Psalm 119 (118):87Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now listen to his additional words: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). I believe no other group of the blessed is described here aside from the one already mentioned. To examine the Lord's testimonies and to wholeheartedly seek Him signifies a blameless path, a way of walking in the Lord’s laws. Then he asserts, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we recognize that those who commit iniquity indeed scrutinize the Lord’s testimonies, favoring learning over righteousness. Others may also explore the testimonies not because they already live righteously but to learn how to do so. Such individuals have not yet walked blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and therefore, they are not yet blessed...

It is stated in this Psalm, and it is indeed a truth: “They that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive with the aid of God, in whose hands both we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), so that what is properly articulated is not misunderstood, leading to confusion among the reader or listener. We must be cautious not to disqualify all the saints who affirm, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), as though they walk not in the Lord’s ways since sin is evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His paths. Conversely, since we recognize that they do indeed walk in the ways of the Lord, shall we regard them as sinless, which is undoubtedly false? This statement is not made merely to prevent arrogance and pride. If it were, it would not have included, “And the truth is not in us”; rather, it would have stated, “Humility is not in us,” especially since the following words clarify the meaning and eliminate confusion. For after expressing 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 does it imply when it states, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you overstepped in your demands? Or perhaps withheld too much? Regardless of which interpretation we consider, the meaning seems to contrast the well-known and esteemed principle praised by Greek philosophers and unanimously esteemed by Latin thinkers: “Do nothing excessively.” Yet the term “nimis” in Latin is sometimes used in such a way that it acquires significant meaning in both Scripture and everyday speech. In understanding this passage, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much,” we gather a considerable understanding; and when we express to a dear friend, “I love you too much,” we do not imply an excess beyond what is proper but rather a profound affection.

Oh, if, he expresses, my ways might be so aligned that I could follow Your statutes (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed placed this burden upon Yourself: O if I could realize what You have taken upon Yourself! When you hear this, recognize the desire conveyed, and upon understanding this yearning, let go of the pride that leads to presumption. For who claims to desire anything within one's power, anticipating its achievement without divine assistance? Therefore, if one longs for what God commands, one should beseech God to provide the means to fulfill His commands...

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We are encouraged to view God's commandments as a mirror, as the apostle James mentions (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to reflect the commandments of God without confusion, choosing to be not just a hearer but also a doer. Hence, he yearns for his ways to be straight as he endeavors to keep the statutes of God. How can one become straight except by the grace of God? Otherwise, one may find in God's law not a source of joy but of distress if one chooses not to follow the commandments...

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with my whole heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is not merely a confession of sins but rather an expression of praise, as it is written, “I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25) and as stated in Ecclesiasticus: “Confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He confesses to You according to the direction of his heart. Indeed, when my ways are made right, I will acknowledge You, for You have accomplished it, and it is Your glory, not mine...

He further states, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O do not forsake me even a little!” or, as some manuscripts state, “Do not forsake me excessively.” Yet, since God withdrew from the world immersed in sin, He would have entirely abandoned it had it not been upheld by such a powerful remedy, namely the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, through this prayer of Christ’s body, God did not leave the world abandoned even too much, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19)...

This resonates with the experiences of the holy martyrs, which serves as a compelling reason to assist those in distress. In my own tribulations, though I am pushed to the brink, I remain standing. If You test me, O Lord, it appears that this trial is reaching its conclusion; and since You sustain my life despite the extreme threat of death, I interpret this as Your readiness to grant me peace, hence I implore: deliver me.

From this, we can observe the profound inner battle against sin and the struggle it brings. This represents the furthest extent of human will in combating passions—not yielding to the gravest temptations. The choice to consent or resist lies within freedom, and it cannot be forced upon us, not even by the Almighty. Yet, our success is limited, as it hinges on our willingness. It is God's grace that transforms our desires, refining them toward purity.

The prophet acknowledges this struggle: "Oh, how fierce the passions were! They struck me down like a stormy wind bends a fragile plant, yet I did not capitulate. I have done all I could; now, Lord, fulfill Your work with Your grace and subdue the passions that oppose me." He may also convey a sense of apprehension: "I have fought against temptation, but will I withstand in the future? Better to remove these passions from me, O Lord!"

Saint Ambrose articulates a similar sentiment, highlighting the futility of relying solely on oneself against formidable foes and the ceaseless conflicts they bring. In this spiritual warfare, unclean spirits and the flesh assail us with their enticements. Even when we resist, we fear falling into their grasp. We must learn to be most vigilant against our internal adversary, who, while not inherently strong, is deceptive and relentless. He is fueled by indulgence, ignited by lust, and driven by the fleeting allure of temptation, finding sustenance in our hopes and disappointments. His vanquishers are rooted in the fears we harbor, the toil we endure, and the suffering that ultimately brings him low.

My earnest plea for assistance, my anticipation of the fulfillment of Your word and comfort nearly overwhelms me; I feel diminished by my trials, even as I remain devoted to You. My days are fleeting, so grant me timely help; all that my friends say to mislead me is empty and contrary to Your law. Since Your promises, also known as commandments, are steadfast, bring judgement upon those who pursue me with the gravest threats; sustain my life through Your grace.