This long psalm of Asaph in 72 verses covers many of the high points in the Torah, including the plagues and the exodus, later trials and the calling of King David. We just had some of that a couple of weeks ago in Psalm 114 on the 14th but they are great tales and, as I wrote … Continue reading Psalm 78, 28 September 2014
Tag: guidance
Psalm 105, 21 Sep 14
What, Psalm 105 again? Yes, here we are again, or still, telling the story of the exodus and the legendary events along the way -- the Red Sea, water from the rock, moments of trust or lack of, complaints and joyful moments, highs and lows. There are many angles to explore. By telling and repeating, … Continue reading Psalm 105, 21 Sep 14
Psalm 124, 24 Aug 14
If God be for us, who can be against us? 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 the Lord. As … Continue reading Psalm 124, 24 Aug 14
Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
What you see and what you think you see are not always the same thing. Is this an image of smoke-rings, a bicycle or a piece of post-modern art?Have you ever thought you knew someone well only to find out they have a very different side to them from that which you have known?This may be … Continue reading Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Enter '119' in the Search field at right and you come up with four posts on this psalm over less than a year -- this one makes five. Five times out of 150 psalms is favouritism, surely? No; at 176 verses this is longest psalm -- and the longest chapter in the Bible. So we've been taking small … Continue reading Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Psalm 66, 25 May 14
This psalm is a cry of joy for divine guidance and deliverance. Come and hear, you who fear our maker, as I tell how God rescued my soul I cried to God and was answered; God's praise is ever on my lips (vv. 8, 9) The psalmist feels that he has been pulled through the … Continue reading Psalm 66, 25 May 14
Psalm 16, 27 April 14
Like the twenty-third, this is a psalm of trust and rest in divine presence, the source of goodness and guidance. The description of God as the psalmist's portion and cup evoke familiar imagery in themes that connect not only with Christian ritual but daily life. Less familiar but interesting is the image in verse 6: The boundary lines have … Continue reading Psalm 16, 27 April 14
Psalm 32, Lent, 9 Mar 14
The psalm. This one could be called a psalm of penitence (this theme taking up the first half of the song), or of refuge (vv. 6 -7). But then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally thanksgiving. And how are they related, pray tell? So many ideas tumbling one after … Continue reading Psalm 32, Lent, 9 Mar 14
Psalms in the South 