Psalm

photo of light in darkness
Commentary on Psalm 147:12-20

Psalm 147 is classified as a Community Hymn—a hymn of the people that celebrates God’s [...]

Detail from Daniele Crespi's
Commentary on Psalm 148

Psalm 148 is third in a set of five hymns bounded by “hallelujah” concluding the psalter. This [...]

blurry photo of people rushing
Commentary on Psalm 122

Advent is a delightfully mixed message.1 It is a season of judgment: John the Baptist announces fire [...]

photo of a lighted arm coming out of darkness
Commentary on Psalm 98

Like many psalms of praise, Psalm 98 begins with an imperative “call to praise,” followed by a [...]

photo of earth from space at night
Commentary on Psalm 97

Christianity is, in many ways, a faith built on paradoxes.1 Old and New Testaments alike bear witness [...]

black and white photo of a Christmas parade
Commentary on Psalm 96

Psalm 96 is a psalm of pure exultation, so very appropriate for Christmas Eve.1 We are enjoined, [...]

Detail from Carlo Carlone's
Commentary on Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

God has seemingly turned God’s face away.1 So distant, so [...]

photo of a man behind bars with a dove flying outside
Commentary on Psalm 146:5-10

The third Sunday in Advent has become the rare moment when Protestant churches pay a [...]

Detail from Alvise Vivarini's
Commentary on Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Psalm 72:1-17, a prayer of well-being for the king, was [...]

Photo of The Sanctuary of Christ the King in Almada, Portugal.
Commentary on Luke 1:68-79

Luke 1:68–79 marks the Benedictus—also known as the song of Zechariah.1 It is one of [...]