Psalm 19 (18):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is termed ‘law’ because it enhances and completes communal existence; ‘testimony’ because it stands as evidence against those who sin, revealing the consequences of wrongdoing; ‘justification’ as it instructs on righteousness, forbidding injustice and declaring those who excel in virtuous deeds as just; ‘commandments’ because it authoritatively mandates what is to be done; and ‘destinies’ as it establishes divine decrees, elucidating the blessings for those who uphold the law and the punishments for those who break it. Thus, the Prophet asserts that God's ‘law,’ untainted by any reproach, transforms human souls and renders them faultless; and the ‘testimony’ instills wisdom in the unrefined and inexperienced by instilling fear; the ‘justifications’ gladden the heart, revealing the rationale behind our righteousness; and the ‘commandment’ illuminates the intellect, guiding us in matters pleasing to the God of all. The reverence and ‘fear’ of God, which inspires adherence to His laws, lead to eternal joy. He rightly describes the ‘fear’ of God as pure, or blameless, in contrast to the condemned fear of man, which is deemed cowardice. He also declares the ‘fates’ as true and just, as they adjudicate proper honors and penalties for humanity. Hence, he proclaims that they are more valuable than gold and precious gems, and sweeter than honey, yet not for everyone, but for the true human being, who, according to the same Prophet, differs from unthinking beasts (Psalm 48:21).

David refers to the law of God using various titles. It is termed 'law' because it governs and organizes human life, as Theodoret states; 'testimony' because it instructs in righteousness; 'commandment' because it instructs what one ought to do; 'fear' because it is stringent and does not attempt to appease; and 'judgments' because it renders decisions that are immutable, as elaborated in the interpretation of Psalm 17:23. We regard the law of God as blameless and without reproach; for how can anyone condemn God’s law when it guides humanity from sin to virtue, from the unnatural to the natural, and from the devil to God, all while teaching profound and celestial truths in concise messages?

These terms also apply to the spiritual law found in the grace of the Gospel, as articulated by Cyril. Thus, there are three laws: the natural, the written, and the spiritual. According to St. Cyril, the law of the Lord epitomizes the law of the Gospel's proclamation. It is indisputable that the teachings of Christ are pure and lead souls from evil to virtue, from pagan delusion to piety, and from ignorance and darkness to the illumination of understanding. The Gospel is described as a law because it validates what is most suitable for each individual's actions, offering commendation for the good and punishment for the wicked.

The testimony of the Lord is steadfast, instructing the naïve. In his assertion about testimony, David emphasizes that the law of God embodies faithfulness because it is bestowed by God, who is unwavering in all His declarations. By referring to the young as infants, David may be indicating those in the early stages of life, like Daniel, as well as kings Solomon and Josiah, or alternatively, those lacking in human wisdom or those who are uninformed and unwise. For the law of God wisely guides all these individuals.

Therefore, when one thoroughly examines and contemplates the law of the Lord, it brings about a transformation of the soul, fostering self-love and consequently leading individuals toward God, the Architect of this wondrous law.

The next commendation is encapsulated in the phrase, "The testimony of the Lord is faithful, making wise the simple." The term "testimony" here refers to the same law, known in Sacred Scripture, particularly within the Psalms, by various designations such as law, commandment, precept, and ordinance, but also as testimony, truth, justification, and judgment, as highlighted in Psalm 118. This testimony reveals to humanity the divine will and what the Lord expects from us, outlining both the consequences awaiting transgressors and the rewards for those who uphold the law. The testimony of the Lord is reliable, meaning that it unequivocally proclaims both rewards for the righteous and penalties for the wicked. It imparts wisdom to the simple, granting insight to those lacking understanding, guiding them in performing good deeds and steering them away from sin. Here, the Prophet refers to those devoid of spiritual discernment—particularly the teachers of this time—as infants, while he denotes spiritual wisdom as that which refines behavior and instructs individuals to live in alignment with Divine law.