Day Forty-Four -- The long and short of it
Psalm 109 to Psalm 134
It is interesting, but otherwise not significant, that today's reading includes both the longest and the shortest of the one hundred and fifty psalms. In addition to length, they are also interesting in how their content stands apart from the rest of the psalms.
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm with a total of one hundred seventy-six verses. It is constructed around two things; the letters of the Hebrew alphabet and the writer's love and devotion to God's law. It is presented in sections of eight verses, one section for each of the 22 Hebrew letters. While it is not apparent from the English translation, the first word of each verse begins with the same letter. Besides the structure of this psalm it is different in that there is nothing about the history of the people, a concern with enemies, the mention of the temple, or an interest in religious observances. It is pure and simple a meditative and repetitive reflection on the law, which is not to be construed as a set of legal principles but a way of life that keeps one centered on the presence of the LORD. The prayerful quality of the psalm, with its request in verse 164 for prayers to be said seven times a day, has had an effect on Christian monasticism with the development of the seven "hours" of monastic prayer. If you think that reading the Bible in 90 days is a challenge, try maintaining a daily schedule of the monastic hours with formal prayers said at 6:00am (Matins), 9:00am (Trece), 12:00pm (Sext), 3:00pm (None), 6:00pm (Vespers), 9:00pm (Compline), and 12:00am (Midnight). Oh, and don't forget to get a good night's sleep, maybe five hours or so, before starting all over.
To go to the other extreme, Psalm 117 consists of only two verses, and conveys a concise message: All nations and peoples are to praise God. This is no "us" verses "them" psalm; there is no expressed limitation of God's grace and favor. Is this to mean that in spite of the very nationalistic tone of the majority of the writings that God's covenant is with a particular people, that there might indeed be a universal call to all the peoples of the earth? As some might say, you better watch out what you pray for because God might just surprise you with how your prayer is answered.
It is interesting, but otherwise not significant, that today's reading includes both the longest and the shortest of the one hundred and fifty psalms. In addition to length, they are also interesting in how their content stands apart from the rest of the psalms.
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm with a total of one hundred seventy-six verses. It is constructed around two things; the letters of the Hebrew alphabet and the writer's love and devotion to God's law. It is presented in sections of eight verses, one section for each of the 22 Hebrew letters. While it is not apparent from the English translation, the first word of each verse begins with the same letter. Besides the structure of this psalm it is different in that there is nothing about the history of the people, a concern with enemies, the mention of the temple, or an interest in religious observances. It is pure and simple a meditative and repetitive reflection on the law, which is not to be construed as a set of legal principles but a way of life that keeps one centered on the presence of the LORD. The prayerful quality of the psalm, with its request in verse 164 for prayers to be said seven times a day, has had an effect on Christian monasticism with the development of the seven "hours" of monastic prayer. If you think that reading the Bible in 90 days is a challenge, try maintaining a daily schedule of the monastic hours with formal prayers said at 6:00am (Matins), 9:00am (Trece), 12:00pm (Sext), 3:00pm (None), 6:00pm (Vespers), 9:00pm (Compline), and 12:00am (Midnight). Oh, and don't forget to get a good night's sleep, maybe five hours or so, before starting all over.
To go to the other extreme, Psalm 117 consists of only two verses, and conveys a concise message: All nations and peoples are to praise God. This is no "us" verses "them" psalm; there is no expressed limitation of God's grace and favor. Is this to mean that in spite of the very nationalistic tone of the majority of the writings that God's covenant is with a particular people, that there might indeed be a universal call to all the peoples of the earth? As some might say, you better watch out what you pray for because God might just surprise you with how your prayer is answered.
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