2/1/22
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 133"
Psalm 133:1, speaking of the goodness of brothers dwelling in unity, is, according to Augustine, sung even by those who don't know the Psalter (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341247, par. 1). The text draws people ogether, even possibly being responsible for some of the growth of monasticism (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341252, par. 2). CAugustine observes that this unity was found in the Old Testament, even before the coming of the Holy Spirit to create the Church. The claims of goodness in unity are promoted by true and false teachers alike (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341262, par. 3). However, Augustine emphasizes that the concept is rightly used to describe the faithful in the monastic movement, since they purposely pursue unity (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341267, par. 5).
Verse two describes this blessedness in terms of the anointing of a priest, which Augustine immediately applies to Christ, the anointed one, whose anointing overflows to his people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341272, par. 6).
Augustine further describes Mount Hermon as a place of blessing which is far from Jerusalem. The life giving dew is present, and Hermon is a high place, appropriate for a light, which Augustine equates with Christ (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341282, par. 8). Even as the Lord in his humiliation, Jesus is presented as the light of the world, who must increase. Augustine finally associates the end of the Psalm with its beginning. On Hermon the Lord gives blessing which is the blessing found when God's people dwell in unity (Augustine Psalms, loc. 341296, par. 9).