6/1/21
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 119: Aleph"
Augustine identifies Psalm 119s topic as that of bliss, a bliss that is found, in verse one, by being undefiled. "If then thou wouldest be blessed, be undefiled" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338959, par. 1). And the way to be undefiled is by delighting in God's law. Verses 2-3 draw a contrast. Those who are blessed walk in God's law, but the wicked do not (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338963, par. 2).
Our sin of pride stands in the way of a walk in God's law. Augustine takes this, from verse three, as evidence that we do need to live as repentant sinners confessing before God (1 John 1) (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338971, par. 3). God's command for us exceeds our ability to obey. Augustine recognizes verse four as emphasizing the stringent nature of God's law.
As he realizes God's demands the Christian is moved to repentance. Verse five begs God to effect change in our attitudes (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338980, par. 5). The result of this repentance is that we consider God's commands as a mirror in which we can see ourselves clearly (Augustine Psalms, loc. 3438984, par. 6). We then confess before God. Even this shows signs of godly change, as Augustine recognizes verse seven speaks of a confession of praise (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338993, par. 7). Our desire becoms one of remaining in the favor of God (v. 8).