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Psalm 72 is an expansive, generic enthronement hymn that was likely a staple of coronations in ancient Israel/Judah. In the verses omitted by the lectionary, there are mentions of Tarshish, Seba, and Sheba (the latter, perhaps giving rise to the epigraph, “Of Solomon”), but for the most part the psalm — certainly as it will … Continue reading “Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Commentary by Henry Langknecht”

On the festival of the Epiphany, the church celebrates the coming of all nations to God’s light, now shining forth in Jesus of Nazareth. In Christ, the kingdom of God is thrown open to all! We need not, and probably should not, claim that the writer of Isaiah 60 already had in mind the wise … Continue reading “Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Commentary by Fred Gaiser”

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm — a psalm about the earthly kings of Israel. Psalm 72 is an odd psalm. And Psalm 72 an important psalm. Or, for the purpose of considering Psalm 72 on the occasion of the day of Epiphany, we might call it an oddly important royal psalm. Some Basics For starters, … Continue reading “Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Commentary by Rolf Jacobson”

This psalm has long been one of my favorites. While it appears to have been written by an older person (verses 9, 18), the psalm taken as a whole is a prayer appropriate at any age. For years, I had verses 17-18 taped onto the wall by my desk, using these words as a prayer … Continue reading “Psalm 71:1-6 Commentary by James Limburg”

Despite the limited number of verses included from this psalm in the lectionary, Psalm 71 nevertheless provides us with a unique opportunity to learn from the faith and life experiences of an elder psalmist. Many commentators note that elements of this psalm are strongly reminiscent of the known use of the temple precincts as a … Continue reading “Psalm 71:1-6 Commentary by Bobby Morris”

In the well-loved Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith, Anne Lamott writes: “It’s funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that … Continue reading “Psalm 71:1-6 Commentary by Eric Mathis”

Psalm 70’s superscription, in the New Revised Standard Version, is “To the leader. Of David, for the memorial offering.” Scholars offer two ideas about the phrase “for the memorial (from the Hebrew root zakar) offering.” First, it may suggest that the psalms were recited at the occasion of various offerings at the temple or sanctuaries … Continue reading “Psalm 70 Commentary by Nancy deClaissé-Walford”

Psalm 70 is a prayer from an individual, almost a kind of sigh from this person of faith who seeks divine protection, perhaps manifested in the sanctuary. The speaker is among those who consider themselves to be deeply devoted servants of God. Some would place the psalm among prayers from the post-exilic Israelite communities, but … Continue reading “Psalm 70 Commentary by W. H. Bellinger, Jr.”

Drinking Deeply from the Psalms Commentary and hymns for a six-part preaching series on the Psalms.1 This worship and preaching series on the Psalms is meant to move through six psalms in a manner that reflects how believers actually experience the life of faith. The series loosely follows Walter Brueggemann’s typology that in life we … Continue reading “6-week preaching series on Psalms.]

Psalm 69:7-10, [11-15], 16-18

Psalm 69:7-10, [11-15], 16-18 Commentary by James Limburg”

[This is Week 3 of a 6-week preaching series on Psalms.] Week 3 (June 14, 2015) Preaching text: Psalm 69:1-16; accompanying text: Matthew 7:7-11 Disorientation: When the Floods Rise “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.” No image better captured for the ancient Israelites what it feels like when the … Continue reading “Psalm 69:1-16 Commentary by Rolf Jacobson”