Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
1/25/22
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 132"
Psalm 132:1 calls the reader to remember David and his humility (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341031, par. 2). Augustine notes that, though he was anointed king, David gave honor to Saul as king. In his humility, in Psalm 132:2, David made promises to the Lord, and also prayed the Lord would enable him to keep his promise (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341036, par. 2). Verses 3-5 emphasize David's willingness to work very hard in hopes of fulfilling his vows. Augustine calls his readers to emulate this effort. Together, he sees those who are committed to the Lord in this way as a temple of God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341050, par. 3).
Augustine applies humility to the Christian as he advocates avoiding any dedication to personal property (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341056, par. 4). Rather than seeking wealth and property, we would do well to pursue Christ's friendship. Having love for Christ within our households is what we rightly pursue (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341061, par. 4).
Verse six uses a place name Augustine sees as "Ephrata," which is translated into Latin as "speculum," a mirror (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341065, par. 5). Eventually Augustine interprets the passage to suggest that in an unknown place there is found among evidence of idolatry, a prophetic tabernacle for the God of Jacob. Verse seven states more clearly a destination - the tabernacle of God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341075, par. 6). Again, Augustine emphasizes that the tabernacle of God is the place of God's blessing, where we do His will rather than trying to enforce our own will. He takes this to be standing in Christ, with our feet in a stable place (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341085, par. 7).
Verse eight then calls on God to arise to his resting place, his stronghold, the place of his people in the resurrection (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341095, par. 8). Verse nine expresses the joy of this place of God's rest. In verse 10, then, the Psalm turns to ask God's presence with his Anointed, who Augustine takes to be the Christ, even in his time of humiliation (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341100, par. 10). Furthermore, God's promise is good. In verse 11, he confirmed his oath, and will never break it. Augustine speaks to the issue of the Lord "repenting" and apparently changing. He sees this as a change in action but never of God's eternal goal and purpose (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341125, par. 11).
The promise of God, articulated in verse 12, is contingent in an interesting way. If the children keep God's covenant, their children will be secure (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341135, par. 12). Augustine contrasts this with our normal inclinations, which are to hoard blessings for ourselves. Rather, we gather for the next generation. If a generation fails to keep God's covenant, His promise has not failed. Gos's promise remains valid (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341155, par. 13). The people of God's promise are recognized by adhering to God's works.
Verse 13 speaks of God's choice of Zion as his home. Augustine takes this to signify the Church, the place chosen by God where he rests in his authority (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341165, par. 14). It is also, according to verse 15, the place where God blesses the widows and the poor. Augustine takes the whole Church, which finds security and delight only in the Lord, as symbolized by widows (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341175, par. 16). Likewise, as we look to God to provide our daily bread, we are the poor (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341185, par. 17). Augustine continues by emphasizing the need to depend on God alone, rather than to trust in ourselves.
In the end, God's intention is to raise up his faithful, clothing them with salvation in Christ (vv. 16-17) (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341224, par. 20). The work of God rests on his Anointed, the Christ (v. 18). From this place of blessing he shows his glory and creates all rejoicing (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341235, par. 21).
1/25/22
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 132"
Psalm 132:1 calls the reader to remember David and his humility (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341031, par. 2). Augustine notes that, though he was anointed king, David gave honor to Saul as king. In his humility, in Psalm 132:2, David made promises to the Lord, and also prayed the Lord would enable him to keep his promise (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341036, par. 2). Verses 3-5 emphasize David's willingness to work very hard in hopes of fulfilling his vows. Augustine calls his readers to emulate this effort. Together, he sees those who are committed to the Lord in this way as a temple of God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341050, par. 3).
Augustine applies humility to the Christian as he advocates avoiding any dedication to personal property (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341056, par. 4). Rather than seeking wealth and property, we would do well to pursue Christ's friendship. Having love for Christ within our households is what we rightly pursue (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341061, par. 4).
Verse six uses a place name Augustine sees as "Ephrata," which is translated into Latin as "speculum," a mirror (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341065, par. 5). Eventually Augustine interprets the passage to suggest that in an unknown place there is found among evidence of idolatry, a prophetic tabernacle for the God of Jacob. Verse seven states more clearly a destination - the tabernacle of God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341075, par. 6). Again, Augustine emphasizes that the tabernacle of God is the place of God's blessing, where we do His will rather than trying to enforce our own will. He takes this to be standing in Christ, with our feet in a stable place (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341085, par. 7).
Verse eight then calls on God to arise to his resting place, his stronghold, the place of his people in the resurrection (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341095, par. 8). Verse nine expresses the joy of this place of God's rest. In verse 10, then, the Psalm turns to ask God's presence with his Anointed, who Augustine takes to be the Christ, even in his time of humiliation (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341100, par. 10). Furthermore, God's promise is good. In verse 11, he confirmed his oath, and will never break it. Augustine speaks to the issue of the Lord "repenting" and apparently changing. He sees this as a change in action but never of God's eternal goal and purpose (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341125, par. 11).
The promise of God, articulated in verse 12, is contingent in an interesting way. If the children keep God's covenant, their children will be secure (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341135, par. 12). Augustine contrasts this with our normal inclinations, which are to hoard blessings for ourselves. Rather, we gather for the next generation. If a generation fails to keep God's covenant, His promise has not failed. Gos's promise remains valid (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341155, par. 13). The people of God's promise are recognized by adhering to God's works.
Verse 13 speaks of God's choice of Zion as his home. Augustine takes this to signify the Church, the place chosen by God where he rests in his authority (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341165, par. 14). It is also, according to verse 15, the place where God blesses the widows and the poor. Augustine takes the whole Church, which finds security and delight only in the Lord, as symbolized by widows (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341175, par. 16). Likewise, as we look to God to provide our daily bread, we are the poor (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341185, par. 17). Augustine continues by emphasizing the need to depend on God alone, rather than to trust in ourselves.
In the end, God's intention is to raise up his faithful, clothing them with salvation in Christ (vv. 16-17) (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341224, par. 20). The work of God rests on his Anointed, the Christ (v. 18). From this place of blessing he shows his glory and creates all rejoicing (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341235, par. 21).
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