8/10/21
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: "Caph"
Psalm 119:81 describes the Psalmist's soul as "failing." Augustine considers this a positive sort of failing, since it falls toward God's word, having become aware of its own weakness (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339454, par. 81). He sees this failing as a desire which leads to hope in God. The Psalmist's eyes (v. 82) are looking for God's comfort.
As a corrolary of this, "when spiritual desires burn, carnal desires without doubt cool" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339466, par. 83). Verse 83 describes life as frost, but the desire of the heart remains warm.
Verse 84 shifts our attention to the Psalmist's desire that deliverance should come soon. Augustine takes this to be representative of martyrs who wonder how many martyrs there will be before the Lord's coming (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339475, par. 84). The true message of God's law contrasts with the tales of wicked people (v. 85). Augustine notes that he is aware of secular literature as well as at least one Jewish book which make vain, lying, but pleasing stories (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339487, par 85). In contrast, God's commands are the truth (v. 86). Though the Church endures persecution (v. 87) her hope is that the Lord would sustain her (v. 88). Again, Augustine points to the concept of martyrdom based on the Greek used in verse 88 (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339500, par. 88).