If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with you.
Read Chapter 139
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
17. "I will number them, and they shall be multiplied above the sand" (ver. 18). By means of them, who "wandered in the day," lo! there has been born all this great multitude, which now is like the sand innumerable, save by God. For He said, "they shall be multiplied above the sand," and yet He had said, "I will number them." The very same who are numbered, "shall be multiplied above the sand." For by Him is the sand numbered, by whom "the very hairs of our head are numbered." "I have risen, and yet am I with Thee." Already have I suffered, saith He, already have I been buried; lo! I have risen, and not yet do they understand that I am with them. "Yet am I with Thee," that is, not yet with them, for not yet do they recognise Me. For thus do we read in the Gospel, that after the resurrection of oar Lord Jesus Christ, when He appeared to them, they did not at once know Him. There is another meaning also: "I have risen, and yet am I with Thee," as though He would signify this present time...
I rose up I have taken a resolution to rise up from sloth and sleep; and to be still with thee, whose friends are so honourable and so happy. (Challoner)
I hope to persevere in thy service. (Worthington)
With thee. At my rising, I am still employed in the same manner, and cannot find out the number of thy servants or thoughts. (Haydock)
