Following the blues last Sunday about exile, reflecting many peoples suffering displacement and persecution of one sort or another in this world, here we celebrate hopeful restoration. This short but ringing song recalls the joy of people returning home, restored after years of separation and suppression. When God restored the fortunes of Zion, then were … Continue reading Psalm 126, 13 Dec 20
Tag: restoration
Psalm 80, 29 Nov 20
Being a song of Asaph, the historical setting -- north and south kingdoms of Israel as it then was, suppression by foreign powers, dissension between the twelve tribes, a 'bowl of tears to drink' -- is the backdrop to Psalm 80. Bells at Taizé village This might not mean much to the modern day listener. … Continue reading Psalm 80, 29 Nov 20
Psalm 80, 14 August 2016
Psalm 80 (selected text here>) makes a relatively frequent appearance in the Revised Common Lectionary. It is listed in all three years, sometimes twice, and has been thrice discussed in this blog already -- see entries in the Index Book 3 page. (The alternative reading is Psalm 82, which I described in a recent blog as 'fundamental teaching … Continue reading Psalm 80, 14 August 2016
Psalm 80, 30 November 2014
Restore us O God; let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved. This verse appears three times (vv 3, 7 and 19) as the psalmist makes a plea for divine intervention and restoration. Read last year's post for some further introductory notes. The text of the selection is here>. Music The people's … Continue reading Psalm 80, 30 November 2014
Psalms in the South 