Monday, September 17, 2018

READ IT! - Introduction to Psalms 129-135


Readings for this week


Monday: Psalm 129
Tuesday: Psalm 130
Wednesday: Psalm 131
Thursday: Psalm 132
Friday: Psalm 133
Saturday: Psalm 134
Sunday: Psalm 135

Introduction to Psalms 129-135

Psalm 129 

The anonymous author of this song of ascents writes, “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth. But the LORD has cut the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shame!”

Psalm 130 

The anonymous author of this song of ascents writes, “I cry to you, O LORD! If you kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. O Israel, hope in the LORD!” 

Psalm 131 

In this Davidic psalm of ascents, the writer says, “My heart is not proud, O LORD. I have quietened my soul, like a weaned child with its mother. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD.” 

Psalm 132 

The anonymous author of this song of ascents writes, “Remember, O LORD, how David vowed, ‘I will find a place for the LORD.’ The LORD has chosen Zion: ‘This is my resting place forever.’”

The poet of Psalm 132 looked back to the covenant with David and to the history of the Ark of the Covenant as the basis for his prayer. 

Psalm 133 

In this Davidic psalm of ascents, the writer says, “How good it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil upon the head. There the LORD commanded his blessing.”

The oil of Aaron’s anointing (see Exodus 29 and Leviticus 21) saturated all the hair of his beard and ran down on his priestly robes, signifying his total consecration to holy service. 


Psalm 134 

The anonymous author of this song of ascents writes, “Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD! Lift up your hands to the sanctuary. May the LORD bless you from Zion.”

Psalm 134 may be a dialogue of praise sung between Yahweh’s worshipers as they left the temple in the evening and the Levites who would guard it by night. The worshipers exhorted the Levites to continue to praise the Lord throughout the night, while the Levites in turn pronounced a benediction upon the congregants. 

Psalm 135 

The anonymous author of this psalm writes, “Praise the LORD! He is above all gods. He struck down many nations. Their idols are but silver and gold. O Israel, bless the LORD!”










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