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
Category: Psalms
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
Psalm 105, a frequent visitor
Sing praises to God; tell of wondrous works.Psalm 105:2 Can Psalm 105 really be called a frequent visitor when it appears in Year A alone in the three-year Lectionary cycle? That seems a long time between drinks. Well, it makes up for its long absence by rocking up on four Sundays over the space of … Continue reading Psalm 105, a frequent visitor
Crystal ball; August ’20
2 Aug '20. Psalm 17:1-7, 15. Together in Song 6 or PFAS 17B suggested. 9 Aug '20. Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b. See 26 July in the previous Crystal Ball. We plan to use one recording for all four occurrences of this psalm from July to September. 16 Aug '20. Psalm 133. ¡Miren qué bueno!, … Continue reading Crystal ball; August ’20
Psalm 139, 19 July 2020
Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts. (v. 23) First instincts, you would think, would be to hide away known failings, bad habits or secret prejudice. Other-approval can be a strong influence on what we say, on whether we open up. Here, however, David feels transparent in … Continue reading Psalm 139, 19 July 2020
Psalm 119 Nun, 12 July 2020
A crossword clue came up a few days ago that said something like: 'Light on the feet'. I immediately thought it might be 'LAMP': Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light upon my path. (Ps 119:105) Nowhere near right. It meant fleet of foot, tippy-toe and fancy footwork. However, if you … Continue reading Psalm 119 Nun, 12 July 2020
Psalm 45, 5 July 20
A female presence flows through the readings for this Sunday 5 July. First in Genesis is the record of how Rebekah stepped out in faith to meet an unknown Isaac. Psalm 45 is a song to a king and his bride. And from the Song of Solomon we hear: My beloved speaks and says to … Continue reading Psalm 45, 5 July 20
Psalms in the South 