Read Through The Psalms |
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The Week of March 31, 2008 Psalm 29,30,31 Psalm 29 This unusual hymn of praise is a rare Old Testament example of the glory of God being revealed in the power of nature. Here God's glory is likened to the power of a strong storm coming in over the Mediterranean Sea, and crashing into the forests of Lebanon before dumping into the Syrian dessert. This remains an extreme weather phenomenon in that part of the world to this day. Notice that the sound of thunder is referred to as "the voice of the Lord" seven times; beautiful imagery re-creating the path of the storm. Many biblical scholars believe that this hymn is of ancient origin. Israel took the hymn and ascribed it to their God, most likely adding verse 11 as a doxology in praise of the one true, powerful God; the God of the storm who also brings peace and prosperity to Israel. Psalm 30 In its most basic form, this hymn expresses thanksgiving for the recovery from illness. Numerous references to a "near death" experience suggest that recovery or profound healing occasion the hymn. God heard the cry and the need of the distressed, and God saved. The only rational, human response to such transformation in this life is praise. Christians have come to love this hymn because of the beautiful imagery suggestive of resurrection. God's power to turn mourning into dancing, to exchange sackcloth for clothes of joy, and to turn the weeping of the night into a morning of joy certainly recalls the wonder and joy of Easter. Psalm 31 This psalm exemplifies a complex personal lament. Here the psalmist desperately petitions God for help, laments his situation, and expresses trust and confidence that God will save - all at the same time. The request for safety from enemies and from death and disease, as well as from sorrow, grief and anxiety covers the waterfront! It is almost impossible to distinguish a single concern here. On the other hand, what the psalmist desires from God remains clear; safety, acknowledgement, and the transformation spoken of in Psalm 30 are requested. As usual, the Psalm ends with a ritual expression of thanksgiving to God, as well as a statement of assurance that God indeed will save. This psalm has a special meaning for Christians, because according to Luke's Gospel Jesus' last words on the cross quoted Psalm 31:5. From my Reading: Concerning Psalm 30 and the closing expression of praise:
My Thoughts:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
As we read through the Psalms, especially the Psalms of Lament, the Preacher of Hebrews' phrase concerning faith and hope keeps coming to mind. In the midst of a terrifying storm, the psalmist suggests faith in the God whose power undergirds all nature and all of life. The psalmist also expresses hope for strength and peace for Israel (Psalm 29:11). In the face of grave illness, grief and sorrow, the psalmist proclaims a type of resurrection and transformation that can only be described as hope for a better future; a future "clothed with joy" (Psalm 30:11). As troubles surround and enemies reign victorious, the psalmist envisions God's protection and refuge - almost thanking God in advance for a salvation she knows will arrive, proclaiming "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord" (Psalm 31:24). As happens so often when I read the Psalms, I am left once again with a profound mystery. This hope that springs into the human heart; this conviction of safety and refuge when all evidence points to the contrary; this confidence without factual validation - it comes suddenly. Without warning, like the wind lifting your hair off your face on a warm day, or a brightly colored flower blooming in arid dry ground as you round the bend on a mountain hike, hope just shows up! You can't explain it. It rarely makes logical sense. It constantly refreshes. It makes a profound difference. And now O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. Blessings,
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