If God be for us, who can be against us? 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 the Lord. As … Continue reading Psalm 124, 24 Aug 14
Category: Psalms
Psalm 133, 17 Aug 2014
How good and how pleasant it is when kindred live together in harmony.That's it, folks. That's the message of this psalm. Like most of the psalms of ascent, it's short and sweet. There are a couple of images thrown in to help us savour the psalmist's message -- and they are typical of the psalms, images that stir … Continue reading Psalm 133, 17 Aug 2014
Roland de Lassus, Psalm 105
Roland de Lassus, (1532-1594) or Orlando di Lasso as he was known in Italy where he spent some years, was one of the towering composers of the late Renaissance in 16th century Europe. His mastery, breadth and sheer productivity made him famous in his time. Dynamic and emotional by nature, Lassus in his music strove … Continue reading Roland de Lassus, Psalm 105
Further reflections on Psalm 23
And for something different...
Psalm 17, 3 Aug 14
Psalm 17 (click here for the text) this week looks like a continuation of recent lectionary readings. David, for it is attributed to him, asks for purity and protection. Having heard recently from Psalm 119:105 about the lamp to the feet and the light for the path, David runs up a variation on the theme : My footsteps hold fast … Continue reading Psalm 17, 3 Aug 14
Psalm 105, 27 July 14
Psalm 105 is a song of praise, as indeed are 106 and 107 that follow. The opening lines sound familiar, as such phrases occur throughout the Bible: Confitemini Domino et invocate nomen ejus Give glory to the Lord, and call upon his name The next verse narrows the focus to set the theme as historical narrative, evidence that has provided confidence for … Continue reading Psalm 105, 27 July 14
Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
What you see and what you think you see are not always the same thing. Is this an image of smoke-rings, a bicycle or a piece of post-modern art?Have you ever thought you knew someone well only to find out they have a very different side to them from that which you have known?This may be … Continue reading Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Enter '119' in the Search field at right and you come up with four posts on this psalm over less than a year -- this one makes five. Five times out of 150 psalms is favouritism, surely? No; at 176 verses this is longest psalm -- and the longest chapter in the Bible. So we've been taking small … Continue reading Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Crystal Ball, July to September 14
The Crystal Ball post for June did not quite foresee how lovely the music selections would turn out to be these last weeks. Many thanks to our singers in various combinations for not just good song but also for enthusiasm, support and interpretation of this engaging and meaningful poetry. The current snapshot Singers are invited to sign up … Continue reading Crystal Ball, July to September 14
Psalm 13, 29 June 14 – How long?
This Sunday we hear a simple but urgent lament in Psalm 13, in which the key question is 'How long?' That internal anxious silence before we receive an inkling of an answer, some source of relief, comfort or bounty - all ideas that jostle into the six short verses of this lament. How long have you forgotten … Continue reading Psalm 13, 29 June 14 – How long?
Psalms in the South 