Psalm 118:
A Commentary
by Saint Theophan the Recluse
(1815-1894)
by Saint John of Kronstadt Press, 2014
Goodreads

VERSE 78:
Let the proud be put to shame,
for unjustly have they transgressed against me;
but as for me, I will ponder on Thy commandments.

The proud = those who despise the law and mock and harm those who fulfill it.
But they will be put to shame if they see a change for the better in those who follow the commandments. And in their turn, they may correct their view of the law.
So this is actually a prayer from the psalmist so that those who scorn the Law may being their path toward salvation.

but as for me, I will ponder on Thy commandments:
And this will increase my zeal in fulfilling the commandments.

VERSE 79:
Let those that fear Thee return unto me,
and those that know Thy testimonies.

Theodoret says that Simmachus says it more clearly:
“Let those who fear Thee return me, return me, of course, to themselves — that is, may they accept me into their brotherly communion”.
Because the righteous will see that Thou hast returned to me Thy good will.

those that know Thy testimonies
= those experienced in the fulfillment of the law and know all the secrets of a life in God.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THESE NOTES
Any reflection on these quotes?