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
Tag: justice
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
Psalm 99, 22 Oct ’17
'O mighty ruler, lover of justice, you have established equity.' (v. 4) At last, Psalm 99! This is worth waiting for. The verse quoted above with its key words of ‘justice’ and ‘equity’ is one of the most vital and important statements in the Psalter. It says that justice and equity are pillars of creation, … Continue reading Psalm 99, 22 Oct ’17
Psalm 106
'Happy are those who act with justice, who do what is right.' (3) Psalm 106 drawing to a close the powerful Book IV of the Psalter is related to the previous song. The story of Exodus is again rehearsed at some length but with a stronger flavour of an awareness of human weakness. A warning … Continue reading Psalm 106
Psalm 78, 1 Oct ’17
'With upright heart God tended them, guided them.' (72) This long psalm of Asaph in 72 verses covers many of the high points in the Torah, including the plagues and the exodus, subsequent trials and the calling of King David, great tales also to be found in Psalm 114 and elsewhere. Psalm 78 is a … Continue reading Psalm 78, 1 Oct ’17
Psalm 149, 10 Sep 17
'God takes pleasure in people.' (4) This is the penultimate psalm in the book, short and bitter-sweet. Four verses of praise, singing and dancing, including the important statement of love quoted above; four verses of wreaking vengeance on enemies; and in the middle, it appears, a good lie down! Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; … Continue reading Psalm 149, 10 Sep 17
