Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

194

Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Psalm 106 with Augustine – Human Forgetfulness Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people (v. 4): so we may be among those with whom you are well pleased, since God is not well pleased with all of them. That I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation (v. 5). Show us your salvation so we may see the happiness of your chosen and rejoice with your people. But they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses (v. 7). He rebukes both their understanding and memory. Understanding is what they needed in order to meditate on the eternal blessings God had in store. They also needed memory, so they would not forget his earthly wonders, and might faithfully believe. By the same power they had already experienced, God would free them from enemy persecutions. But they forgot the help he gave them in Egypt to crush their enemies through such wonders. We should especially notice how the Scripture condemns their failure to understand that which should have been understood, and the failure to remember that which should have been remembered. Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known (v. 8), not because they deserved it. But they soon forgot what he had done (v. 13): For they should have thought that such great works of God towards them had a purpose, namely, an invitation to wait with patience for the endless happiness to come; but they hurried to entertain themselves with earthly things that give no one true happiness because they do not quench longing.