Psalm 119 (118):88Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider his further words: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other group of the blessed is referenced here beyond those previously mentioned. To study the testimonies of the Lord and earnestly seek Him reflects a blamelessness in one’s walk, aligning with living by the law of the Lord. He then adds, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we acknowledge that those who commit iniquity do contemplate the Lord’s testimonies, not out of a commitment to righteousness but rather for the sake of knowledge; it is also true that there are others who examine the testimonies of the Lord not from a place of practice, but from a desire to learn the right way to live. These, however, are not yet walking blamelessly in the law of the Lord and therefore have not attained the blessedness that is promised.

It is affirmed and recognized in this psalm that "they that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s assistance, in whose hands we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly stated is understood rightly, so as not to bewilder the reader or listener. We should guard against the notion that all the saints, whose words resonate with, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), cannot be perceived as walking in the ways of the Lord since sin is evil and those who do evil do not walk in His ways; or, on the other hand, since it is clear they walk in the ways of the Lord, one might mistakenly assume they are free from sin, which is certainly false. This assertion is made not solely to advise against pride and arrogance, otherwise, it would have been stated that humility is lacking rather than proclaiming that "truth is not in us." The subsequent clarification offered by the blessed John serves to eliminate uncertainty. For after declaring this, he 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 imply when he expresses, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too large a sum? Or perhaps left too much? In either interpretation, the meaning seems to diverge from that enduring and esteemed principle hailed by both Greek philosophers and Latin thinkers: “Do nothing in excess.” Yet, the Latin language sometimes employs the term "nimis" with a nuanced meaning, which we find within Scripture and utilize in our discourse in a significant way. In this context, when he states, "thou hast accused us of keeping thy commandments too much," we understandably derive a profound implication; for when we tell a very close friend, "I love you too much," the intent is not to express an excess inappropriately, but rather a deep affection.

"Oh, if," he exclaims, "my ways could be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this charge: "O, if I could realize what You have taken upon Yourself." When you hear this, recognize it as the yearning of a willing spirit, and upon acknowledging this expression of desire, set aside the arrogance of presumption. For who claims to truly desire what is within their power to achieve without reliance on divine assistance? Thus, when one desires what God commands, they should earnestly pray for God to empower them to fulfill those commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We must regard the commandments of God as mirrors during their reading or our recollection, much like the apostle James indicates (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to such a state that they might perceive the commandments of God clearly and not feel perplexed; because they choose not merely to hear them, but to put them into practice. This desire prompts them to seek a straight path while adhering to God’s statutes. Yet, how can one achieve this straightness, apart from the grace of God? Otherwise, the law becomes not a source of joy but a source of confusion for those who wish to scrutinize the commandments without proper alignment to them.

"I will confess to You," he declares, "O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This represents not a confession of sin, but of adoration; akin to what is said, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as noted in Ecclesiasticus: "confess all the works of God as being very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He proclaims, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my paths are made straight, I shall confess to You, for You have accomplished it, hence it is Your praise and not mine.

He goes on to say, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts read, “not even excessively.” There is a contrast here since God could have entirely abandoned the world amidst its sins, but He did not forsake it too greatly, owing to the powerful remedy offered: the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; however, in accordance with this prayer of the body of Christ, He did not abandon it even excessively; for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Just as in the preceding verses, where he persistently prayed, ultimately stating, "Let it be as Thy will pleases, only let my heart be pure," here too, he inquires repeatedly, concluding with, "Well, let the enemies rejoice; just preserve my life, that I may succeed in adhering to Thy counsels." His prayer reflects a commitment to God's will, which is the essence of his supplication. Ethically, this prayer signifies a request for a gracious renewal. Saint Ambrose interprets this verse as follows: "The passions rise against me, hindering my compliance with Thy commandments, so send Thy grace, or enhance the grace that invigorates my spirit. Then, divine spirituality will overpower the remnants of sin, allowing me to behold Thy visions without obstruction. I refrain from sinful acts; yet, help me to extinguish the passions themselves, that I may not experience lust even in my heart when I look upon my wife." Alternatively, it may imply, "Revive me," meaning to preserve me for eternal life. Allow this temporal existence to continue, yet do not deny me eternal joy; I pledge to uphold Thy testimonies, as fidelity to them is critical for attaining everlasting bliss. St. Ambrose notes that by uttering "revive me," the prophet sought not merely what he possessed, which is life, but rather what he yearned for—life eternal, which signifies a blissful existence. Acknowledging the challenge of maintaining a steadfast spirit amidst a tumultuous earthly life, he implores for grace to be perpetually invigorated by the Spirit, enabling him to live for God and die to sin. For when sin is extinguished within us, the life dedicated to God flourishes, and our adherence to the commandments remains unbroken and continuous, leading us toward eternal life in God.

My heartfelt plea for support and my anticipation of the realization of Your word and comfort nearly overwhelm me; I am withering away due to hardships, though I have remained steadfast in my devotion to You. My days are fleeting, so please come to my aid in a timely manner; the deceitful words of my companions are futile and oppose Your law. Your promises, often referred to as commandments since they are enshrined in the law, are enduring truths; please bring judgment upon my adversaries, who pose a serious threat to my life. Sustain my existence through Your grace. Just as fur retreats from the winter chill, I find myself in need of Your warmth.