12/1/20
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 93”
Augustine observes that the title of Psalm 93, referring to the sixth day, points up the idea of God completing His work. In the same way, humans work prior to their time of rest (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335131, par. 1). Augustine also notes six ages of the earth, in the sixth of which Christ has come. At the end will be the seventh day, the day of eternal rest (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335138, par. 1).
Verse one describes God clothed with beauty and strength. Both attributes are needed for his work of founding the earth (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335145, par. 2). Augustine considers God to use beauty for those pleased with him, but strength against his detractors. Further, Augustine notes that God here is pictured as "girded." This indicates dressing for work (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335151, par. 3). The word, in fact, may indicate arming oneself for battle. Augustine notes that while God seems to arm himself in this Psalm, Christ girds himself with humility and with a towel to wash his disciples' feet (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335164, par. 3).
The Psalm speaks of a round world which cannot be moved. Augustine suggests there is also a round world which can be moved. The faithful are steadfast and not moved, while the wicked are easily shaken. Both are around the world, thus a world that is moved and an unmoved one (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335171, par. 4).
Verse two speaks of God's established throne. Augustine poits out that the throne of God is in his saints, where He is seated (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335184, par. 5). The everlasting God places himself in his creation.
Verse three goes on to speak of the floods lifting their voices. Augustine does not find this imagery in the Gospels. Rather, he sees the Holy Spirit as the river at flood stage which flows and proclaims Christ (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335197, par. 6). The proclamation of Christ also raises up a great sea of believers (v. 4). This view is confirmed when verse five speaks of God's testimonies being believed (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335215, par. 7). It is through the belief in this word of God that the faithful around the world can stand.