Psalm 119 (118):97Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is even more alarming when certain members of the clergy—our brothers and fellow workers—engage in such behavior. Were it not for the Apostle's command, which instructs us to “reprove, forbid, exhort” (2 Tim. 4:2), we might have kept our silence and endured in patience. Yet, people are wise and discerning, capable of caring for their own correction, as it is stated: “From arrogance comes strife, but from those who consult wisdom” (Proverbs 8:10).

Now, consider what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems clear that no other type of blessed person is indicated here besides those previously mentioned. To sincerely examine the Lord’s testimonies and earnestly seek Him reflects blamelessness in one's journey; it embodies walking according to the law of the Lord. Subsequently, it states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who commit sin often study the Lord’s testimonies, seeking knowledge rather than righteousness. There are also those who investigate the testimonies not out of current moral living but to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus, they have not yet attained the blessedness promised.

It is affirmed in this Psalm, "They that do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nevertheless, we are called to strive, with God's assistance, in whose hands we exist and speak (Wisdom 7:16), that what is rightly articulated is not misinterpreted by the reader or listener. We should take care not to misunderstand the saints' words: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), which could imply they cannot walk in the Lord’s ways since sin is evil, and those who perpetrate it do not walk His path. Alternatively, could it be perceived that since they do walk in the Lord's ways, they are without sin, which is certainly incorrect? This assertion is not intended merely to prevent arrogance; otherwise, they would have declared, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the intention, dispelling doubt: following this statement, the blessed John continues, "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 mean, "Have you accused us of keeping Your commandments too stringently?" (Psalm 118:4) Have you demanded too great a price? Or have you given too little? In whatever context we interpret this, the implication seems contrary to the wise axiom praised by both the Greeks and the Latins: "Do nothing excessively." Yet the Latin tongue sometimes employs the term "nimis" to convey a profound meaning, as demonstrated in scripture and daily conversation. In this assertion of accusation regarding observing Your commandments too thoroughly, if we understand rightly, we grasp a deeper essence. Saying to a dear friend, "I love you too much," does not indicate an excess beyond measure, but rather a great depth of affection.

O, if, he exclaims, my ways would be made straight so that I may observe Your statutes! (Psalm 118:5). You have taken upon Yourself this challenge: O, if I could achieve in practice what You have called me to realize. Upon hearing this, let it resonate as the plea of an earnest heart; and upon grasping this expression of hope, discard any arrogance of presumption. Who claims the ability to achieve what is within reach without divine assistance? Therefore, desiring to fulfill what God commands means one should beseech the Lord to enable the fulfillment of His commands.

And "I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view God’s commandments, whether heard or recalled, as one looks into a mirror, as the Apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to see themselves reflected in God’s commandments without confusion, choosing to be a doer and not merely a hearer. Thus, he seeks his path to be straight to adhere to God’s statutes. How can one achieve such straightness without the grace of God? Without it, one perceives the law not as a source of joy but as a cause for confusion, should they wish to examine commandments that remain unfulfilled.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the guidance of my heart; in this way, I shall discern the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession represents not the acknowledgment of sin, but an act of praise; as expressed, "In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25) and it is 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 direction of my heart." Indeed, if my ways are aligned, I shall praise You, for this is Your work and not my own.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). Yet, what follows? "Do not forsake me, even too much!" or, as some manuscripts suggest, "even excessively." Although God has withdrawn from a world lost in sin, He would have abandoned it entirely had it not been supported by such a powerful remedy: the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, in response to this prayer 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).

The most evident demonstration of love and assurance comes from being focused on a beloved pursuit, disregarding all else in order to experience unbroken joy in it. Conversely, those who engage with the law in half-hearted ways are often motivated by a desire for recognition rather than genuine devotion. Observing the law transcends mere words and speech; it must also be reflected in actions. Anyone who reads the commandments with comprehension and follows their precepts, integrating them into every aspect of life, is fully involved in both speech and practice, thus fulfilling the declaration, “All the day long he makes my teaching.” Therefore, regardless of whether one is just starting or advancing, a commitment to studying the law day and night is essential. For those who strive for perfection, there is no night but only day, echoing Paul’s words, “The night is past, and the day is at hand,” and as we shall conduct ourselves orderly in the light of day. The entirety of our lifetime may be seen as encompassed within this concept of a day.

