Psalm 119 (118):98Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider what follows: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other category of blessed individuals is referenced here besides the previously mentioned. To delve into the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is indeed to walk blamelessly in His law. Next, it is stated, “For they who do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we recognize that those who pursue wickedness may examine the Lord's testimonies, yet they do so in preference of knowledge over righteousness; similarly, some study His testimonies, not because they are living rightly, but in hopes of learning how to live. Such individuals are yet to walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and, consequently, have not yet attained true blessedness.

It is proclaimed in this Psalm, and it bears truth: “They that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance—who holds our lives and our words (Wisdom 7:16)—to ensure that what is appropriately stated is not misinterpreted by those who hear it. We should be cautious not to conclude that all the saints, whose words remind us, “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 as walking in the paths of the Lord, since sin is inherently evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Conversely, acknowledging that they do walk in the ways of the Lord could lead one to a false belief that they are without sin. Such a conclusion is indeed erroneous, for this is not articulated merely to guard against pride or arrogance. The phrase, “and the truth is not in us,” emphasizes this truth, contrasting it with the notion of humility. The subsequent words illuminate the context more clearly and eliminate any ambiguity: “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 to say, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you imposed an excessive burden? Or perhaps not enough? Regardless of our interpretation, the sentiment appears contrary to the wise adage that the Greeks admire in their philosophers and which the Latins commend universally: “Do nothing excessively.” However, the Latin term sometimes captures a nuance found in Scripture, leading us to communicate in a meaningful way. In this context, to speak of being accused of keeping His commandments too diligently conveys a profound understanding; when we tell a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” we intend to express a depth of affection rather than any excess.

“Oh, if only my ways were steadfast, that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have willingly accepted this responsibility: “Oh, if only I could achieve what You have taken upon Yourself.” When you hear this, recognize the earnestness of the expression and, in doing so, shed any pride of presumptuousness. Who among us dares to claim they want what is in their power without divine assistance? Thus, if anyone desires to fulfill God’s commandments, they ought to earnestly pray for His grace to enable their obedience.

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God’s commandments as we would a mirror, as the Apostle James elucidates (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to reflect God's commandments without confusion, aspiring not merely to hear them but to act upon them. Therefore, he yearns for his ways to be aligned with the statutes of God. How can one achieve this alignment other than through God’s grace? Without it, encountering God’s law could lead to despair rather than joy, especially if one struggles to engage with the commandments.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, according to the direction of my heart; in this, I will come to know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not merely one of sin but a proclamation of admiration; similar to what was 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, “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he states, in accordance with the leading of my heart. If my paths are made right, I will indeed praise You, for it is Your work, and thus it is Your glory that I proclaim, not my own.

Furthermore, he continues: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or as some manuscripts may express, “not even excessively.” Since God had abandoned the world in its sinful wilderness, He would have completely forsaken it had it not been held together by such a potent remedy: the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Even now, according to this prayer from the body of Christ, He has not abandoned it even excessively, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

This principle illuminates all life’s paths and the entanglements of circumstance. Challenges no longer impede him, and the question of how to proceed requires no prolonged deliberation: solutions arise swiftly. It is important to note that such virtue arises not merely from knowledge but from a life that embodies that knowledge. "Thou hast made me wise, O Lord, through Thy commandments," meaning You have taught me how to navigate within Your laws and granted me the strength to obey them. Living in accordance with the commandments has sharpened my discernment, allowing me to see through the deception of my enemies; I have become wiser than they. Their malicious designs are not as clever as my resolve to do good in accordance with Your will. Blessed Theodoret remarks: "The prophet, affirming his deep love for God's law, credits everything to God’s grace, saying, ‘I received wisdom and understanding from You; I cherish Your law, for You have given me superior knowledge compared to my adversaries.’” One of the enemy's schemes is to suggest that after one sins, even if they later repent, they can return to performing good deeds. To counter this, the prophet expresses a firm resolve: he will never abandon God’s commandments, even unto death. This is encapsulated in the phrase, "as forever is mine." Such resolve maintains a focused mindset, dismissing any hesitation about whether to relax in obedience. The enemy relentlessly attempts to inject these harmful suggestions, but for those who uphold in their hearts the commitment that "for ever and ever is mine," these thoughts leave no impact; they come and go without lingering. This steadfast determination—"for ever and ever is mine"—is only possible with readiness unto death; without it, remaining loyal to the commandments would be unfeasible, which is why it possesses such unwavering strength. Who can be shaken when they are already resolved to face death? He who indulges in self-pity is inherently disloyal and risks betraying himself to his foes in times of conflict. Such a person does not outsmart their enemies but becomes a mere plaything in their hands, tossed around for their derision. St. Isaac describes such individuals: "Since they initially lacked the courage to surrender themselves to death, they end up cowardly in all battles. They are fearful and most concerned about preserving their bodies. The enemy drives them away like a tempest, for he detects in them a weakness of spirit, unlike the strength he observes in the saints."

He further remarks that through diligent study, he gained wisdom that surpassed even the aged and learned: “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts” (Psalm 118:100). Beloved, “whatever was written in former times was written for our instruction” (Romans 15:4). The Holy Prophet penned these words to teach and encourage us, that through our own regular contemplation of the Lord’s precepts, we too may discover and grasp the path to salvation.

Your law is the focus of my deepest love and unending reflection; through it, I have become wiser than my foes, who often rely on their earthly understanding, while Your everlasting law and its wisdom are always close to me. I am wiser than those around me, surpassing the counsel of those who consider me ignorant and aim to enlighten me with their worldly wisdom. I have even outstripped the most seasoned elders, who possess knowledge solely from worldly experiences. My wisdom, stemming from my devotion to Your law, teaches me to shun evil; this practical wisdom reveals to me how invaluable Your law must be to my soul.