4/20/21
Augustine. Exposition on the Book of Psalms. Schaff, Philip (editor). New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co, 1886. Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers: Series 1: Volume VIII. Re-published 2014, Catholic Way Publishing. Kindle electronic edition, ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-372-3.
“Psalm 113"
The opening words of Psalm 113, addressed to "children," Augustine takes to refer to people of all ages, just as in the New Testament Christians are frequently called children (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338515, par. 1). The job of all God's children is to praise the Lord (vv. 2-3_ The praises of God are to continue forever, from the time we open our mouths to praise him (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338519 par. 2).
Verse four makes a seeming distinction among men, pointing out that "the Lord is high above all heathen" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338527, par. 3). Augustine notes that the pagans worship things in the heavens, but God is presented here as above the heavens.
Despite God's exalted nature, Augustine recognizes him as caring for the humble (v. 5). God's work is to exalt the humble and raise them up to be with him (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338536, par. 4). Verses 7-8 go on to describe God raising people from the dust. Augustine sees this as God's work for all sorts of people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338552, par. 6). He goes on to speak of the great value of God's redemption in terms of relative measures. "The whole heap of corn compared with the separate chaff may seem to contain few in number, yet considered by itself, it is abundant" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338557, par. 7). Though the Church may seem small, it is exalted by God.