This song continues the theme of the Exodus, the Hebrews escaping from slavery and refugee status into a wilderness experience on the way to a promised land. Again, the parting of the waters of the Red Sea and the provision of manna and water in the desert are taken as a parable from which, if … Continue reading Psalm 78, 27 Sep 20
Psalm 105(4); 20 Sep 20
Four readings of Psalm 105 over the last two months have left us in no doubt as to the allegorical importance of the Hebrew tales of exile into Egypt, their harsh experience as refugees, and finally the miraculous pursuit and escape across the Red Sea. In the final section included in this fourth and last … Continue reading Psalm 105(4); 20 Sep 20
Psalm 114, 13 Sep 20
Whoever chose Psalm 114 for the Lectionary for Easter must have been serious about it. It is the one and only psalm set for both Easter Sunday and Easter vigil services in all three years of the cycle. Why? This poem is all about the Exodus, the release from slavery in Egypt, and the transit … Continue reading Psalm 114, 13 Sep 20
Psalm 149, 6 Sep 2019
‘God takes pleasure in people.’ (4) This is the penultimate psalm in the book, short and bitter-sweet. Four verses of praise, singing and dancing, including the important statement of love quoted above; four verses of wreaking vengeance on enemies; and in the middle, it appears, a good lie down! Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; … Continue reading Psalm 149, 6 Sep 2019
Crystal ball, Sep-Oct 20
As social distancing continues, music selections remain focussed on easy and inspiring listening at home. The original advisory task of this blog -- informing our merry band of Singers in the South Woden Uniting Church of the choice for the next happy, sometimes ragged but enjoyable sing together -- is still out of reach. Patience, … Continue reading Crystal ball, Sep-Oct 20
Psalm 105(3), 30 August 2020
In this third occurrence of Psalm 105, after the first six verses we then move on to hear the experiences of Jacob and the descendants of Abraham as slaves and refugees in Egypt. 23 Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. 24 And the Lord made his people very fruitful, and … Continue reading Psalm 105(3), 30 August 2020
Psalm 124, 23 August 2020
If God be for us, who can be against us? A song of ascent This well-known verse is found not in the psalms but in Romans 8:31. It contains the same message as Psalm 124, and in particular the last verse which has become a standard line in many liturgies: Our help is in the name of … Continue reading Psalm 124, 23 August 2020
Psalm 133, 16 Aug 20
How good and how pleasant it is when kindred live together in harmony. That’s the simple message of this psalm. Like most of the psalms of ascent, it’s short and sweet. Right now, however, Psalm 133 seems particularly resonant -- an urgent, almost strident message for our times. Some unusual but enticing images adorn the … Continue reading Psalm 133, 16 Aug 20
Psalm 105(2), 9 Aug 20
Cover of the 1565 Huguenot Psalter, Les Pseaumes mis en rime, music by French composer Claude Goudimel Just two weeks later, up pops Psalm 105 again. We hear again the first 6 verses, which are common to all four occurrences of this psalm through to September. This opening section invites a song of praise in … Continue reading Psalm 105(2), 9 Aug 20
Psalm 17, 2 Aug 20
In Psalm 17 (click here for the text) David, for it is attributed to him, asks for purity and protection. Continuing the idea of transparency heard recently in Psalm 139 -- ' Search me O God' -- David is confident that examination will prove his faithfulness. My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; in … Continue reading Psalm 17, 2 Aug 20
