The heading here might be 'Praise to a holy God'. To me, however, the key words in this psalm are justice and equity which were, it seems from a close reading of this psalm, a fundamental element of the creation. This powerful message is well worth repeating as a response to the verses of the psalm … Continue reading Psalm 99, 19 October
Category: Psalms
Psalm 106, 12 Oct 14
Psalm 106 is related to the previous one, 105, about which we heard and sang much in recent weeks. The story of Exodus is again rehearsed in this psalm at some length but with a stronger flavour of an awareness of human weakness. The shorter lectionary reading is here -- and you might have to read it yourself … Continue reading Psalm 106, 12 Oct 14
Psalm 19, 5 October 2014
Psalm 19 declares the glory of the divine as seen in the creation, then moves to the importance of divine revelation ('the law'). However, there are so many familiar yet dense phrases in this broad-ranging and interesting psalm that it's not quite fair to pick just a couple of central themes. Read the text here >> … Continue reading Psalm 19, 5 October 2014
Front fencing 2: more psalms
Front fencing was introduced and explained in a previous post. It's time to raise the bar. Psalm references leap out at the passer-by from a cluttered scenery when easily identified. When hidden in a different language and script it gets a little harder. The example on the positive organ used last week was easy. German, Latin, … Continue reading Front fencing 2: more psalms
Psalm 78, 28 September 2014
This long psalm of Asaph in 72 verses covers many of the high points in the Torah, including the plagues and the exodus, later trials and the calling of King David. We just had some of that a couple of weeks ago in Psalm 114 on the 14th but they are great tales and, as I wrote … Continue reading Psalm 78, 28 September 2014
Front fencing 1: psalms
Do you have any of those silly little shorthand sayings specific to family usage? Maintained against all linguistic logic by constant use, amused reference or stories at the dinner table, these apparently inappropriate phrases or words have a very specific and useful meaning that is quite obscure to those outside the immediate family. One of ours was … Continue reading Front fencing 1: psalms
Psalm 105, 21 Sep 14
What, Psalm 105 again? Yes, here we are again, or still, telling the story of the exodus and the legendary events along the way -- the Red Sea, water from the rock, moments of trust or lack of, complaints and joyful moments, highs and lows. There are many angles to explore. By telling and repeating, … Continue reading Psalm 105, 21 Sep 14
Psalm 114,14 Sep 14
With numbers in mind after a visit to Albert Einstein's house, I'm idly noticing the detail that Psalm 114 is sung on the 14th and Psalm 124 was on the 24th. Well, it doesn't look like any of Albert's brilliance rubbed off! So forget the coincidences and note instead that this psalm contains characteristically powerful historical imagery including the … Continue reading Psalm 114,14 Sep 14
Psalm 149, 7 Sep 14
The set psalm this week is 149, although due to singers' commitments, the programme has been slightly rearranged. Psalm 105 supports the themes of the day so we rejoice in another appearance of the beautiful Confitemini Domino by Lassus. Spread the word. Psalm 149 For those interested, for the record or perhaps future reference, a … Continue reading Psalm 149, 7 Sep 14
Psalm 105, 31 Aug 14
Like other selections, the lectionary reading from Psalm 105 in this week's return appearance repeats the first six verses ('Sing praises') then offers a later section that echoes the evolving tale from Genesis in the lectionary. The second set of four verses this week briefly sketches the experiences of the children of Abraham going into Egypt, the animosity they … Continue reading Psalm 105, 31 Aug 14
Psalms in the South 