‘With upright heart God tended them, guided them.’ (72) This long psalm of Asaph in 72 verses covers many of the high points in the Torah, including the plagues and the exodus, subsequent trials and the calling of King David, great tales also to be found in Psalm 114 and elsewhere. Psalm 78 is a … Continue reading Psalm 78, 12 Nov 2017
Tag: water
Psalm 106
'Happy are those who act with justice, who do what is right.' (3) Psalm 106 drawing to a close the powerful Book IV of the Psalter is related to the previous song. The story of Exodus is again rehearsed at some length but with a stronger flavour of an awareness of human weakness. A warning … Continue reading Psalm 106
Psalm 104, 17 Sep 17
'You make springs gush forth in valleys, they flow between hills.' (10) Here we have epic demonstrative poetry, the poet overcome by the glory and power of the creation — and the Creator. The author’s feelings are quite infectious: You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch … Continue reading Psalm 104, 17 Sep 17
Psalm 137, 2 Oct 16; Babylon
Note: The readings this week are from Lamentations, with the alternative choices of Psalms 137, the subject of this post, or 37. See an earlier post for Psalm 37. By the rivers of Babylon -- there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. (Ps. 137:1) We may not remember Zion, but having often sung … Continue reading Psalm 137, 2 Oct 16; Babylon
Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalmist Asaph begins by casting into a shimmering spotlight some energising phrases: Raise a song and sound the timbrel, the merry harp and the lyre. Blow the ram's horn at the new moon, and at the full moon (v.1, 3) Then this touch of mystery: I hear a voice I had not known: "I eased your shoulder from the burden You … Continue reading Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
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
Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Just like last week, Psalm 63 for Lent 3 holds familiar words and imagery, water this time rather than light: You are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Ps. 63:1) The preceding lectionary reading from the Old … Continue reading Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Well, who needs an intro to Psalm 23 and the still waters? Over the years this Blog has taken several angles, from the quiet waters to the light-hearted. Do you remember Things that comfort me? Two previous entries on this lovely psalm appeared in 2014, and it's tempting on this year's appearance to just say: 'Yep, the post for … Continue reading Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Psalm 148, 28 Dec 14
Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and … Continue reading Psalm 148, 28 Dec 14
Psalm 106, 12 Oct 14
Psalm 106 is related to the previous one, 105, about which we heard and sang much in recent weeks. The story of Exodus is again rehearsed in this psalm at some length but with a stronger flavour of an awareness of human weakness. The shorter lectionary reading is here -- and you might have to read it yourself … Continue reading Psalm 106, 12 Oct 14
Psalms in the South 