4/27/21
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 114"
Augustine introduces Psalm 114 by reminding his readers that the things in Scripture are to serve as examples to us (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338567, par. 1). The events of the Exodus, related in the opening of Psalm 114, may also predict future things. It also asks what happened, that nature operated in such a way as to bring Israel into the land of promise. Augustine sees it as a call of God's grace, as given to Abraham, inviting us also to receive the same promises (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338580, par. 3).
From a typological perspective, then, Augustine sees Egypt as bondage, similar to this world, from which we need to be delivered (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338589, par. 4). He goes on to tie various other Old Testament events to the Exodus (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338601, par. 5). For this reason, Christians can consider themselves to be children of Abraham by faith. At the same time, this calls for self-examination. After all, if Israel fell into bondage, a Christian could as well (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338618, par. 6). For this reason, in verses 7 and following, the people are to consider the fearful nature of God. His might could condemn, but in verse 8 he also rescues his people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338631, par. 9).