. For after stating this, blessed John adds, "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 to hear: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too large a sacrifice? Or perhaps you have left too much behind? Regardless of how we interpret this, its sense seems contrary to the well-known and esteemed advice praised by Greek sages and upheld by the Latins: "Do nothing in excess." However, the Latin tongue can sometimes use "nimis" to communicate profound meaning, as seen in Scripture. When we hear, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much," we understand that we grasp a great deal if we understand correctly. Saying to a dear friend, "I love you too much," does not imply excessive affection in the inappropriate sense, but rather deep and genuine love.

He exclaims, "Oh, if only my ways were directed to keep Your decrees!" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this task; I wish to realize the weight of that calling. When you hear this, recognize it as the expression of a willing heart, and upon recognizing this desire, let go of any presumptuous pride. Who can claim they yearn for what is within their power to achieve without divine assistance? Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, it is essential to pray for God to grant the desires of the heart.

And he adds, "And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view the commandments of God as if looking into a mirror, as the apostle James instructs (James 1:23-25). This person desires to be reflective enough to observe God's commandments clearly, avoiding confusion, for he chooses not merely to listen to them but to act on them. Thus, he seeks both to keep his ways directed and to adhere to God's statutes. How can one achieve this straightness if not by the grace of God? Otherwise, he finds in God's law not a source of joy but turmoil, should he attempt to examine the commandments without true willingness.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; in this, I will know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not a matter of sin but of praise, as it is said, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as written in Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God for they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). "I confess to You," he states, "according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my paths are rightly adjusted, I shall give You praise, since You have achieved this, and it is Your glory, not mine.

He further states, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some versions phrase it, "not excessively." However, since God shunned the world in its wilderness of sins, He would have completely abandoned it if not for the robust remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; and now, according to this appeal from Christ’s body, He has not forsaken it even to a considerable degree, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

"And I shall live" can be translated as being restored to life. This echoes the experience of someone who, having endured sorrow, finds joy again or a person who, having faced poverty, regains wealth, or an individual who, after disgrace, is restored to honor; thus, the prophet seeks blessings that will rejuvenate his heart's affections. This renewal, along with previous grace and consolation, contrasts sharply with the humbling trials that God justly allows, as he previously acknowledged. The way of expression indicates a call for correcting the behavior of one who is penitent and has turned from wrongdoing. It becomes clear that seeking such provisions is warranted, just as the Lord's Prayer encompasses both spiritual and physical needs: “Our daily bread is given to us this day” (Matthew 6:11). Yet, it is crucial to remember: "if it pleases the Lord." If You determine, O Lord, that this or that is beneficial for my salvation, then grant it to me. It is wholly appropriate to seek purely spiritual benefits of repentance while committing to live righteously, aligning with God's will, embracing prayer, and practicing patience. For material needs, our prayers should always be conditional, surrendering our circumstances to God's purpose. "And I shall live" may also resonate with St. Ambrosius's interpretation, invoking a comforted spirit of resilience. Adverse situations elicit two responses: they can invoke sorrow and weaken resolve. In the prior verse, the prophet sought the grace of comfort to dispel grief, while now he calls for a renewal of strength. He seems to declare, let my circumstances remain challenging—but though my hands droop and my resolve falters, instill within me a steadfast fortitude and unwavering courage that both I and others may recognize, that despite the severity of my trials, my moral strength is unshaken, and I remain energetic in my battle against suffering and adversity. "Thy law is my teaching." Here lies the foundation of the prophet's hope that his supplication will be acknowledged. He declares his thoughts are solely focused on God’s law; his primary endeavor is to fulfill it, confirming that in God's judgment, those who delight in His law and meditate on it are blessed. Has it not been declared: "I love him that loveth Me, and he that seeketh Me shall find grace?" (Proverbs 8:17). St. Athanasius further notes that as God has promised comfort, so may He fulfill that promise and bring joy to His servants. The prophet requests these comforts as a devoted servant while seeking revitalizing blessings as a fervent adherent of the law. Both requests illustrate that only those who diligently strive and seek to please God in prayer can approach Him with sincere petitions. We often express frustration when our prayers seem unheard: without genuine effort toward God, our pleas may remain unanswered.

O Lord, from whom I derive my being, enlighten me with an understanding of Your law, elevating me beyond mere earthly existence. When the righteous see my deliverance, they will rejoice, for my hope will be fulfilled. It is just that You have chastised me, as Your actions reflect the faithfulness of Your promises, allowing me to honor the covenant once I am refined through discipline; yet may Your mercy prevail, confound my adversaries, and restore relationships with those who have wronged the righteous on my behalf. Oh, if I could maintain a blameless life, that this prayer of mine might be realized!