Psalm 119 (118):83Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider what he continues to say: “Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that this description refers back to those already mentioned. For to examine the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly signifies walking blamelessly in His law. Then, he adds, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We understand that those who commit wrongdoings might study the Lord's testimonies, not in a quest for righteousness, but out of a preference for knowledge. Others may also investigate His testimonies, not because they live righteously, but to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and hence, they have not yet attained the blessedness spoken of.

It is affirmed and observed in this psalm: “They that do evil will not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with the grace of God— who holds both us and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16)—to ensure that what is rightly stated is also correctly comprehended, so as not to confuse the reader or listener. We must be cautious not to suggest that all saints, who assert that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), either do not walk in the ways of the Lord since sin is evil or might appear to have no sin, which is certainly a falsehood. This is not only said to prevent arrogance; otherwise, they would have expressed, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent phrases illuminate this point further and dispel any uncertainty. After stating this, the beloved 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 signify when he says, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly”? (Psalm 118:4). Have You claimed too large a price? Or have You required too much? In whatever way we interpret this, the implication seems to stand in stark contrast to the esteemed sentiment espoused by the sages of Greece and acknowledged by the Latins: “Do nothing in excess.” Nevertheless, Latin occasionally utilizes the term “nimis” to convey meanings we encounter in Scripture and use meaningfully in conversation. In this context, to say, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much,” signifies an understanding that we grasp much, provided we interpret it correctly. If one says to a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” it is not meant to imply excess but deep affection.

“Oh, if,” he expresses, “my ways could align so that I might keep Your statutes” (Psalm 118:5). You have truly taken upon Yourself this challenge: “If only I could realize what You have undertaken.” When you hear this, recognize the words of one who is willing; having perceived this expression of longing, shed prideful presumption. For who claims that they earnestly desire what they can achieve entirely on their own? Therefore, if one seeks what God commands, they ought to pray to Him to enable them to fulfill His commands.

“And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). When reflecting on the commandments of God—as they are read or remembered—one should view them as a mirror, as the apostle James articulates (James 1:23-25). The individual aspires to align themselves with the commandments of God, so they may not be confounded; they choose to be a doer of the Word rather than merely a hearer. For this reason, they desire their paths to be straight and to adhere to the statutes of God. How can one be made straight if not by God’s grace? Otherwise, they will find in God’s law a source of confusion instead of joy if they do not wish to inspect the commandments closely.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, according to the guidance of my heart; in this, I will know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins, but one of adoration; as it is written, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25) and in Ecclesiasticus, “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He states, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will praise You because You have accomplished this, and it is Your glory, not mine.

He further conveys, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or, as some versions indicate, “even too much, not excessively.” Yet, since God had forsaken the world in the wilderness of sins, He would have abandoned it entirely had it not been upheld by the strong remedy of His grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; thus, according to this plea from the body of Christ, He has not forsaken it excessively, for “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

This transformation was brought about by the hoarfrost and dew of divine grace, which descended upon my soul from above, cooling the heat of my passions. Therefore, I have not deviated from Your law, knowing that, through it, I have been honored with Your abundant grace.

Theodoret and Chrysostom explain that fur, when warmed, becomes soft and expands, but under harsh cold, it becomes rigid and shrinks. In the same way, the body, by its nature, is either pampered and swollen from indulgence or reduced and subdued by the austerity of asceticism and the coldness of divine grace. The prophet, during Saul's persecution, exhibited self-control and humility, yet in times of peace, he succumbed to excess through indulgence. By subduing his flesh, he renewed his remembrance of God's law. Origen points out that Scripture often likens the body to fur; for instance, "do not pour young wine into old wineskins." These words signify that the new teaching cannot be absorbed by the unregenerate, enmeshed in sinful desires but only by one who is renewed by the salvific message: "I have put to death," he states, "my earthly members; I have subdued the passions of the flesh through the Word of God; I no longer burn with desire for matters pertaining to the flesh." Thus, the fur covered with frost represents the one who disciplines his body, allowing no fiery or lustful impulses within, as if cooling it. Theodora notes that the Word of God, akin to hoarfrost (often referred to as dew and rain), tempers the unbridled flames of my passions so that I might bear in my body the deadness of Jesus.

Each part of your being should be dedicated in this manner, and let every desire for earthly pleasure be subdued through moderation in eating and drinking, along with dedicated prayer, so that you may declare from the depths of your heart: ‘I am like a wineskin in the smoke: I do not forget your statutes’ (Psalm 118:83).

