Like Psalm 136, to which the reader should turn for more commentary, this psalm (text here>) is a sort of history lesson or song of praise for the main events in the Torah from creation onwards. Verse 14 promising goodness and justice even repeats a verse of the song that Moses sang after handing over … Continue reading Psalm 135
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Psalm 58
David is certainly angry in Psalm 58, primarily against rulers who are wicked, unjust and violent. Although this poem does not appear in the Lectionary, this feature alone makes it entirely relevant in today's world as an expression of indignation and as a prayer for improvement in the rule of law and equity. However, anger can lead … Continue reading Psalm 58
Psalm 102, Penitential 5
Two voices emerge for the reader during this extended lament. A sad David seems to be suffering from a degenerative illness. Yet in the midst of distress and weariness, his Voice 1 can yet find a peaceful and somehow comforting image for his isolation and worry: I am like an owl of the wilderness, a little … Continue reading Psalm 102, Penitential 5
Psalm 101
King David shown here with his harp, assuming he was in fact the poet and songster of this psalm, determines to 'sing of loyalty and of justice'. (v.1) He adds a powerful proviso. Recognising that he himself is not there yet, he intends to 'study the way that is blameless', (v.2) seeking that vague but enticing … Continue reading Psalm 101
Psalm 61
Divine standards of perfect love and peace seem far off and unattainable in a world full of strife, refugees, war and deceit: As high as heaven is above the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways (Is. 55:9) The good news in the psalms, here and in other songs like 31, is that … Continue reading Psalm 61
Psalm 94
Amidst robust language calling for vengeance and discipline, the psalmist impatiently (another "How long?") laments injustice and social degradation that society -- people -- can inflict on the poor, unlucky or disabled. The target of his or her anger is 'the wicked' who in turn cause ill to widows, migrants and orphans: They crush your people … Continue reading Psalm 94
Psalm 57
As in Psalm 14, 39 and so many others -- David asks for mercy and sings the blues when he hid in a cave from enemies 'with sharp tongues' who 'dug a pit' for him. As he hides in the cave, David imagines the parallel of divine love as refuge for the soul. If you think you have seen … Continue reading Psalm 57
Psalm 56
The introduction to Psalm 56 is quite something: To the leader [music director] according to [to the tune of] The Dove on Far-off Terebinths [a type of tree; perhaps this is a comforting reference to the Valley of Terebinths where David fought Goliath]. Of David. A Miktam [meaning unknown], when the Philistines seized him in Gath. … Continue reading Psalm 56
Psalm 129
The tenth of the Psalms of Ascent (text) regrets the oppression of the people of God. The psalmist recognises that God is the source of goodness but seeks shame on the oppressor. At the distance of some millenia, it's easy to suggest sniffily that he or she should have been more forgiving of Israel's enemies. However, the psalm was … Continue reading Psalm 129
Psalm 115
Psalm 115 is a song of praise to divine love and faithfulness (v.1), a source of security (9-11) and blessings. Other psalms suggest 'Our nation is better than your nation', with a sense of preference for a chosen people. Here is refreshing humility, whether applied at national or personal level. And as we were reminded at … Continue reading Psalm 115
Psalms in the South 