Now listen to the additional insight: “Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). To me, it appears that no other category of the blessed is referenced in these words beyond what has already been stated. To examine the Lord’s testimonies and earnestly seek Him encompasses being blameless in the way; it parallels walking in His law. He then states, “For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we recognize that those who commit wrongdoing still scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord, favoring knowledge over righteousness, and others study these testimonies, not because they live righteously but to discern how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the Lord’s law, which is why they are not yet blessed.
It is stated in this Psalm, “They that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's assistance, in whose hand we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), that truths may not confound the listener if they are not fully grasped. We should take care, lest it be perceived that all the saints, who have said, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), ought to be thought incapable of walking in the ways of the Lord, since sin is evil and those who perpetrate evil do not walk in His ways. Alternatively, since it is unquestionable that they walk in the Lord’s ways, it may mistakenly appear that they are without sin, which is undeniably incorrect. This is not merely proclaimed to prevent arrogance, as it would not be followed with “And the truth is not in us,” but rather “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent words shed further clarity on the matter and dispel any uncertainties. After stating this, the 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 is meant by: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too great a sum? Or perhaps overlooked too much? Regardless of interpretation, the meaning seems contrary to the esteemed principle lauded by the Greeks and upheld by the Latins: “Do nothing excessively.” However, at times, Latin employs the term nimis in such a context that we find it meaningful in Scripture and everyday chatter. Here, to accuse us of adhering to Your commandments excessively suggests that we comprehend greatly, if we judge accurately. If we say to a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” we do not intend it as exaggeration but rather as deep affection.
“Oh, if only,” he expresses, “my ways would be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed assumed the burden; oh, if I could grasp what You have undertaken. When you hear this, acknowledge it as a desire, and upon recognizing this yearning, let go of the pride of presumption. Who can truly claim to desire what lies within their power without assistance? Therefore, if one seeks what God commands, they must pray for His help to fulfill those commands.
“I will not be put to shame while I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view God’s commandments, whether read or remembered, as a reflection, as the apostle James advises (James 1:23-25). This person wishes for their self to align with the commandments of God, desiring clarity and not confusion; for they choose to be not just a hearer but a doer of the law. Thus, they aspire for their ways to be straight and to uphold God’s statutes. Yet, how can one achieve straightness without God’s grace? Otherwise, they would find the law not a source of delight but of bewilderment if they examine commandments they do not intend to follow.
“I will confess to You,” he declares, “O Lord, from the depths of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession does not pertain to sin but rather to praise, as echoed in the words, “I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as stated in Ecclesiasticus: “So confess all the works of God for they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he conveys, in accordance with my heart’s guidance. If my ways are righteous, I will confess because it is You who has accomplished it, and this praise belongs to You alone.
He further states, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “Do not forsake me, even too much!” or as some translations declare, “Not excessively forsake me.” God has not abandoned the world entirely in the wilderness of sin; He would have done so even more were it not for the powerful remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, in resonance with this plea of Christ’s body, He has not forsaken the world entirely, for “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
THEOSIS