Commentary on Psalms:  3 Strands, Woven Together

 

I believe that the Psalms are not randomly arranged.  Rather they are arranged to tell the story of a faith journey which almost parallels the one in the beloved 23^rd Psalm.  The journey begins with trust in God’s shepherding and provision, leads through a valley of shadow, and ends by the goodness and mercy (the checed) of God with a homecoming to the city of God, to the house of God.

 

The story is told by weaving together

three images of God:  King, Shepherd, Light of the Way and

three types of prayer:  cries for justice,  for mercy,  for guidance.         

•  When people pray, “It’s not fair!”

God answers:   I am King!  I rule my House, my City, my Creation.    I will judge.  Justice is done; right is victorious.  All power belongs to me.  Citizens of my City obey my Law to live just/righteous lives. The blessed find refuge in my City.

• When people pray, “Help me!

            God answers:   “Checed”   My faithful love has no limits and does not fail.  I am your shepherd.  I care for and carry you.  You are safe.  My sheep hear my voice, trust & follow me.  The blessed find refuge in my Mercy.

• When people pray, “Teach me!”

God answers:   “Torah”   my word, law, teaching, instruction will light your way.  To kneel before the King in His City, one must walk the Way the Shepherd leads, even when the way leads through the valley of shadows.    Do not be stubborn, do not harden your heart.                                                      

•   To each of God’s answers,  the appropriate response is to kneel before the Lord, to walk in His Way, to worship with songs of praise.

 

 

From the Christian perspective, one can almost see The Trinity in these Psalmic images:

God, the Father—Creator of the Universe, King enthroned in splendor,

Jesus, Anointed Son of God—the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the flock.

Spirit, Breath of God—the Law written on our hearts, lighting the Way.