Many of the psalms seem to have pithy sayings or random or widely varying ideas. Such statements and logic twists can, at first sight, be rather confusing. Sometimes they meld into a tasty, herbal mix: others just coexist, leaving the reader to ponder. Psalm 107, the first of Book V of the Psalter, has sections … Continue reading Psalm 107, 4 August 2019
Month: July 2019
Psalm 85, 28 July 2019
An atmosphere of hope and thanksgiving permeates this song from the Korahites, singers in the temple and court. It opens with a reflection on the past forgiveness and favour on the land; it progresses to present revival; and then, in beautifully ringing poetic terms, imagines the future wherein: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness … Continue reading Psalm 85, 28 July 2019
Psalm 52, 21 July 2019
Psalm 52 can sound vindictive and unforgiving when encountered outside its historical setting. Fortunately, the preamble refers to Doeg and Saul, thereby providing the requisite clues. Doeg, like his boss Saul it seems, was an unsavoury character. Both had it in for David... Read on in a previous entry... The psalmist seeks divine intervention against … Continue reading Psalm 52, 21 July 2019
Psalm 82, 14 July 2019
Psalm 82 is further teaching on the importance of justice in the world, but in an unique scenario. On a single reading, or hearing it sung with no introduction, it's hard to capture the full picture. God is imagined amongst other gods (some translations suggest princes or rulers of the earth) berating them for their … Continue reading Psalm 82, 14 July 2019
Crystal Ball, Jun-Aug ’19
30 Jun: PFAS 77C looks fun for a winter's day. 7 Jul: Psalm 30, A Slavonian Orthodox theme infuses this week's deliberations. Accordingly, the male voices will present a taste of Psalm 103, Blagoslovi, Bless the Lord, from the Rachmaninoff All night vigil 14 Jul: PFAS 82B, social justice to the fore; the refrain goes: … Continue reading Crystal Ball, Jun-Aug ’19
Psalms 104, 133 and Orthodoxy, 7 July 19
The astute reader will discern the absence of the Lectionary reading, Psalm 30. Our leader on Sunday brings to us insights into the joys -- and difficulties -- of interfaith dialogue, the twists and turns of unity in diversity. So, somewhat driven by opportunism (the leader's recent experiences) but anticipating a retrospective blessing of circumstantial … Continue reading Psalms 104, 133 and Orthodoxy, 7 July 19
Psalms in the South 