Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
11/24/20
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 92”
Augustine opens his comments on Psalm 92 by observing that the Christian life is always oriented toward the future. However, in our life now, when we have any opportunity, we give thanks to the Lord (Augustine Psalms, loc. 334985, par. 1). Then, based on the title of the Psalm, which points to use on the Sabbath, Augustine observes that Jews use the Sabbath as a rest from even good works. Counter to this, Christians see they have a Sabbath rest from sin and evil (Augustine Psalms, loc. 34992, par. 2). Augustine then describes sin in some detail as an act of the will, for which we bear responsibility (Augustine Psalms, loc. 334998, par. 3).
The thanks given to God by the Christian, according to verse two, are a proclamation of God's mercy (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335005, par. 4). When, on the other hand, we perceive God leading us through hardship, we recognize God's justice. He is the one who chastens sin (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335012, par. 4). Verse three speaks of singing with a ten-stringed instrument. Augustine reminds his reader of his allegorical principles which suggest a representation of the ten commandments, which provide the foundation for our priase (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335018, par. 5).
Verse four speaks of giving God praise because of His works. Augustine sees this particularly as the work of forming Christians and their good deeds (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335025, par. 6). Again, Augustine finds those who seem to flourish while doing evil. Some may wish to imitate their evil. Augustine sees God as the patient and eternal judge, who will eventually bring the end of the world (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335035, par. 7). Verse five draws our attention back to the praise of God's works. Augustine urges his readers to hold fast to Christ, the one who works redemption (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335041, par. 8).
Verse six observes that the fool will not understand God's wisdom. The ungodly, according to verse seven, flourish as grass. Augustine points out that the grass seems green and bright but does not last (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335054, par. 9). Counter to this, God lasts forever (v. 8). Clinging to God is the hope of the Christian. It is, in Scripture, the wise thing to do (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335067, par. 10). Verse 10 again emphasizes that God is exalted. He is the one who is able to endure all things. Augustine sees this metaphor of old age but not death to describe the Church, which can endure in Christ (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335087, par. 11).
Again, in verses 11-12, God looks on His "enemies," those who do evil. They pass away, while the righteous do not (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335094, par. 13). They dwell and flourish in the house of God, being fruitful. Augustine goes on to warn his readers not to be attracted to that which flourishes only briefly, like grass. Rather, look to those trusting the Lord (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335114, par. 14).
11/24/20
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 92”
Augustine opens his comments on Psalm 92 by observing that the Christian life is always oriented toward the future. However, in our life now, when we have any opportunity, we give thanks to the Lord (Augustine Psalms, loc. 334985, par. 1). Then, based on the title of the Psalm, which points to use on the Sabbath, Augustine observes that Jews use the Sabbath as a rest from even good works. Counter to this, Christians see they have a Sabbath rest from sin and evil (Augustine Psalms, loc. 34992, par. 2). Augustine then describes sin in some detail as an act of the will, for which we bear responsibility (Augustine Psalms, loc. 334998, par. 3).
The thanks given to God by the Christian, according to verse two, are a proclamation of God's mercy (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335005, par. 4). When, on the other hand, we perceive God leading us through hardship, we recognize God's justice. He is the one who chastens sin (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335012, par. 4). Verse three speaks of singing with a ten-stringed instrument. Augustine reminds his reader of his allegorical principles which suggest a representation of the ten commandments, which provide the foundation for our priase (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335018, par. 5).
Verse four speaks of giving God praise because of His works. Augustine sees this particularly as the work of forming Christians and their good deeds (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335025, par. 6). Again, Augustine finds those who seem to flourish while doing evil. Some may wish to imitate their evil. Augustine sees God as the patient and eternal judge, who will eventually bring the end of the world (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335035, par. 7). Verse five draws our attention back to the praise of God's works. Augustine urges his readers to hold fast to Christ, the one who works redemption (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335041, par. 8).
Verse six observes that the fool will not understand God's wisdom. The ungodly, according to verse seven, flourish as grass. Augustine points out that the grass seems green and bright but does not last (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335054, par. 9). Counter to this, God lasts forever (v. 8). Clinging to God is the hope of the Christian. It is, in Scripture, the wise thing to do (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335067, par. 10). Verse 10 again emphasizes that God is exalted. He is the one who is able to endure all things. Augustine sees this metaphor of old age but not death to describe the Church, which can endure in Christ (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335087, par. 11).
Again, in verses 11-12, God looks on His "enemies," those who do evil. They pass away, while the righteous do not (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335094, par. 13). They dwell and flourish in the house of God, being fruitful. Augustine goes on to warn his readers not to be attracted to that which flourishes only briefly, like grass. Rather, look to those trusting the Lord (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335114, par. 14).
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