Understanding that you belong to Christ, ‘crucify your flesh’ in accordance with the Apostle’s teaching, ‘with its passions and desires’ (Galatians 5:24). Seek to mortify the affections tied to worldly temptations, going beyond mere actions of immorality to cleanse the inner stirrings of the flesh influenced by dark forces. This endeavor is not solely about resisting overt sins but also striving to eradicate even the faintest stirrings of passion. The goal is to cultivate a pure and heavenly state, praying for the removal of even the recollections of subtle desires that arise in the mind without any outward expressions of lust. This transformation can only be achieved through divine assistance and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Are there any who have received this grace?

Thus, the one who aims for the crown of pure, spiritual, and unblemished virginity engages in disciplines of fasting and diligent abstinence, putting to death earthly inclinations. Through continued efforts in faith and good works, the inner being is renewed day after day, fostering growth in love, gentleness, and a joyful spirit, while being fortified with the peace of Christ. Such a life is characterized by grace, kindness, reverence for God, clarity of thought and understanding, and wisdom that comes from humility. By cultivating these virtues, the mind, renewed by the Spirit, perceives the divine image within and recognizes the profound goodness of the Lord's likeness, understanding the richness of the law imparted by divine Wisdom.

Therefore, my son, engage in these practices to refine youthful desires and to rejuvenate the immortal soul. The youthful body, indulged by rich foods and wine, can resemble a beast, ready to succumb to the temptations of sensory pleasures that lead the soul astray and bind the mind to sinful appetites. The indulgence of the flesh diminishes the Spirit. Particularly, the youth should avoid even the faintest taste of wine, for the fiery passions ignited by drinking can obscure the soul’s spiritual sweetness and foster confusion. Instead, out of a desire for spiritual purity, cultivate a habit of moderation, even in drinking water, as this scarcity can aid in the pursuit of chastity. You will see the truth of this through your experiences.

We do not intend to impose a heavy burden upon you by prescribing rules or commands but instead aim to provide guidance and wisdom that promotes a life of true virginity and genuine chastity, leaving the decision to your own free will.

His conditions lack strength; he has no shelter, is famished, unclothed, and without shoes; moreover, he is blind, lame, and feeble, unable to move. Who else is more deserving of swift aid? This plea is wholly rooted in Thy justice, as he remains loyal to Thee and adheres to Thy commandments. How apropos would these words have been for Lazarus, afflicted with sores! And still, Lazarus endured in that state until the end of his days.

Thus, it becomes evident that the prophet, by embodying various types of sufferers, offers his prayers to God on their behalf while maintaining a commitment to God's will, which is essential to genuine prayer and a requisite characteristic of those who genuinely seek to please God. The Holy Fathers, when interpreting this passage morally, see the metaphor of being "like a withered skin" as indicative of self-denial, the fundamental basis for thriving in the spiritual realm, exemplified by St. Paul’s declaration: "I discipline my body," he states, "and bring it into subjection, lest I, when I have preached to others, should myself be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27). St. Athanasius remarked that the righteous, even in life, appear dead due to their sufferings, which makes them more akin to withered skins than to living beings, having become as frigid as hard frost. The withered skin, as noted, results from mortifying the flesh, stripping away any ignitable or lustful impulses, effectively rendering it cold.

In a similar vein, St. Ambrose declares that a withered skin comes from a creature that has lost its life; we too must die to sin and worldly desires to truly live for God. By doing so, we become new vessels ready to receive divine grace. Seeking to satiate bodily desires while retaining grace is a futile endeavor. Those who do not practice self-denial and indulge as described in, "They were eating and drinking, and dancing" (Exodus 32:6) are not truly alive in spirit. He who drinks deeply from the cup of the Spirit may take pride, like David, in being like a withered skin. Blessed Augustine points out that when spiritual yearnings intensify, earthly desires diminish. This is precisely what the prophet alludes to. The term 'withered skin' refers to carnal desires, while 'slania' signifies the heavenly gift that, like frost, extinguishes earthly passions. The outcome is that God’s justifications remain ever-present in our thoughts since engaging with spiritual matters precludes dwelling on worldly distractions, as affirmed by the scripture, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" (Rom. 13:14).

My intense desire for assistance, my anticipation of the fulfillment of Your word, Your assurances, and the comfort You provide nearly overwhelms me; I have suffered greatly yet remained faithful to You. My days are fleeting, so I ask for Your timely help; the empty words my companions speak only aim to mislead me, as they stray from Your law. Since Your promises, termed commandments because they are rooted in Your law, are steadfast, please judge my adversaries, who threaten my very life. Sustain me through Your favor; even this skin shrinks from the cold.