‘Unless God builds the house, in vain the builders labour.‘ (1) Psalm 127 is a short song of ascent and, unusually, a song of Solomon -- or according to some sources a song by David for his son Solomon. Its good advice seems at first glance to be a few unrelated apothegms about building, sleeping … Continue reading Psalm 127, 7 Nov 21

The organ at the Bach church in Arnstadt, Germany. This is a delightful psalm, the first of the group of five songs that conclude the Psalter. Each of these starts and ends with 'Hallelujah', Hebrew for 'Praise God'. More about the psalm and its music can be read in the main page Psalm 146, in … Continue reading Psalm 146, 31 Oct 21

‘Seek peace and pursue it’ (14) This is another acrostic poem probably, as seen in verse 11, for educational purposes: “Come children and listen to me; I will teach you the way of God.” David draws on a particular occasion when he avoided disaster (see 1 Samuel 21) to encourage praise and trust in a … Continue reading Psalm 34, 24 Oct 21

You make springs gush forth in valleys, they flow between hills. (10) Here we have epic demonstrative poetry, the poet overcome by the glory and power of the creation — and the Creator. The author’s feelings are quite infectious: You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out … Continue reading Psalm 104, 17 Oct 21

This is actually the third appearance in 2021 of this song, categorised as one of the many 'individual laments' in the Psalter. It usually arises on Good Friday by virtue of Jesus’ quoting it on the cross: ‘Why have you forsaken me?’ Then also the predictions, including: They pierce my hands and my feet (16) … Continue reading Psalm 22, 10 Oct 21

Heinrich Schütz managed a setting of Psalm 26 amongst his over 500 pieces. He tried to retire to this house in Weißenfels, Germany, but was recalled to Dresden until he died there in 1672 at 87 years old. Image: wikipedia Psalm 26 is a declaration of, and perhaps a prayer for, integrity. In this week's common … Continue reading Psalm 26, 3 Oct 21: Integrity

Psalm 124 is listed as a song of ascent, justified by its buoyant, almost triumphant tone. However, it can also present as one of those uncomfortable 'God is on our side' statements. Such speeches and prayers have been written into the histories of victorious kings and armies over the centuries. 1 If it had not … Continue reading Psalm 124, 26 Sep 21

Justice begins at home Psalm 1, together with Psalm 2 which follows, form a sort of introduction to the Psalter. The clear call here is the importance of each person seeking to follow an upright life in good company. A warning to the dissolute (which never includes us of course) tells us that, like charity, … Continue reading Psalm 1, 19 Sep 21

Psalm 19 declares the glory of the divine as seen in the creation. It smoothly progresses to how this declares the presence and influence of the creator, specifically the theme of the similarly-numbered Psalm 119, the importance of divine guidance to humankind — the ‘law’, to those who are so influenced, and our own ability … Continue reading Psalm 19, 12 Sep 21

The hills around Jerusalem. Mount Hermon. Image: google.com Note For Woden Valley: The chosen psalm this week is Psalm 84, together with elements of Psalm 24. Psalm 125 assures us that trust in God provides a well grounded, solid, and secure situation, like the mountains around Jerusalem, the holy place. 'So God stands around the … Continue reading Psalm 125, 5 Sep 21