Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
10/19/21
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: "Schin"
Psalm 119:161 is frank about the fact that earthly rulers have persecuted the Church, a fact Augustine says is unjust, since the Church does not harm earthly kingdoms (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339940, par. 159). Jesus, in fact, always urged respect for others, not harm. On the contrary, it is the earthly rulers who banish, torture, and all the rest. Lest we think that Christians are without hope, verse 16 speaks of finding spoils in God's word. Augustine points out that this is the language of warfare and implies that the Christians win, even while suffering persecution and martyrdom (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339952, par. 160).
The Psalmist then states a hatred for evil (v. 163), but a love for God's law. Augustine compares this to the kind of love and reverence we might have for family members (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339956, par. 161). We would be desolate if we lost them, so there is an element of fear, but it is carried out in love and joy. This leads naturally to verse 164 and the idea of a sevenfold expression of praise to God. Augustine finds the number seven here to express finality and completion, thus continual praise (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339965, par. 162).
Verse 15 speaks of the peace which comes from loving God's law. Though Augustine concedes that there is offense from many sources, there is none from God's law. Rather, it brings God's salvation (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339977, par. 164). Jesus is the one who brings saving health to his people. This is received, in verse 167, through keeping God's testimonies, doing his law. Augustine sees this as the normal life of the one who loves God and his word (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339986, par. 165).
10/19/21
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: "Schin"
Psalm 119:161 is frank about the fact that earthly rulers have persecuted the Church, a fact Augustine says is unjust, since the Church does not harm earthly kingdoms (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339940, par. 159). Jesus, in fact, always urged respect for others, not harm. On the contrary, it is the earthly rulers who banish, torture, and all the rest. Lest we think that Christians are without hope, verse 16 speaks of finding spoils in God's word. Augustine points out that this is the language of warfare and implies that the Christians win, even while suffering persecution and martyrdom (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339952, par. 160).
The Psalmist then states a hatred for evil (v. 163), but a love for God's law. Augustine compares this to the kind of love and reverence we might have for family members (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339956, par. 161). We would be desolate if we lost them, so there is an element of fear, but it is carried out in love and joy. This leads naturally to verse 164 and the idea of a sevenfold expression of praise to God. Augustine finds the number seven here to express finality and completion, thus continual praise (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339965, par. 162).
Verse 15 speaks of the peace which comes from loving God's law. Though Augustine concedes that there is offense from many sources, there is none from God's law. Rather, it brings God's salvation (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339977, par. 164). Jesus is the one who brings saving health to his people. This is received, in verse 167, through keeping God's testimonies, doing his law. Augustine sees this as the normal life of the one who loves God and his word (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339986, par. 165).
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