10/5/21
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: "Koph"
The theme of this stanza of Psalm 119 is calling out to God for rescue. We need God's salvation. We are really not prepared to wait, since we find ourselves under duress (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339857, par. 144). Verse 147 speaks of waiting for and trusting God's words. However, the night, which strikes the Psalmist as being exceedingly long, ecomes a time of fear. When will Christ come? When can we expect rescue? (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339865, par. 145).
The morning (v. 148) finds the Psalmist still waiting. Yet Augustine, along with all of us, recognizes the significance of the coming day. Light is rising. We can look to God's mercy even when we are not in the shadows. Verse 149 seems to take on a confidence in God's ability to hear us (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339874, par. 147).
Verse 150 recognizes the enemies of the Psalmist as present. However, though the persecutors are near, so is God, near at hand (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339882, par. 149). Augustine affirms that the persecutions suffered by God's people are wrong, as they go against God's mercy. Yet he does bring his people aid and comfort.
Though the world would act with hostility and persecute God's people, in verse 152 we read that God has made his words sure, grounded them, so they will endure (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339894, par. 150). Augustine sees this fulfilled in Christ alone.