7/13/21
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: Zain"
Psalm 119:49-56 opens with a call that God would remember his word. Augustine notes that the Scriptures frequently call on God to remember, as if God is forgetful (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339249, par. 50). Augustine assures his readers that these passages simply emphasize our desire that God should keep his promises. The hope of God's promises is our comfort (v. 50), as God promises to lift up those who are humble (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339257, par. 51). Augustine continues for some time to speak of the care God has for his followers.
In stark contrast to God's care for his people, verse 51 identifies the wicked actions of those who are proud (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339270, par. 52). The persecution of the proud is overcome by God's word, which verse 52 says has represented God's unchanging judgment since the beginning of the world (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339274, par. 53). Though the ungodly are tiresom (v. 53), God's statues are not (v. 54).
Again Augustine emphasizes that the justice which keeps the Psalmist is not his own, but God's justice (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339291, par. 56). God's law, as an expression of his justice, is the strength of the Psalmist.