This psalm, last of the songs by Asaph, is a historically informed (that's Asaph for you) prayer for action against evil. Well, it's actually against Israel's enemies; but it's hard to take a prayer for violent destruction of opponents too literally in the politically correct twenty-first century. It's just as hard not to look at it as unreconstructed … Continue reading Psalm 83
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Psalm 38
The third of the seven Penitentials, this psalm is glass half empty -- no, make that a quarter -- through to verse 14. The opening verses mirror those of the first Penitential Psalm, 6. The singer regrets failure, inadequacy, illness and a thorough-going weariness. Then comes the half full, and an urgent request for comfort: For in you … Continue reading Psalm 38
Psalm 120, Ascents
This is the first of a group of fifteen psalms from 120 to 134 called the Songs of Ascent. Most of them are quite short, between 5 and 8 verses; one (132) is longer but is surrounded (131, 133, 134) by poems of just three verses each. Originating perhaps as pilgrim songs, they are sometimes … Continue reading Psalm 120, Ascents
Psalm 39
Psalm 39 is a song reflecting on the short span of life -- 'a few hand-breadths ... a mere breath'. (verse 5) It is not formally included, as is the preceding Psalm 38, in the list of seven penitential psalms. (Neither 38 nor 39 make it into the Lectionary.) 39 could well qualify, however, as one of … Continue reading Psalm 39
Psalms 87, 88
Here are a couple of very contrasting songs: one looking out happily to 'Zion'; the other lamenting, no silver lining. Both are 'skips' in the Lectionary but should not be ignored -- and indeed are not by those traditions that regularly sing all of the psalms within a short period of a month or so. Psalm 87 Glorious … Continue reading Psalms 87, 88
Psalms 74, 75
Book 3, as mentioned previously, is the home of the songs of the musician Asaph. His first five are not included in the lectionary, the next five are. Psalm 74 Psalms for all seasons offers but one setting, the well-known O come, Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL 88.88 with refrain). This is an interesting choice, since it uses … Continue reading Psalms 74, 75
Psalms 44, 53 and 55
These three psalms tell of moments of grief, fear, shame or anger caused by conflict of one sort or another. While they all on first reading have a flavour of violence, and all are omitted from the weekly lectionary readings, they should not be ignored. They actually argue for reliance on divine truth and protection rather than the sword. … Continue reading Psalms 44, 53 and 55
Psalms 108, 109, 110
The first psalm in Book 5 of the Psalter, 107 is included in the Revised Common Lectionary; but then 108 is the first of three consecutive 'skips', all songs attributed to David. (Thirteen of the 44 psalms in Book 5 are omitted.) Unsurprisingly, relatively few musical setting appear in our regular sources. Psalm 108 There's a little recycling going … Continue reading Psalms 108, 109, 110
Psalms 18, 21 and 28
The contents of Book 1 of the Psalter have been quite well covered here over the last few years. These next three 'skips', all attributed to David, will colour it in a little further -- but not detain us long. Psalm 18 This song is a long one, 50 verses celebrating David's deliverance from the clutches of Saul … Continue reading Psalms 18, 21 and 28
Psalm 134
This short psalm, another 'skip' as it does not appear in the RCL, is a song of ascent, or gradual. Hence the illustration, one I have used for songs of ascent over several years. It took my fancy since it looks like inspiring countryside and a great view, but a perhaps a tough and indirect climb. Who has climbed … Continue reading Psalm 134
Psalms in the South 