This week we read Psalm 50 (MT 51) in the light of 2 Kingdoms/2 Samuel 11-12 and Romans 5:12-17. This famous confession leads us to explore what some consider poetical theological hyperbole, and the question of ancestral sin.

This week we read the “Polyleos” Psalms 134 and 135 (MT 135 and 136), rejoicing in the mercy of God. WE seek to plumb their depths by reference to Numbers 21:21-35, Isaiah 44:9-21, Jeremiah 10:1-16, Romans 1:18-23, and several helpful commentators, both ancient and contemporary.

We finish this study of the Orthros Ascent Songs by reading Psalm 131-133 (LXX)/132-134 (MT) in the light of Holy Week, 2 Samuel (2 Kingdoms) 6-7, and several Church Fathers. Our final scene is that of harmony with Christian brothers and sisters from every tribe and nation, and peace with God, as we bless His name in the heavenly sanctuary.

We read the tone four Antiphons, alongside Psalms 128-130 (MT 129-131), as illumined by Isaiah 42:6-7, 1 Peter 4:12-14, and St. John Cassian. Here is wise instruction on humility and God’s willingness to illumine those who keep their eyes on Him.

We consider the third grouping of Ascent Songs for Orthros, comparing them with their foundational Psalms LXX 125-128 (MT 126-129), and illumining them with reference to Col 1:9-14; Eph 4:4-8 and1 Cor 15:43. Everywhere, as we walk towards the light of the eighth day, the generosity of God is apparent.

Sober joy is the atmosphere of the second group of ascent songs, based on Psalms LXX 122-124 (MT 123-125). While aware of human need, we also meditate upon the security found among the people of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and the whole world, helped in our thinking by Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Peter 3:9 and Romans 8:26-27.

We turn to the Songs of Ascent, reading them in the light of Psalms 119-121 (MT 120-122), upon which they are based, and Hebrews 12:18-29, where we approach of heavenly Zion.

We read this stunning sixth censing prayer of Matins, looking to help from wise Church fathers, and the clarification of multiple passages in the Bible: Psalm 142 (143 MT); Romans 4:8; Philippian 3:12; 2 Samuel/2 Kingdoms 15-18, Rev 20:11, and Luke 21:17-18. God’s mercy towards us is always surprising, and is impressed upon us as we begin the Lord’s Day.

This week we read the fifth of the six “censing” psalms of Orthros, Psalm 102 (LXX)/ 103 (MT), and marvel at God’s invitation that we should bless Him. We are helped in understanding the Psalm by Hebrews 7:7, Colossians 1:12-13, James 2:13, and the blessed Augustine.

We read the fourth of the six Orthros psalms of penitence, Psalm 87 (LXX)/88 (MT), looking to Jesus as the “perfect Die-er” who brings light to the whole world, showing wonders even to the dead! This heavy psalm is understood through the similarly difficult passages of Luke 2:29-35, 2 Cor 5:21, Gal 3:13, John 12:20b-36, and Psalm 21(LXX) /22 (MT).