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
Tag: David
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 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 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 57
As in Psalm 14, 39 and so many others -- David asks for mercy and sings the blues when he hid in a cave from enemies 'with sharp tongues' who 'dug a pit' for him. As he hides in the cave, David imagines the parallel of divine love as refuge for the soul. If you think you have seen … Continue reading Psalm 57
Psalm 56
The introduction to Psalm 56 is quite something: To the leader [music director] according to [to the tune of] The Dove on Far-off Terebinths [a type of tree; perhaps this is a comforting reference to the Valley of Terebinths where David fought Goliath]. Of David. A Miktam [meaning unknown], when the Philistines seized him in Gath. … Continue reading Psalm 56
Psalm 69
Sometimes themes and verses are repeated so often in the psalms that it's hard to find new inspiration. In Psalm 69, we hear again the laments and prayers of someone who feels enmity, opposition, slander and loneliness, the while giving thanks for merciful love and safety in divine provision. Fresh, however, is imagery of sinking in swirling waters -- 'up … Continue reading Psalm 69
Psalm 40
Psalm 40, which comes up in March each year as well as Epiphany in Year A, is a rich and captivating poem, said to be by David. It begins with patience, awe, thanks and song: God set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. God put a new song in … Continue reading Psalm 40
Psalms in the South 