Psalm 80 by Asaph is a cry for restoration by the ‘Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock’. (1) As strife continues all around, the singer seeks a more peaceable zone, perhaps by the still waters and safe pastures of other familiar psalms. Asaph, as usual, had a historical situation in mind; but the psalm … Continue reading Psalm 80, 3 Dec ’17
Category: Psalms
Psalm 100, 26 Nov ’17
Psalm 100 immediately conjures up the name 'Old Hundredth', All people that on earth do dwell, to a stately old tune drawn from the Genevan Psalter. Words and music are both from the 16th century and without refrain, so while it may be an old favourite for some, not a first choice. Further comment on … Continue reading Psalm 100, 26 Nov ’17
Psalm 123, 19 Nov ’17
Psalm 123 is a song of ascent. These short and hopeful songs, sometimes called degrees or Graduals, are grouped as Psalms 120 to 134. The songs of ascent have a particular fascination. They have a message and it’s economical. They challenge. This one, with only four verses, is short and bitter-sweet. Isaac Everett says of … Continue reading Psalm 123, 19 Nov ’17
Psalm 78, 12 Nov 2017
‘With upright heart God tended them, guided them.’ (72) This long psalm of Asaph in 72 verses covers many of the high points in the Torah, including the plagues and the exodus, subsequent trials and the calling of King David, great tales also to be found in Psalm 114 and elsewhere. Psalm 78 is a … Continue reading Psalm 78, 12 Nov 2017
Psalm 107, 5 Nov ’17
'Let those who are wise consider the steadfast love of God' (43) This first song in the last book of the psalms recalls the gathering in from all points of the compass of a fragmented and wandering people, hungry and thirsty'. They gain safety under the ‘steadfast love’ of the divine hand. The catalyst may … Continue reading Psalm 107, 5 Nov ’17
Psalm 90, 29 Oct ’17
'Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.' (12) Book IV opens with the only contribution by Moses to the psalter. Psalm 90 displays his grand vision: ‘For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night’. (4) … Continue reading Psalm 90, 29 Oct ’17
Psalm 99, 22 Oct ’17
'O mighty ruler, lover of justice, you have established equity.' (v. 4) At last, Psalm 99! This is worth waiting for. The verse quoted above with its key words of ‘justice’ and ‘equity’ is one of the most vital and important statements in the Psalter. It says that justice and equity are pillars of creation, … Continue reading Psalm 99, 22 Oct ’17
Psalm 106
'Happy are those who act with justice, who do what is right.' (3) Psalm 106 drawing to a close the powerful Book IV of the Psalter is related to the previous song. The story of Exodus is again rehearsed at some length but with a stronger flavour of an awareness of human weakness. A warning … Continue reading Psalm 106
Psalm 19
'The statutes of God are just and rejoice the heart' (6) Psalm 19 declares the glory of the divine as seen in the creation. It smoothly progresses to how this declares the presence and influence of the creator, specifically the theme of the similarly-numbered Psalm 119, the importance of divine guidance to humankind — the … Continue reading Psalm 19
Psalm 78, 1 Oct ’17
'With upright heart God tended them, guided them.' (72) This long psalm of Asaph in 72 verses covers many of the high points in the Torah, including the plagues and the exodus, subsequent trials and the calling of King David, great tales also to be found in Psalm 114 and elsewhere. Psalm 78 is a … Continue reading Psalm 78, 1 Oct ’17
Psalms in the South 