Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
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Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
16. "If the Lord," he saith, "had not helped me: within a little my soul had dwelt in hell" (ver. 17). I had almost plunged into that pit which is preparing for sinners: that is, my soul had dwelt in hell. Because he already began to waver, and nearly to consent, he looked back unto the Lord. Suppose, for example's sake, he was insulted to tempt him to iniquity. For sometimes the wicked flock together, and insult the good; especially if they are more in number, and if they have taken him alone, as there is often much chaff about one grain of wheat (though there will not be when the heap hath been fanned); he is then taken among many wicked ones, is insulted, and surrounded; they wish to place themselves over him, they torment him and insult him for his very righteousness. A great Apostle! say they; Thou hast flown] into heaven, as Elias did! Men do these things,so that sometime, when he listeneth to the tongue of men, he is ashamed to be good among the wicked. Let him therefore resist ...
Almost. Or shortly, as the Hebrew means, (Berthier) "within very little. "(Worthington)
Hell. Hebrew, "silence "which is often put for the grave, 1 Kings ii. 9. (Calmet)
