The immediately remarkable feature of this psalm is the antiphon inserted in each verse of the poem, which begins: Give thanks to God who is good : whose steadfast love is eternal. The phrase in the second half (in bold) is added to each verse, presumably in the original text. These repeated antiphons are shown in … Continue reading Psalm 136
Psalm 51, 23 October 2015
A note for the locals This Sunday with Arto at the helm, we turn not to the set psalm (65) but to one of the popular and prominent penitential psalms, 51, often used on Ash Wednesday. This song reveals a contrite David after the prophet Nathan courageously confronted him over his lapse of appropriate behaviour with Bathsheba. … Continue reading Psalm 51, 23 October 2015
Psalm 127, vespers
This psalm of ascent asserts that 'unless God builds the house, in vain the builders labour.' And without divine protection over a city, the watchmen are wasting their time. The song is clearly worth consideration by anyone undertaking a new project. Then there's a sweet section about the joys of having children, said to be an inspiration … Continue reading Psalm 127, vespers
Psalm 54
In seven short verses, David rehearses the themes encountered in many of the psalms, a cry for divine attention, safety and justice. At the end, reminded of past faithfulness and deliverance, he is moved to give thanks and more -- a freewill offering and sacrifice. Psalm 54 just squeaks into the lectionary in one year as an … Continue reading Psalm 54
Psalm 102, Penitential 5
Two voices emerge for the reader during this extended lament. A sad David seems to be suffering from a degenerative illness. Yet in the midst of distress and weariness, his Voice 1 can yet find a peaceful and somehow comforting image for his isolation and worry: I am like an owl of the wilderness, a little … Continue reading Psalm 102, Penitential 5
Psalm 101
King David shown here with his harp, assuming he was in fact the poet and songster of this psalm, determines to 'sing of loyalty and of justice'. (v.1) He adds a powerful proviso. Recognising that he himself is not there yet, he intends to 'study the way that is blameless', (v.2) seeking that vague but enticing … Continue reading Psalm 101
Psalm 48
This song of the Korahites is another royal moment, with Zion and the holy hill "the very centre of the world". (2) In modern times, this is generally regarded as a non-geographic metaphor. (See also comments made in Psalm 47 regarding 'sponsorship'.) Time and place As has been noted in relation to other songs wherein the psalmists … Continue reading Psalm 48
Psalm 143, penitential 7
Note: the set readings for 9 October 2016 are Psalms 66 or 111. Both have been discussed in previous posts which can be found via Library & Index in the list of pages. The seven so-called penitential psalms (more>) start at 6 and are sprinkled throughout the psalter, running to the fourth -- the great Psalm 51 (recipient of … Continue reading Psalm 143, penitential 7
Psalm 61
Divine standards of perfect love and peace seem far off and unattainable in a world full of strife, refugees, war and deceit: As high as heaven is above the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways (Is. 55:9) The good news in the psalms, here and in other songs like 31, is that … Continue reading Psalm 61
Psalm 94
Amidst robust language calling for vengeance and discipline, the psalmist impatiently (another "How long?") laments injustice and social degradation that society -- people -- can inflict on the poor, unlucky or disabled. The target of his or her anger is 'the wicked' who in turn cause ill to widows, migrants and orphans: They crush your people … Continue reading Psalm 94
Psalms in the South 