Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
3/5/19
Augustine. Exposition on the Book of Psalms. Schaff, Philip (editor). New York: Christian Literature Publishing Col, 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 13”
In Psalm 13, David asks whether the LORD will forget him forever. Augustine observes that the “Scripture speaks after our manner” (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320043). God never forgets His people, but we can readily assume He has forgotten us. In verse two, we realize the only reason someone would take counsel with himself and be sorrowful is due to adversity. We all deal with hardship, which can lead us to doubt. Augustine further observes that the enemy who brings hardship could be the devil or it could be our own habits (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320052).
Augustine notes the balance in verse three. “Consider” is the resolution of God’s apparent turning away, while “hear” is the response to the Psalmist’s plea. David knows God is there, but he has trouble seeing it, so he asks that his eyes be enlightened (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320052). Not only does David wish to be encouraged, but in verse four he doesn’t want the enemy to have any cause for gloating. Even in times of trouble, God’s people can and should remain steadfast due to God’s mercy (v. 5). This is all our cause for joy (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320060).
3/5/19
Augustine. Exposition on the Book of Psalms. Schaff, Philip (editor). New York: Christian Literature Publishing Col, 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 13”
In Psalm 13, David asks whether the LORD will forget him forever. Augustine observes that the “Scripture speaks after our manner” (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320043). God never forgets His people, but we can readily assume He has forgotten us. In verse two, we realize the only reason someone would take counsel with himself and be sorrowful is due to adversity. We all deal with hardship, which can lead us to doubt. Augustine further observes that the enemy who brings hardship could be the devil or it could be our own habits (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320052).
Augustine notes the balance in verse three. “Consider” is the resolution of God’s apparent turning away, while “hear” is the response to the Psalmist’s plea. David knows God is there, but he has trouble seeing it, so he asks that his eyes be enlightened (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320052). Not only does David wish to be encouraged, but in verse four he doesn’t want the enemy to have any cause for gloating. Even in times of trouble, God’s people can and should remain steadfast due to God’s mercy (v. 5). This is all our cause for joy (Augustine Psalms, loc. 320060).
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