Psalm 76 makes a strong plea for a peaceable world where divine power and justice are the forces to be revered. News clips of marching soldiers, missiles and aircraft carriers pour into our evening living rooms. In the city of God, however,: … God broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword and the weapons of … Continue reading Psalm 77, 30 June 2019
Psalms 43 and 43, 23 Jun ’19
The Bible gives us two separate psalms in 42 and 43. This week, the Lectionary gives us both to read together, because they were originally written as one song (see below). At South Woden this Sunday: Together in Song offers three settings of this extended text at 25, 26, and 27. We shall sing the … Continue reading Psalms 43 and 43, 23 Jun ’19
Psalm 126, 7 Apr ’19
Psalm 126, a song of ascent, contains one of the great scriptural narratives. The sower goes out with seed, responding to the ever-changing seasons, renewing a livelihood. It’s not easy. Drought comes — or floods, birds and animals -- sounds like Australia. Weeds grow to choke the good seed. However: May those who sow in … Continue reading Psalm 126, 7 Apr ’19
Psalm 32, 31 Mar ’19
Psalm 32 is one of the psalms of penitence -- this theme takes up the first half of the song -- but also of refuge: “You are my hiding-place” (vv. 6 -7). Then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally circling back to the initial theme of thanksgiving. Of the seven traditional … Continue reading Psalm 32, 31 Mar ’19
Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the ‘light of the world’ (John 8:12) and ‘light upon my path’ (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: “God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
Psalm 91, 10 March 2019
The devil took Jesus to a high place and said: “Jump! You’ll be fine … … for it is written, ‘God will command the angels to protect you; on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’Luke 4:9-11 Psalm 91 is where 'it is written'. That … Continue reading Psalm 91, 10 March 2019
Crystal Ball, March-May 2019
This ‘sticky’ post is intended for South Woden readers If an elaborating post for the coming Sunday does not appear below, go to the Index pages in the menu for previous commentary 3 Mar, Ps. 99. A red-letter day? Certainly -- at least for this author, noting the foundational statement in verse 4 of this … Continue reading Crystal Ball, March-May 2019
Psalm 1, 17 Feb 19
The first psalm, quite a favourite and for good reason, invites a reader opening the Psalter to study these poems -- the 'law of God', the principles and ethical outline of a cosmic system based on love. The psalmist assures us that such meditations will be a source of great delight. The first steps suggested … Continue reading Psalm 1, 17 Feb 19
Psalm 138, 10 Feb 19
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 Feb 19
Psalm 71, 3 Feb 19
The full psalm, of which we read but 6 verses at this time, touches many of the common ideas sprinkled throughout the psalter; the essential goodness and caring nature of the creator, the rock, the strong fortress; the psalmist seeking succour 'out of the depths' of harsh experience; assurance of a benign protection against inimical powers, … Continue reading Psalm 71, 3 Feb 19
