The ninth psalm is the start of the disconnect in psalm numbering between Septuagint or Vulgate and the modern psalter. The split runs through to the last three psalms which, like the first eight, are in sync again. Why bother? Many musical sources quote the earlier numbers widely used by composers in days gone by. … Continue reading Psalm 9, 24 June 18
Psalm 20, 17 Jun 18
After a gracious prayer for safety, strength, acceptance and prosperity in time of trouble, the psalmist goes on to warn against relying on chariots, weapons and warfare in achieving victory. And what is the nature of that victory? David just prays for the ability to ‘arise and stand upright’. (v.8) It would be easy to sing this … Continue reading Psalm 20, 17 Jun 18
Psalm 138, 10 June 2018
Verse 1 in this psalm of praise imagines God sitting supreme in the company of other gods and lesser heavenly beings. Literal or figurative, the sketch has the potential for a "head-of-a-pin" side track about angels and gods. So concentrate on the remaining message -- essentially that we should adhere to ("bow towards the holy … Continue reading Psalm 138, 10 June 2018
Psalm 139, 3 June 2018
When Psalm 139 came up early this year, the post remarked on the enduring depth and beauty of some of the lines in this poem: God, you have searched me (1) Where can I go from your Spirit? (7) I thank you because I am wonderfully and fearfully made (14) Such gems are accompanied by … Continue reading Psalm 139, 3 June 2018
Psalm 29, 27 May 2018
The voice of God is a constant and powerful theme in this psalm -- thundering over the mighty waters, shaking the wilderness, breaking cedars or flashing forth in flames. The psalmist (said to be David) assures us that through all the elemental turbulence of life, the divine spirit reigns supreme. John Greenleaf Whittier‘s prayer “Speak … Continue reading Psalm 29, 27 May 2018
Ps 104, 20 May 18
Here we find the psalmist singing with pure delight at the creation and how the divine spirit cares for and sustains its every aspect -- and this is no release clause from our responsibilities to avoid long-term damage to the environment: Send forth your spirit, and they are created; you renew the face of the … Continue reading Ps 104, 20 May 18
A Pen of Penitentials, 20 May 18
What is the collective noun for a collection of the Penitential Psalms? A pen, a pinch, pack, pouch, pluck, pocket-full or penn'th of Penitentials? It's certainly not a pride, preen or prance. Given that one of them is Ps. 130 Out of the depths, perhaps it's a Plunge of Penitentials. Let's stick with Pen. Whatever … Continue reading A Pen of Penitentials, 20 May 18
Psalm 1, 13 May 18
The first Psalm is well placed as an introduction to the grand themes of the whole Psalter. It urges us to follow a life-style and consciousness reaching for the highest divine standards, revealed throughout the psalms as centring on love, justice and equity. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked … Continue reading Psalm 1, 13 May 18
Psalm 98; a new song
The previous post on Psalm 98 this week reflected how often the psalms invite us to sing a new song. Accordingly, old words in new skins are always fresh and welcome. As a short addendum, here for the record is a new paraphrase of this text to fit the verses of Together in Song 166. … Continue reading Psalm 98; a new song
Psalm 98, 6 May ’18
Psalm 98 comes up every year without fail at Christmas and other times. So is there anything new to say? Of course there is. Each reading of the psalm brings a fresh song, comes at a different moment in our lives. Perhaps that's why it starts in verse 1 with "Sing a new song". Why … Continue reading Psalm 98, 6 May ’18
Psalms in the South 