In the cosmology of Psalm 8, as in many others, humankind is a jewel of creation, somewhat smaller than the universe -- 'a little lower than the angels' -- yet 'adorned with glory and honour' (v.5). Significantly, the creation is placed under our care (v. 6), a responsibility that is not absolved by the loss of … Continue reading Psalm 8, 22 May 2016
Psalms 44, 53 and 55
These three psalms tell of moments of grief, fear, shame or anger caused by conflict of one sort or another. While they all on first reading have a flavour of violence, and all are omitted from the weekly lectionary readings, they should not be ignored. They actually argue for reliance on divine truth and protection rather than the sword. … Continue reading Psalms 44, 53 and 55
Psalm 73, Asaph
Book 3 of the psalter (73 to 89) opens with eleven psalms of Asaph, a temple musician referred to in Chronicles. The first five do not appear in the lectionary. Asaph I warm to Asaph. Admittedly, we don't really know for sure who he was. Probably a musician and official in the temple during the reign on … Continue reading Psalm 73, Asaph
Psalms 108, 109, 110
The first psalm in Book 5 of the Psalter, 107 is included in the Revised Common Lectionary; but then 108 is the first of three consecutive 'skips', all songs attributed to David. (Thirteen of the 44 psalms in Book 5 are omitted.) Unsurprisingly, relatively few musical setting appear in our regular sources. Psalm 108 There's a little recycling going … Continue reading Psalms 108, 109, 110
Psalm 104b, 15 May 2015
In this selection from Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, the poet's eye sweeps appreciatively across the 'manifold works' of creation, made with wisdom and full of wonderful creatures: Yonder is the great wide sea, with its living things too many to number. There move the ships, and there is that Leviathan which you made for sport. All of them … Continue reading Psalm 104b, 15 May 2015
Psalms 18, 21 and 28
The contents of Book 1 of the Psalter have been quite well covered here over the last few years. These next three 'skips', all attributed to David, will colour it in a little further -- but not detain us long. Psalm 18 This song is a long one, 50 verses celebrating David's deliverance from the clutches of Saul … Continue reading Psalms 18, 21 and 28
Psalm 97, 8 May 2016
The readings this week contain an amount of shake and show. Paul and Silas in prison are shaken by an earthquake, showing both them and their jailer their ways to freedom. (Acts 16) In the Psalm, fire, lightning, trembling mountains -- and light dawns. 'See I am coming ... Let anyone who wishes take the water … Continue reading Psalm 97, 8 May 2016
Psalm 134
This short psalm, another 'skip' as it does not appear in the RCL, is a song of ascent, or gradual. Hence the illustration, one I have used for songs of ascent over several years. It took my fancy since it looks like inspiring countryside and a great view, but a perhaps a tough and indirect climb. Who has climbed … Continue reading Psalm 134
Psalm 67, 1 May 2016
May Day has relatively recently become a day for the workers. Originally it just celebrated the coming of the northern hemisphere spring, bonfires at the end of April, singing and dancing. Such revelry is somewhat akin to what we have been hearing over several recent psalms -- relief from the winter of oppression and conflict, safety after threat, peace after conflict. Psalm … Continue reading Psalm 67, 1 May 2016
Psalm 140, 141 and 142, skips
While we are in Book 5 of the Psalter, there's a group of three skips here in Psalms 140, 141 and 142. All are attributed to David, whose life story should inform our interpretation as we read or sing them. All contain a plea in distress. Psalm 140. This call for rescue from attack by a violent enemy … Continue reading Psalm 140, 141 and 142, skips
Psalms in the South 