This week we look at the Matin’s Psalm 37 LXX (38 Hebrew), understanding it in the light of several Church fathers, Job, Hebrews 12:6, and Isaiah 53:7-8. We find in this “rough” Psalm much to think about regarding God’s judgment and mercy, sin and hope.

Psalm 3, sung during Sunday Matins, is full of various “arising” actions. We understand its drama in the light of David’s trouble with his son Absalom (2 Sam/Kgdms 15-18), the Psalm that Jesus prayed from the cross, Isaiah 60, and some wise ancient commentators.

We move on in this episode to consider the second royal psalm of Matins, Psalm 20 LXX/21 Hebrew, and see it in the light of Psalm 36/37, as well as 2 Samuel 3. Amazingly, the glory that the LORD Jesus shares with His Father makes its mark on us, as well!

This week we consider Psalm 19 LXX (20 Hebrew Text), the “royal beginning” to Matins, in which we are taught confidence in King Jesus, who ruled even from the cross. We are helped in our reading by several ancient commentaries, Philippians 2:5-11, Romans 7-8, and Hebrews 7, all of which show gratitude for the LORD’s actions in raising us up and glorifying us with Him.

We meditate upon Psalm 92/3, of which three poignant verses are recited in Saturday Great Vespers, with the help of the blessed Augustine, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, Genesis 3, and Isaiah 51:9.

We read the third and fourth “lamp-light” Psalms (Psalm 129LXX/130 MT and 116/117), considering their profound truths in the light of Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Romans 10:6-8, Luke 23:34-46, Mark 14:37, and Mark 15:34. Crying out and waiting patiently are shown to be the most perfect human responses to the LORD, who alone is our Helper and the One who loves mankind.

We read the second “lamplight” Psalm, Psalm 141 (LXX) /142 (MT), clarifying its historical context by means of 1 Samuel (Kingdoms) 22 and 1 Samuel (Kingdoms) 24, and understanding its relevance to our lives today through the fathers and Hebrews 12:1-6. God is our true hope as we cry out to Him for deliverance, and as He surrounds us with those who journey on the same path.

We consider the first of the Lamp-lighting Psalms, Psalm 140 (MT141), with the help of select Church fathers, and in the light of Numbers 16; 2 Corinthians 5:21-6:1; Romans 5:1-2, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23-4.

In this second episode, we consider that selection of verses from Psalms 1-3 which is ordinarily sung in parishes during Great Vespers, and place these in their full context, while looking to 2 Samuel (2 Kingdoms)15-18 and also to select fathers for help in understanding. We see that our life depends upon being in Christ, the only Blessed One, and that even in our times of trial, God is with us, both to rescue and to bless.

We begin a series concerning the major psalms read throughout the week, both liturgically, and in personal prayer. Our first episode reads Psalm 103 (LXX)/104 (Hebrew) of Great Vespers, by which we stand alongside God on the final evening of the creation-week (Genesis 1), rejoicing in creation and in the Creator. We are helped in our interpretation by the hope offered in Hebrews 12:18-24 and 1 Corinthians 15.