If God be for us, who can be against us? A song of ascent This well-known verse is found not in the psalms but in Romans 8:31. It contains the same message as Psalm 124, and in particular the last verse which has become a standard line in many liturgies: Our help is in the name of … Continue reading Psalm 124, 23 August 2020
Tag: ascent
Psalm 123, 19 Nov ’17
Psalm 123 is a song of ascent. These short and hopeful songs, sometimes called degrees or Graduals, are grouped as Psalms 120 to 134. The songs of ascent have a particular fascination. They have a message and it’s economical. They challenge. This one, with only four verses, is short and bitter-sweet. Isaac Everett says of … Continue reading Psalm 123, 19 Nov ’17
Psalm 130, 2 April 2017
This psalm is another song of ascent (psalms 120 to 134). It’s also the sixth of seven penitential psalms: not that it matters greatly, as the idea of ascent captures the imagination more powerfully. The song is a statement of the mystery not only of the human condition, with all its faults and frustrations, but also of our access to grace. The … Continue reading Psalm 130, 2 April 2017
Psalm 121, 12 March 2017
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (v.1) Or so went this familiar line from Psalm 121 in that old dusty King James version on the top shelf somewhere. This is the second of the songs of ascent (120 to 134). Originating perhaps as pilgrimage songs, the psalms of … Continue reading Psalm 121, 12 March 2017
Psalm 15, 29 Jan 17
Psalm 15 (text here>) this week, probably used as an introit or gradual, asks who may dwell in God’s ‘tent’ or ‘holy hill’. The remaining verses provide a checklist of rather challenging qualifiers, from the grand ‘live blameless’ to the nitty-gritty of ‘take no bribes’. The challenge is really encouraging the reader continually to seek to connect with sources of divine presence … Continue reading Psalm 15, 29 Jan 17
Psalm 122, 27 Nov 16
Note: An earlier post in September 2016 on this psalm provided more commentary and looked at an early manuscript antiphon. This post briefly covers the responsorial settings offered in a few sources normally used at South Woden. The song starts with the familiar opening declaration, appropriate for a Song of Ascent: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us … Continue reading Psalm 122, 27 Nov 16
Psalm 128
This poem of six verses, like most of the psalms of ascent, is short and simple. It presents an idealised picture of prosperous and happy family life. Surely, this is one of the pillars of a strong community: Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive shoots round about … Continue reading Psalm 128
Psalm 131
Like most songs of Ascent, this is brief and to the point. Three verses extolling simplicity, honesty and humility, with a fourth calling for Israel, or the people of God, to wait in reverence. And as one of the songs of ascent (120 to 134), the poem is said to be one of pilgrimage (see also the comment on … Continue reading Psalm 131
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 122
Psalm 122 is not only a Song of Ascent (the third) but also one of pilgrimage to the centre of divine love and justice. Psalm 120 told a sorrowful tale of living afar amongst alien people; the next one 121 starts the journey to Jerusalem ("I lift up my eyes to the hills...'); and finally in … Continue reading Psalm 122
Psalms in the South 