12/8/20
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 94”
Augustine observes that one of the mysteries of God, one whichbegs for us to seek understanding, is that the wicked so often seem to previl (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335227, par. 1). Psalm 94 teaches patience in times of suffering. The title is related to the fourth day of the week. Augustine notes this is "Mercury's day" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335240, par. 2). Augustine states that even some Christians refer to the day by that name, but he wishes they would not. The fourth dday, in Genesis chapter one, is the day the sun, moon, and stars were created. These serve as a calendar, which is a tool used to consider timing and to recognize times of light (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335259, par. 2).
In verse one, God is referred to as the God of vengeance. This asserts that he will, at the right time, bring punishment (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335259, par. 3). This hope should give confidence to God's people because he not only judges justly but will execute judgment. Augustine sees this also as a key to Jesus' freedom to warn the Scribes and Pharisees. They would face his vengeance if they did not repent (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335273, par. 3). Verse two sees the vengeance of God as consistent with God's exaltation. Augustine observes that Jesus, the one who is worthy of exaltation, endured persecution. In like manner, Christians should be willing to endure persecution (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335286, par. 4).
Verse three asks how long the ungodly will triumph. It is answered in verse four with an assertion that they will continue in evil (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335299, par. 5). Yet God certainly sees the wicket. Augustine notes that this evil would be punished harshly if it were noticed by earthly authorities. He expects no less from God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335305, par. 5). The sins of the wicked are enumerated in verses 5-7. Augustine finds the complaint in verse seven to be the most serious. The wicked decide that God doesn't see evil (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335318, par. 7). Verse eight then calls the reader to heed God. Augustine considers that the good and the evil both need to be conscious of God and His character (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335332, par. 8).
Verses 9-10 again emphasize that God is very aware of his people. Having created them, He has comprehensive knowledge of them (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335345, par. 9). Not only does God have general knowledge of His people, but in verse 11 he assesses their thoughts and finds them lacking (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335351, par. 10).
In contrat to the wicked, verse 12 speaks of the blessedness of those who are corrected and taught by God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335364, par. 11). This is a sign of godly humility. A by-product of humility is patience, as we see in verse 13. Augustine sees this as very important. Adversity normally teaches us patience. It is a good thing (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335378, par. 12).
Verse 14 clarifies the picture. We do not rejoice because of suffering. Rather, we rejoice because of the promise of eternal good (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335391, par. 13). The focus of the Christian, in verse 15, is on righteousness. Augustine observes that we receive righteousness as a gift of God before he makes us ready to enter into judgment. We accept God's order and trust that he will bring all things to pass in his time (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335404, par. 14). Our wills are to be shaped by God.
When we are pressed by evil, then, in verse 16 we may ask who would defend us. Augustine reminds his readers that they are Christians, set apart from the world, and that they are not alone in the world (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335417, par. 15).
Verse 17 then confirms futher. We would be ruined if the Lord did not help us. It is God's mercy (v. 18) that preserves us. Augustine notes that the verse implies that Christians confess their sin before the Lord (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335444, par. 17).
Verse 20 asks if God is related to the iniquity which we endure (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335450, par. 18). The answer, as we might predict, is that God is unrelated to evil. Augustine goes on to describe God's kingdom for sale, but the price is work, rather than money (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335477, par. 19). Verse 21 speaks of the wicked attempting to capture righteous souls. This is what they did against Jesus. In the end, though, Augustine finds the Lord as the refuge of His people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335490, par. 22). He brings vengeance in the end (v. 23). For this reason, Augustine says, the righteous can endure the attacks of the ungodly. They will pass away (Augustine Psalms, loc. 335510, par. 24).