O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth. (v.1) This opening declaration is repeated at the end. It therefore appears to be the first psalm in the Psalter with an internal antiphon to be sung as a responsive expression of thanks and praise. Actually, the verse has little to do … Continue reading Psalm 8, 7 June 2020
Crystal Ball, June 2020.
For SWUC: volunteer psalm singers please contact the webmaster with your song choice. 7 Jun 20. Psalm 8. In the cosmology of Psalm 8, humankind is a jewel of creation, somewhat less than perfect, yet ‘adorned with glory and honour’ (v.5). Significantly, the creation is placed under our care (v. 6), a responsibility that is … Continue reading Crystal Ball, June 2020.
Psalm 104, 31 May ’20
You make springs gush forth in valleys, they flow between hills. - Verse 10 Image: Libby O’Loghlin Here we have epic demonstrative poetry, the poet overcome by the glory and power of the creation — and the Creator. The author’s feelings are quite infectious: You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as … Continue reading Psalm 104, 31 May ’20
Ps. 68 again; old and bold
The psalms have been central to spiritual life for thousands of years. They entered Western liturgical use largely through the Roman rites, translated from Hebrew into Latin and other tongues. Early translation into Old English was from the Latin by learned monks or scribes, usually writing between the lines in the vernacular. Here, for example, … Continue reading Ps. 68 again; old and bold
Psalm 68, 24 May 2020
You refreshed the land when it was weary. Your people dwell there, O God, you have made provision for the poor. Psalm 68:9, 10 In the selection for this Sunday -- the first ten and last four verses of the long song -- David draws this conclusion from the evidence of "when you marched forth … Continue reading Psalm 68, 24 May 2020
Psalm 66, 17 May 2020
Earth, air, fire and water. Early philosophers like Aristotle thought these were the basic physical elements of the world. The first two largely defined the basic structure of the environment. Fire and water could be viewed differently. First in general terms, separately or together in opposition like yin and yang, they might variously represent life, … Continue reading Psalm 66, 17 May 2020
Psalms of Patience
Patience is a high virtue, certàin, For it vanquisheth, as this clerk seyn, Things that regour should never attain. -- Chaucer, The Frankeleyns Tale People love categorising and sorting. The psalms have been labelled in various ways (see the Home page) Penitential Psalms Songs of Ascents Songs by David Songs of Asaph Psalms by the … Continue reading Psalms of Patience
Psalm 31a, 10 May 2020
Psalm 31 is firmly anchored in Holy Week and Easter in all three years of the Lectionary. However, another segment appears again here in May. The lengthy poem, including words quoted in Jesus' darkest hours on the cross, alternates between trust, sorrow, grief and hopeful praise. The short extract this week reflects some of the … Continue reading Psalm 31a, 10 May 2020
Psalm 23, 3 May ’20
Psalm 23 comes around frequently. It appeared just six weeks ago, when we were wondering if lockdown was for real. Here we are now in waters that are artificially still, yet they are troubled not far below the surface. This psalm takes us into a new dimension of stillness, a banquet of hopeful opportunity in … Continue reading Psalm 23, 3 May ’20
Psalm 117; coda to 116
Having spent time in Psalm 116 this week, take a moment to consider the little psalm which follows. At two whole verses, Psalm 117 is the shortest poem in the bible. A little further on waits 119, the longest chapter in the Bible at 22 sections of eight verses each. Two verses may not have … Continue reading Psalm 117; coda to 116
