Psalm 35 has been omitted from the lectionary, probably as a 'special interest' poem -- in this case for those who have been slandered or victim of deceit and such injustices. Hopefully most readers will not suffer such pain too often and may not identify with the psalmist and the song; but it does happen. … Continue reading Psalm 35
Tag: justice
Psalm 60
It was the washbasin that put me onto it. I realised of course that there is quite a lot of repetition in the psalms - asking God to defend, save and vanquish evil, 'for human help is worthless' as in this song (Ps 60:11). But you immediately know you've been there before when you read … Continue reading Psalm 60
Psalm 52, 17 July 2016
Psalm 52 is another of those songs that can sound vindictive and unforgiving when encountered outside its historical setting. Fortunately, the preamble refers to Doeg and Saul, thereby providing the requisite clues. Doeg is not, one has to admit, a big name in biblical tales. A devious fellow, it seems, which is what got David … Continue reading Psalm 52, 17 July 2016
Psalm 82, 10 July 16
Psalm 82 is fundamental teaching on the importance of justice in the world. God is imagined amongst other gods berating them for their partiality as unfair judges: Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of … Continue reading Psalm 82, 10 July 16
Psalms 76, 77, 26 June 16
Psalm 76 makes a strong plea for a peaceable world where divine power and justice are the forces to be revered. In the city of God: ... God broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword and the weapons of war ... none of the warriors can lift a hand. (v.3, 5) Just as we saw … Continue reading Psalms 76, 77, 26 June 16
Psalm 5; 12 June 16
Recognise this? Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety. It's a paraphrase of Psalm 5:8 by Samuel Wesley, sometimes used as a short sung prayer. Both words and tune are compelling, although in … Continue reading Psalm 5; 12 June 16
Psalm 146, 5 June 2016
An article in the local paper today tells me that polls -- in Australia at least, though I do not doubt that readers in other countries will nod in agreement -- are revealing a loss of confidence in governance. Part of that is due to perceived weaknesses in both national leaders and opposing aspirants. People are, in this … Continue reading Psalm 146, 5 June 2016
Psalm 73, Asaph
Book 3 of the psalter (73 to 89) opens with eleven psalms of Asaph, a temple musician referred to in Chronicles. The first five do not appear in the lectionary. Asaph I warm to Asaph. Admittedly, we don't really know for sure who he was. Probably a musician and official in the temple during the reign on … Continue reading Psalm 73, Asaph
Psalm 140, 141 and 142, skips
While we are in Book 5 of the Psalter, there's a group of three skips here in Psalms 140, 141 and 142. All are attributed to David, whose life story should inform our interpretation as we read or sing them. All contain a plea in distress. Psalm 140. This call for rescue from attack by a violent enemy … Continue reading Psalm 140, 141 and 142, skips
Psalms 11 and 12, skips
Dig and delve I got away with discussing Psalms 9 and 10 together because they are really part of one psalm (see relevant post here>). No such excuse for 11 and 12 (also skips) but let's dig and delve briefly in both anyway; they are both attributed to David and have similar statements of trust in divine inspiration, … Continue reading Psalms 11 and 12, skips
Psalms in the South 