Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
6/22/21
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: Daleth"
Psalm 119:25-32 begins with the Psalmist in a very low place - on the pavement. Augustine sees this as a cry for rescue from earthly things (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339090, par. 25). He is clear that we expect a bodily resurrection. "For we shall not be without our bodies when we shall be for evermore with the Lord; but then because they will not be corruptible, nor will they weigh down our souls, if we view it strictly, we shall not cleave unto them, but they rather unto us, and we unto God" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339095, par. 26).
Verse 26 shows that the Psalmist's ways require confession, but that God is able to hear and change us. Augustine takes this change to be not only in but in deeds as well (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339099, par. 27). This is the heart of the meaning of verse 27, where the Psalmist asks for instruction. There is an understanding that instruction results in action.
Augustine recognizes that verse 29 draws a distinction between works and faith, calling it "the law of works" and "the law of faith" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339111, par. 29). In the law of faith we believe and we receive God's promises. This concept makes sense of verses 30-31. It is the "law of faith" which makes God able to "pity me" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339115, par. 30). This is the hope Augustine finds in God's law.
6/22/21
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: Daleth"
Psalm 119:25-32 begins with the Psalmist in a very low place - on the pavement. Augustine sees this as a cry for rescue from earthly things (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339090, par. 25). He is clear that we expect a bodily resurrection. "For we shall not be without our bodies when we shall be for evermore with the Lord; but then because they will not be corruptible, nor will they weigh down our souls, if we view it strictly, we shall not cleave unto them, but they rather unto us, and we unto God" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339095, par. 26).
Verse 26 shows that the Psalmist's ways require confession, but that God is able to hear and change us. Augustine takes this change to be not only in but in deeds as well (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339099, par. 27). This is the heart of the meaning of verse 27, where the Psalmist asks for instruction. There is an understanding that instruction results in action.
Augustine recognizes that verse 29 draws a distinction between works and faith, calling it "the law of works" and "the law of faith" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339111, par. 29). In the law of faith we believe and we receive God's promises. This concept makes sense of verses 30-31. It is the "law of faith" which makes God able to "pity me" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339115, par. 30). This is the hope Augustine finds in God's law.
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