volume 5, issue 2, 2013, pages 141-154

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsGZFU3442
Published online: 2013-12-01
Published in print: 2013-12-30

Abstract: Patristic commentaries and sermons of the Fathers dedicated to the Psalms represent largely a multilayer speech. In this paper I was firstly interested in how the Fathers interpreted the Psalm 51(50) and, consequently, how they adapted it to the needs of their communities often against the background of various controversies which many a time help them to deepen their understanding of the biblical text. Here I focused mostly on the question of sinfulness and penitence against the background of the king David’s story which is reflected in the work Apologia David by Ambrose of Milan and in Enarratio in Psalmum 50 by Augustine of Hippo. These authors congruously emphasize the fact that God forgives David after he humbly admits his sins and confesses them not for David’s merits but for his own mercy. This theme becomes for the Fathers a breeding-ground mainly in the controversy with the Pelagians who denied the importance of God’s grace preceding whatever human initiative. While in Ambrose’s case David’s story serves first of all as a presentation of an ideal ruler whose authority cannot be weakened even after having committed such a big crime, Augustine’s homily emphasizes mostly the need of penitence and acceptance of one’s state of sinfulness which should lead them to humility and the attitude of tolerance towards other sinners within the Church community.