Psalm 32 is one of the psalms of penitence (the second after Ps. 6; this theme takes up the first half of the song), but also of refuge -- "You are my hiding-place" (vv. 6 -7). Then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally thanksgiving. Of the seven traditional penitentials, David in this song is … Continue reading Psalm 32, 5 March 2017
Month: February 2017
Psalm 2, 26 Feb17
Psalm 2 complements the first psalm as a joint introduction to the Psalter with the assurance that the divine Spirit, with inevitably associated moral and behavioural constructs inferred from the Torah, is supreme above temporal rulers of the world. While this theme has ancient roots in the stories of creation and the establishment of the tribes … Continue reading Psalm 2, 26 Feb17
Psalm 119E, 19 Feb 17
Note: An introduction to Psalm 119 was posted last week. He, ח This fifth section (33-40) reads like a plea from a faltering student for assistance in following a path that is definitely right but steep or poorly defined. The psalmist seeks divine tuition in the way of right statutes, understanding of the law, and the … Continue reading Psalm 119E, 19 Feb 17
Crystal Ball Feb-March 2017
Notes: (this will be a sticky post until next CB mid-March) This series of Crystal Ball posts offers planning information for members of South Woden. Other followers around the world may skip this post -- or think of us prayerfully. Thanks to enthusiastic director Helen S and all singers who contributed so willingly and tunefully to music … Continue reading Crystal Ball Feb-March 2017
Psalm 119A, 12 Feb 17
Aleph א In words reminiscent of Psalm 1, the first section begins by inviting us to walk in God’s ways. Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in God’s way. (v.1) The preceding post discussed, perhaps inconclusively, what the divine way and the word of God might mean. It also listed some antiphons written for … Continue reading Psalm 119A, 12 Feb 17
Psalm 119
Note: This post re-introduces the longest psalm, sections of which arise in the next two weeks. Subsequent posts will look more closely at sections as they appear in the Lectionary, starting with Aleph then He on the following Sunday. Psalm 119 has at its heart the 'law', or the premises principles, and promises of God. At 176 … Continue reading Psalm 119
Psalm 112, 5 Feb 17
Light rises in darkness when justice rules our lives. During a yacht delivery through the Barrier Reef a while ago, an overnight anchored in a remote cove was a welcome break. A refreshing sleep rocked by the movements of the boat in wind, wave and tide was a perfect precursor to a pre-dawn start. With anchor a-weigh, still dripping … Continue reading Psalm 112, 5 Feb 17
Psalms in the South 