Psalm 89 is quite long at over fifty verses. So it ranges across several themes, beginning with a song of praise: 1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. 2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as … Continue reading Psalm 89, 20 Dec 20
Tag: justice
Psalm 99, 18 Oct ’20
If you read last week's entry on Psalm 106 you will know that, for this author, justice and equity are foundational themes, if not prominent ones, in this psalm and many others. As in 106, the psalmist in the first few lines declares the greatness and goodness of the divine creative spirit. Then Psalm 99 … Continue reading Psalm 99, 18 Oct ’20
Psalm 106, 11 Oct ’20
Without sounding too much like a cracked record, I must record that justice and equity as ideals and goals for both communities and individuals are major take-aways from Psalm 106, as well as 99 listed for the following Sunday. It only takes a few lines of this psalm before the word 'justice' leaps out of … Continue reading Psalm 106, 11 Oct ’20
Psalm 19, 4 Oct ’20
All you dear friends who have sung with our Psalm Singers in the South or with The Gospel Folk in Canberra will recall the energy and joy of uniting in The rivers of Babylon, a song made famous by The Melodions and Bob Marley. This is a driving reggae version which includes the refrain: Let … Continue reading Psalm 19, 4 Oct ’20
Psalm 85, 28 July 2019
An atmosphere of hope and thanksgiving permeates this song from the Korahites, singers in the temple and court. It opens with a reflection on the past forgiveness and favour on the land; it progresses to present revival; and then, in beautifully ringing poetic terms, imagines the future wherein: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness … Continue reading Psalm 85, 28 July 2019
Psalm 50, 11 Feb ’18
Psalm 50 by Asaph is quite long. Three sections broadly cover (i) the greatness and justice of God, (ii) the doubtful value of sacrifices and superficial or procedural worship, and (iii) a heavy admonishment to the 'wicked'. The lectionary reading covers the first half-dozen verses only. It boils down (though psalms should never be boiled down) … Continue reading Psalm 50, 11 Feb ’18
Psalm 148, NYE ’17
The poetry and music of the psalms are great catalysts to imaginative interpretations, lateral thinking, flights of fancy, aspirations and yes, hopes for the coming year -- maybe even a New Year's resolution or two. You would have to admit that a psalm that can invoke comments about Tchaikovsky, Yoda, John Bell, whales and James … Continue reading Psalm 148, NYE ’17
Psalms for Christmas 2017
Christmas Eve this year falls on a Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent in Year B. The set psalm is 89, which starts: I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Christmas Eve is also the starting point for the series of three psalms for … Continue reading Psalms for Christmas 2017
Magnificat, 17 Dec ’17
The Song of Mary, her joyful response to the angels' declaration that she would bear a special child (are they not all?), is timely and most appropriate in the Advent season. The Magnificat, as it is known from the first words of the song in Latin, has frequently been sung by women and girls during … Continue reading Magnificat, 17 Dec ’17
Psalm 85, 10 Dec ’17
The first Australians have been conscious of and connected to the land in much stronger and deeper ways than more recent arrivals can comprehend. Their livelihood was far more intimately bound up with their natural environment. Features in their traditional territorial landscapes have longstanding narrative and spiritual importance. Somehow, this atmosphere permeates Psalm 85, declaring … Continue reading Psalm 85, 10 Dec ’17
