4/6/21
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 111"
Augustine observes the season of Lent is a time of sorrow, signifying our earthly life, but that the season of Resurrection, when we sing the Alleluias, is a sign of our future of bliss before God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338387, par. 1). In verse one, the confession made may well be understood as "the praise of God . . . poured forth in the devotion of confession" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338396, par. 2). It is not necessarily a confession of sins. On the contrary, verse two suggests, with "the great works of the Lord," that it describes a confession of God's mercy (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338404, par. 2). This is further confirmed in verse three, where God's glorious deeds are seen. Augustine observes that justifying the ungodly is the supreme glorious deed (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338408, par. 3).
Verse four speaks of God making his works remembered. Augustine sees this happening by God's work of humbling some and exalting others (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338417, par. 4). Overall, Augustine sees God's mercy. Verse five describes God providing for all those who fear him (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338421, par. 4). God's works, in verse six, are often tied up in his shows of mercy to his people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338426, par. 5).
Verse seven describes God's works as truth and judgment. Augustine takes those who receive judgment to be recipients of God's truth. It is important that God's judgment be in accord with his truth (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338434, par. 6). Verses 8 and 9 expand this idea, showing God's poeple to be the redeemed, who have received truth and equity.
The conclusion is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, that which Augustine says we should gain (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338446, par. 7).