9/28/21
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: "Tadze"
Psalm 119:137 speaks of God as righteous and true. Augustine considers that this may be the reason for the weeping spoken of in verse 136. God's truth, in a way, condemns us, due to our failure to live up to God's law (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339817, par. 136).
In verse 139, Augustine notes some difference in manuscripts, with some referring to "my zeal" and some to "thy zeal" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339821, par. 137). After some consideration, Augustine concludes that regardless, the zeal is a problem when the Psalmist compares his own zeal to God's. The biggest comparison has to do with the enemies who forget God's words.
The younger, being the Psalmist, in verse 141, hasn't forgotten God's word, though presumably the older people have (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339833, par. 139). Augustine considers why some would forget Gods words. He concludes that it is rooted in their desire to set up their own righteousness, which is not like God's as described in verse 142 (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339840, par. 140).
The departure of the elders from God's law results in persecution against the younger Psalmist, as we read in verse 143. Augustine observes that his conclusion in verse 144, a dependence on God, is exactly right. "Let them rage, let them persecute; as long as the commandments of God be not abandoned, and after those commandments, let even those who rage be loved" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339844, par. 141). The wisdom of God thus plays out in his people even in times of hardship.