Psalm 119 (118):92Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, pay close attention to what follows: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It seems that the only group described as blessed here is that which has already been mentioned. To diligently study the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly signifies being blameless in one’s journey and walking in the law of the Lord. Then it is stated, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we know that those who commit iniquity do scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord because they prioritize knowledge over righteousness; we also recognize that others investigate the Lord's testimonies not because they live righteous lives, but in hopes of learning how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk in blamelessness within the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they are not yet blessed.

It is written in this psalm, and affirmed as true: “They that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s assistance, in whose hands we and our words reside, that what is correctly stated is not misunderstood by the reader or listener, so as to avoid confusion. We must be cautious not to conclude that all the saints, whose declarations include, “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 considered to walk in the ways of the Lord, since sin is indeed evil, and those who commit evil do not walk according to His ways. Alternatively, since it is clear that they do walk in the Lord's ways, it might be inferred that they are without sin, which is certainly false. This assertion is made not merely to promote humility and avoid pride; otherwise, the additional phrase “and the truth is not in us” would have been omitted, and instead, they would have stated, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent words further clarify the meaning and eliminate any doubts. After articulating his point, the blessed John continued, “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: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly” (Psalm 118:4)? Have you imposed too great a burden, or left too much unaddressed? Regardless of the interpretation, the meaning seems to contrast with that celebrated and esteemed principle which the Greeks admire in their philosophers, and which the Latins universally commend: “Do nothing to excess.” Yet, the Latin language at times employs the term "nimis" in such a way that we find it in Scripture and utilize it in conversation with great significance. In this context, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much” could be understood as taking great care in our observance rather than overstepping appropriate boundaries. To say to a cherished friend, “I love you too much” does not imply excessiveness but rather a profound depth of affection.

“Oh, if,” he expresses, “my ways might be so aligned that I could keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself the challenge; how I wish to grasp the weight of that responsibility. When you hear this, acknowledge the words of one who is willing; having recognized the expression of desire, cast aside any arrogance of presumption. For who can truly desire what is in their grasp without requiring divine assistance? Therefore, if one seeks to fulfill what God commands, one ought to pray for God’s grace to enable such fulfillment.

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard the commandments of God when they are proclaimed or recalled, as one would look into a mirror, as described by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to see themselves reflected in the commandments of God clearly and not be disoriented, because they aspire to be not only hearers but also doers of the word. Thus, the yearning for straight paths and adherence to God’s statutes arises. How can one achieve this straightness except by the grace of God? Without that grace, engaging with the law could yield confusion instead of joy if one fails to adhere to its commandments.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this, I shall understand the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins but an expression of praise, as conveyed in “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as stated in the book of Ecclesiasticus: “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He declares, “I confess to You, according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, when my ways are set right, I will acknowledge You for what You have accomplished, for it is Your praise, not mine.

He continues, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not, even too much!” or as some texts express, “even too much, not excessively.” However, since God has turned away from the world amidst its sins, He would have turned away entirely, were it not for the powerful remedy that is His grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet now, through this plea from the body of Christ, He has not abandoned the world to any excess; for God was, in fact, reconciling the world to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Apollinarius notes that the period of trial and suffering is identified as lowliness. Therefore, it is indicative of the righteous person to maintain humility and to avoid perishing. For instance, when confronted with the prospect of martyrdom, if God's law had occupied my thoughts prior to my trials, then by embracing humility and facing the temptation of martyrdom, I would not be lost. It is appropriate to declare in every trial: during the onslaught of malevolent thoughts and adversarial forces, I would have perished without Your law to uphold me.

Even as Saul’s son-in-law, envy stirred by the enemy compelled David to escape the royal courts and live in constant danger. It was God alone who sustained him during these trying times. David recognized this clearly and continually acknowledged it during his times of prosperity. Why did God favor him so? Because he remained loyal and never strayed from God's revealed will. No matter the circumstances, he focused not on his own desires but solely on what God called him to do, seeking guidance from the law to ensure his actions were pleasing to God.

What greater advantage could he have seized than to slay Saul while he was defenseless? Yet, David never contemplated such an act, as he regarded the king, God’s anointed, as sacred. The fear of God that filled his heart protected him from both wrongful actions and thoughts. This unwavering commitment and the knowledge that he was not acting contrary to God's will fostered within him a deep trust in the Lord, which invariably draws down divine mercy and protection. Remembering this, David acknowledges that without the law of God as his steadfast guide, he would have perished in his lowly state. In the absence of God’s shelter, a person is vulnerable to the malice of others and the schemes of the primordial adversary of our redemption. This principle applies to all the righteous who have been saved from ruin. What helped Joseph to thrive in Egypt and not succumb to despair? It was his adherence to the law of God that instructed him on how to navigate the unfathomable trials he faced. His reverence for God enabled him to maintain his purity, leading to numerous blessings from above. What spared the young men in Babylon? It was their steadfast knowledge of the law of God, which served as their sole compass amidst the perilous hands of the pagans. Consequently, their wisdom and deliverance in the fiery furnace reflected their devotion. What preserved Job amidst the profound turmoil of his life? His constant study of God's law and unwavering fidelity to it in the face of overwhelming temptation. Blessed Theodoret notes that this truth applies to any faithful individual encountering hardship: be it Joseph, who triumphed over slavery and false accusations, Daniel, who was barred from prayer, the three young men compelled to worship idols, or the valiant martyrs who withstood various trials. David himself, exiled by Saul and compelled to coexist with the wicked, had every reason to assert this truth. He might have succumbed to their corruption were it not for his diligent engagement with God’s word. Any ascetic can likewise attest to this truth when navigating the turbulence of passions and the trials inflicted by demons. The fear of God and steadfast faithfulness to His law serve as protection against falling into sin. This is why, once temptation has subsided, they can sincerely echo the sentiment of St. Athanasius the Great: “I would have perished from the assault of wicked thoughts and the attacks of opposing forces if Thy law had not become my support.”

The promise, the law, and the means of my justification all indicate, as evidenced by the relationship in their meanings, the promises found within the law. Just as the laws of nature remain constant, so too do these promises. In them, You have secured my life through Your promise.