Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
7/27/21
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: "Teth"
In Psalm 119:65 God has spoken in sweetness. Augustine observes that "sweetness" may be an attribute of evil as well, but that the Greek specifically implies a good sweetness, so translations typically say "goodness" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339337, par. 62). The Psalmist, as one who receives God's sweetness, asks for more, along with understanding and knowledge (v. 66). Augustine emphasizes that this is a desire for God's teaching and discipline (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339349, par. 63). It is significant to Augustine that this is a matter of learning. Belief and learning go hand in hand (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339358, par. 65).
Verse 67 again refers to the condition without God's Law. The Psalmist went wrong before being humbled. Augustine takes this to be the state of man in fallen Adam (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339362, par. 66). Becoming an object of God's mercy takes away pride and misery. God's nature, in verse 68, is sweet.
In trial, however, as in verse 69, iniquity of others is placed upon us (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339366, par. 68). Augustine sees this as a contrast which makes the sweetness of God more visible. Verse 70 describes the heart of the proud as curdled milk. This is the result of iniquity (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339375, par. 69).
In humility, then, it is good to learn God's righteousness (v. 71). This is the Psalmist's commitment. Augustine sees this as a parallel to the nature of Christ. He knew all about sin, but "knew not sin." Rather, he reproved sin (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339379, par. 70). The stanza concludes in verse 72 that the word of God is priceless.
7/27/21
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: "Teth"
In Psalm 119:65 God has spoken in sweetness. Augustine observes that "sweetness" may be an attribute of evil as well, but that the Greek specifically implies a good sweetness, so translations typically say "goodness" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339337, par. 62). The Psalmist, as one who receives God's sweetness, asks for more, along with understanding and knowledge (v. 66). Augustine emphasizes that this is a desire for God's teaching and discipline (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339349, par. 63). It is significant to Augustine that this is a matter of learning. Belief and learning go hand in hand (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339358, par. 65).
Verse 67 again refers to the condition without God's Law. The Psalmist went wrong before being humbled. Augustine takes this to be the state of man in fallen Adam (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339362, par. 66). Becoming an object of God's mercy takes away pride and misery. God's nature, in verse 68, is sweet.
In trial, however, as in verse 69, iniquity of others is placed upon us (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339366, par. 68). Augustine sees this as a contrast which makes the sweetness of God more visible. Verse 70 describes the heart of the proud as curdled milk. This is the result of iniquity (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339375, par. 69).
In humility, then, it is good to learn God's righteousness (v. 71). This is the Psalmist's commitment. Augustine sees this as a parallel to the nature of Christ. He knew all about sin, but "knew not sin." Rather, he reproved sin (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339379, par. 70). The stanza concludes in verse 72 that the word of God is priceless.
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