Augustine’s Theology of Prophecy in the Enarrationes in Psalmos

This study seeks to shed light on Augustine’s understanding of prophecy in the psalms by closely examining his Expositions on the Psalms (Enarrationes in Psalmos). It argues that, according to Augustine, psalms are prophecies inasmuch as in them David the Prophet reveals God and God’s eternal plan on the basis of his knowledge and experience for the sake of the Church. This study unfolds in two parts.
The first part focuses on the author of the psalms, examining his identity and character, his knowledge and inspiration, and his role in the Church.
Chapter 1 shows that, in Augustine’s reading, the psalms are authored by the holy Prophet David, and that his personal identity is the cornerstone of his prophecy. Chapter 2 demonstrates that, for Augustine, David has a nuanced understanding of the future mysteries he prophesies, and that he receives it through active participation in the dramatic reality of inspiration in the context of his friendship with God. Chapter 3 shows that, in Augustine’s view, prophetic knowledge is given to David for the sake of the transfiguration of the Church’s members. It also offers a correction to the standard formulation of the structure of the totus Christus.
The second part of this study considers the prophetic function of the psalms, focusing on the way in which figurative language mediates it. Chapter 4 shows that, according to Augustine, figurative language is a purposeful accommodation worked by God through the ministry of the Prophet in order to facilitate the transfiguration of the Church’s members. Chapter 5 demonstrates that, as Augustine sees it, this accommodation is mediated by preachers. It elaborates on their role in the economy of prophecy, focusing specifically on Augustine himself as a preacher.
The study concludes with a brief reflection on the economy of prophecy.