Following these divine instructions enlightens the mind, allowing for clear understanding (verses 97-100), restores righteousness to the will, prioritizing all its efforts (verses 101, 102), and renews the heart’s awareness of the sacred and divine (verses 103, 104). Psalm 118:97. If Thy law, O Lord, is cherished by me, I receive instruction all day - ‘If Thy law, O Lord,’ signifies the deep value placed upon Thy law! This expresses the sentiment of a soul that has felt the transformative power of adhering to God's commandments. An individual may initially follow the commandments out of fear of punishment, the shame of being seen as sinful by others, or a mere expectation of the mind, lacking genuine attraction or understanding of their profound essence; in such cases, one is driven like a servant and labors without purpose. However, gradually, one begins to discern the benefits of this righteous path, experiencing its sweetness, and the more one progresses, the more one realizes that nothing is more fulfilling than turning away from evil and embracing goodness, meditating on the law of the Lord day and night. The adherence to this law becomes not an obligation born out of duty or fear, but a genuine love for it, as it is natural to love the good. The Blessed Theodoret observes: ‘Not all who uphold the law of God do so out of love; some act out of fear of punishment or seek the praise of men, while true lovers of virtue fulfill God's commands stemming from a disposition toward goodness.’ St. Hilary further states: “One might claim: How perfectly I observe Thy law! Yet, it is more valuable to act from love rather than fear; thus, the prophet affirms: ‘I love Thy law!’” Following God's will through love is vastly different from fulfilling it out of fear. The prophet affirms that his allegiance to the law arises from devotion and love, rather than from any external compulsion. Many practice fasting solely to evade criticism from their leaders; some donate to the needy merely to ward off the stigma of greed; others attend church to escape the shame of negligence. Such actions, devoid of love, lack true merit. True love fosters a passionate commitment to joyful service. When one genuinely loves something, there is a natural inclination toward it; one inevitably contemplates it continuously. The prophet, who cherished the law, immersed himself in it daily; he sought to ensure that his actions honored God rather than offend Him; even in his moments of rest, he prepared for good deeds, so that when opportunities arose, he would be ready to act appropriately; he also engaged in this study because it nourishes the soul with heavenly goodness and virtuous thoughts. This method of learning can take place frequently and is quite achievable. The teachings of the Fathers encourage reading God’s word in the morning with reflection until a particular verse resonates within the heart. Such a verse then captivates the mind throughout the day, functioning like a key that activates a musical device. Others recommend memorizing psalms to maintain focus on divine matters all day long. Those with a stronger will, having centered their thoughts on theological reflection in the morning, consciously maintain their connection with God throughout the day. While these practices may differ, they all align with the essence of what the prophet expresses: ‘All the day is my teaching.’ For those who engage in this way, day and night become indistinguishable, or, more accurately, for them, there is no night—all is day. Hence, the prophet specifically states ‘all the day’ without mentioning the night, as noted in the first psalm: ‘in the law of the Lord he shall meditate day and night.’ St. Athanasius notes: ‘He who succeeds experiences a day when he lives in accordance with the law and a night when he is not fully devoted to it. Yet, for the saints who have triumphed, there is no night—only day.’ St. Hilary echoes this: ‘What the prophet cherished, he pursues without ceasing: his love for the law drives him to study it tirelessly all day. No external distractions or worldly concerns lead him away from his fervent dedication. His life becomes one continuous pursuit of his cherished law, transforming each moment into a persistent day of learning.’

He declares that through diligent study, he gained wisdom surpassing even the most seasoned scholars: “I understand more than an old man, for thy commandments I seek” (Psalm 118:100). Beloved, “whatsoever things were ordained were ordained for our punishment” (Romans 15:4). The Holy Prophet penned these insights to instruct and inspire us, encouraging our own daily reflection on the words of the Lord so that we too may discover the path to salvation.

Your law is my deepest love and constant meditation; through it, I have surpassed my enemies, who often rely on fleeting wisdom, while Your immutable law and its wisdom are ever present with me. I have become wiser than those who surround me, even those who attempt to share their worldly insights, viewing me as shortsighted, thereby revealing their own lack of true understanding. In the end, I am wiser than the most seasoned elders, who possess experience solely in temporal matters. My wisdom, rooted in my devotion to Your law, leads me to reject evil; this practical wisdom illustrates how invaluable Your law is to me.