Note: Previous posts on this psalm (see index) were limited by a selective local music agenda for the day. This post broadens and integrates those comments for more general applicability. At South Woden this year, we decided that Psalm 80 would be displaced by other Advent readings and carols. Pity in a way, since coincidentally we celebrate two 80th birthdays on this … Continue reading Psalm 80, 18 Dec 2016
Tag: Asaph
Psalm 79, 18 Sep 2016
This song by Asaph voices a communal lament for the defeat of Jerusalem, seeking safety and justice until the people can "give thanks forever from generation to generation". It's another "How long?" song, themes taken up by many song writers including Canadians Steve Bell and Linnea Good. The psalter is riven through with songs of the blues and … Continue reading Psalm 79, 18 Sep 2016
Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalmist Asaph begins by casting into a shimmering spotlight some energising phrases: Raise a song and sound the timbrel, the merry harp and the lyre. Blow the ram's horn at the new moon, and at the full moon (v.1, 3) Then this touch of mystery: I hear a voice I had not known: "I eased your shoulder from the burden You … Continue reading Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalms 74, 75
Book 3, as mentioned previously, is the home of the songs of the musician Asaph. His first five are not included in the lectionary, the next five are. Psalm 74 Psalms for all seasons offers but one setting, the well-known O come, Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL 88.88 with refrain). This is an interesting choice, since it uses … Continue reading Psalms 74, 75
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 in the South 