7/20/21
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: Cheth"
Psalm 119:57-64 seems less tightly connected to the previous stanza than did verses 50-57. The Psalmist declares a commitment to God's law, asking, in verse 58, for God's mercy. Verse 59 expresses the commitment as a result of repentance. Augustine observes the centrality of the work of God, as a variant reading of verse 59 credits God as turning the Psalmist to God's law (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339308, par. 57).
The turning to God does not happen as a matter of chance. Verse 60 describes it as a reasoned decision, while verse 61 sees it as a conscious move away from the ungodly. Augustine sees "the bands of the ungodly" as the way the devil, working through sinners, would try to entangle Christ's people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339316, par. 59). The bonds are then broken by God's righteous judgment (v. 62).
In clinging to God's judgment, the Psalmist takes his place with others who fear God (v. 63). Augustine calls to mind the numerous New Testament statements in which Jesus gathers his people as one in him (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339329, par. 61). So in verse 64, the Lord fills the earth with his mercy.