Psalm 119 (118):84Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, pay attention to what he elaborates: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that this reference to the blessed pertains solely to the category already discussed. To examine the Lord's testimonies and wholeheartedly pursue Him is to embody blamelessness in the path; it reflects walking in the law of the Lord. Then he continues, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we know that those who perpetrate iniquity examine the Lord’s testimonies, as they prioritize knowledge over righteousness: we also recognize that others look into His testimonies, not due to their righteous living but to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly according to the law of the Lord, and thus, they are yet to experience true blessedness.

It is stated and confirmed within this Psalm: "They that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s grace, who holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly stated does not confuse the reader or listener. We must be cautious to avoid misunderstanding, so that all those who are saints—whose words declare, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9)—might not appear to fail in walking in the ways of the Lord, considering that sin is evil and those who practice evil do not walk in His ways. Or, recognizing that they genuinely walk in the Lord’s ways, they could mistakenly be perceived as sinless, which is certainly false. This is not merely stated to prevent arrogance and pride; rather, it adds clarity, as the subsequent words illuminate the meaning further and eliminate uncertainties. Having made this point, the blessed John declared, "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: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Did you overestimate our obedience? Or did you demand too much? In any interpretation, the meaning appears to contrast with that esteemed and wise counsel praised by the Greeks in their philosophers and lauded unanimously by the Latins: "Do nothing excessively." Yet, the Latin language also conveys the term "nimis" in such a way, including its appearances in Scripture, that it carries significant meaning in common discourse. In this instance, "You accuse us of being overly faithful in keeping Your commandments," suggests a profound understanding if interpreted correctly. If we say to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we do not intend to imply excessiveness but rather signify our deep affection.

"Oh, if," he expresses, "my ways would be made straight so that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed accepted this burden: "Oh, if only I could realize what You have accepted on my behalf!" When you hear this, recognize the willing spirit behind the words, and once you understand the intent, let go of prideful assumptions. After all, who claims to desire what they can accomplish without divine assistance? Therefore, those who wish to adhere to what God commands must earnestly pray for His help to fulfill His commands.

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to perceive God’s commandments as a mirror when they are read or recalled, as the Apostle James teaches (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to such clarity regarding the commandments of God that they might not be led astray, for they strive to be not merely hearers of the word but doers as well. For this reason, he yearns for his ways to be aligned and to uphold the statutes of God. How can one achieve this straightness except through the grace of God? Otherwise, when confronting the law of God, they would find themselves faced not with joy but with confusion if they attempt to examine commandments they do not intend to follow.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, according to the inclination of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not merely confessing sins but an expression of praise; akin to how one proclaims, "In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25) and as written in the book of 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 corrected, I will offer my confession, for You have accomplished this, and it is Your glory, not mine.

He further declares: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). What follows? "Oh, leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts convey, "not even excessively." But since God abandoned the world in the wilderness of sins, He would have forsaken it entirely were it not for the powerful remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Accordingly, in light of this prayer from the body of Christ, He did not abandon the world excessively; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Driven by a profound awareness of divine righteousness, he questions, ‘Will You permit Your justice to go unaddressed?’ This is the second motivation for hastening aid to the afflicted. St. Augustine likens this cry to that of the martyred souls in Revelation, asking: ‘How long, O holy and true Lord, will You not judge and avenge our blood from those who dwell on the earth?’ (Rev. 6:10). Both expressions bear witness that the unrighteous are held accountable in this life, that not all may persist in wrongdoing unpunished until death. If this were the case, humanity would forget the existence of a Judge. While the complete recompense is reserved for the final judgment, the Lord does sometimes offer earthly justice, reminding us that the path of iniquity is a treacherous one. Some may live in apparent happiness until death, as illustrated by the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where they receive earthly rewards for some virtuous acts. This cry also holds moral significance. Those who strive against their desires and the temptations of the adversary, realizing that their life draws to a close while passions remain strong, fear entering the next life unpurged. They rightly call for judgment against Satan, who continues to assail them through these temptations. The essence of their prayer is: reflect and push him away from me; then, I can more easily confront the remnants of sin within my remaining days, and perhaps even, at the end of my life, experience the joy of a pure heart. St. Athanasius remarks: ‘The days of man on earth are few; thus, the prophet petitions for Satan to be swiftly vanquished during this time, so he can bring his soul into submission to the Divine Word that has entered it.’ St. Ambrose elaborates: ‘Having grounded himself in firm virtue, the prophet seeks the capacity to crush not humanity, but the one who takes dominion over man.’ The apostle teaches that through the judgment of one's sins (during sincere repentance and rejection of sin), Satan’s defeat is realized, as sin’s power is overcome: ‘God,’ he states, ‘may Satan be bruised under your feet shortly’ (Rom. 16:20). Consequently, the prophet implores that God grants him the ability to eradicate the enemy through his faith, trampling him down as dust—seeking victory over him even while still in this mortal body, given the brevity of life. This triumph over the foe is achieved when he experiences the restored strength and vigor that once yielded to sin and temptation. This transformation occurs when divine grace revitalizes and renews the person. The Lord empowers such a soul to march upon enemies and crush their heads through faith and righteous actions. Thus, anyone can overcome the adversary. When we engage in wrongful deeds, the enemy takes pride in us; however, when we diligently pursue purity, righteousness, and self-control, we trample upon this serpent and scorpion.

My intense yearning for deliverance, my hope in the promise of Your word, and the comfort You provide weigh heavily upon me; I feel drained by my hardships, yet my loyalty to You remains unshaken. My days are few, so please assist me at the right moment; the empty words of my adversaries aim to mislead me, standing in stark contrast to Your truth since Your promises—reflected in Your laws—are unchanging. Bring justice upon my oppressors who threaten my existence; preserve my life through Your grace. Like fur that shrinks from the chill, I seek refuge in You.