A beautiful old Anglo-Saxon manuscript in the British Library from the 8th Century, shown above, records the psalms in Latin in an insular uncial script (capital letters) in common use around 700 CE. The British Library's description of this manuscript, titled Cotton MS Vespasian A 1, is simply: A Roman Psalter (‘The Vespasian Psalter’), including prefaces, canticles, … Continue reading Psalm 133, 12 April 2015
Tag: peace
Psalm 29, 11 Jan 2015
Voices are distinctive. When you hear a familiar voice from someone out of sight, you automatically recognise and identify. You don't need to analyse the pattern of frequencies, the combination of harmonics, or the different degrees of resonance. The subconscious sifts. The psalms, poetic and mystical though they may be, are full of voices. The … Continue reading Psalm 29, 11 Jan 2015
Psalm 85, 7 December 2014
The first Australians have been conscious of and connected to the land in much stronger and deeper ways than more recent arrivals can comprehend or feel. 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. The first verses speak … Continue reading Psalm 85, 7 December 2014
Psalm 23, 11 May 14
The 'Shepherd Psalm' needs no introduction or commentary here, so none is offered. If you have the vague feeling that you have read that somewhere previously, it's just the post for 30 March, unashamedly copied almost holus-bolus. Music You may imagine this psalm to be irrevocably associated with Jessie Irving's famous tune CRIMOND. This week however, not the … Continue reading Psalm 23, 11 May 14
Psalm 95, 23 March 14
This psalm rewards the reader with new dimensions each reading. The first half starts with a song, indeed a shout, of praise and thanks to the creator of a fantastic world; and not just any old song but; let us come before God with thanksgiving / and raise a loud shout with psalms (v. 3) … Continue reading Psalm 95, 23 March 14
Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
The voice of God is a constant and powerful theme in this psalm - thundering over the mighty waters, shaking the wilderness, breaking cedars or flashing forth in flames. The psalmist assures us that through all the elemental turbulence of life, God reigns supreme. In God's house, all sing 'Glory' and pray for strength. The psalm … Continue reading Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
Psalm 80, 22Dec13
Psalm 80 is a cry for restoration by the 'Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock'. As strife continues all around, the singer seeks a more peaceable zone, perhaps by the still waters and safe pastures of other familiar psalms. The psalmist invokes the Creator's strength and justice to intervene and bring safety to the … Continue reading Psalm 80, 22Dec13
Psalms in the South 