4/5/22
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 142"
Psalm 142:1 speaks of crying to the Lord "with my voice." Augustine distinguishes between simply calling with a voice as "the voice of their body" and calling with their own voice, which comes from the affections within (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342221, par. 1). The effectual prayer is a heartfelt call. Furthermore, in verse two, the prayer is "before Him," i.e., where the Lord is watching (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342226, par. 26). God is the one who sees his people, even praying in secret. Augustine sees this as the way of rejecting and hindering the work of the devil (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342236, par. 2).
Verse three acknowledges persecution and tribulation. Yet it holds up the exact same hope of rescue found elsewhere in Scripture. Tribulation is endured not by our strength byt by the power of God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342241, par. 3). This ability to walk in God's strength is surprising to our persecutors. Yet Augustine sees it as coming from walking in hope.
Those who would oppose Christ are eager for the downfall of his people. They lay traps and stumbling blocks for Christians (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342257, par. 4). However, the traps will not prevail. Augustine compares the persecutors to sick scoffers who will not take life giving mdeicine. Their end is destruction (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342262, par. 4).
In verse four, consideration goes to the Psalmist's right hand, which Augustine sees as the place of blessing (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342272, par. 5). The praise of man is to our left but the praise of God to our right. The Psalmist then, looking to the right and God's blessing, calls out to the Lord, his hope (v. 5). Though we may have been deeply humbled, we trust the Lord (v. 6). He can lift us up, as Augustine says, "both visibly and invisibly (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342292, par. 7). In this life we are protected as are the martyrs, invisibly. In the last day, we will be visibly raised form the dead.
Verse seven prays for rescue from prison, which Augustine takes to be akin to a cave (Augustine Psalms, loc. 342307, par. 8). He consider that the difference between finding this world a prison and a life of freedom is rooted in our hope in God. Our true freedom is found in being with God in Christ.