Psalm 68

Lynnn C. Bauman writes that Psalm 68 is one of the more difficult psalms to translate, and certainly its 36 verses are for me not the easiest to read.  However, the poetry in Bauman's translation is captivating, and I may spend a few days here. 

 

Last night as I drove a short distance, I listened to part of Cynthia Bourgeault's instructional cd on chanting the psalms.  In it she presents various examples of chants, and even in those short, instructional snippets, I became engrossed in the language of the psalms. I heard the struggle, passion, and the boldness to believe and re-believe that God's love is there in the seemingly deserted places in all of us.I fell in love again with the human voice singing and crying its way to heaven. For a few minutes, there was no darkness to befuddle these bi-focaled eyes. There were no streetlights, headlights, and signs beckoning and informing. Another way was made known: nameless, eternal, and wide.    

Psalm 68

The Rider of the Heavens  

  

Rise up within our midst, O God, 

then everything else but you will vanish, 

our enemies disappearing from sight. 

Like smoke on wind, 

like wax before a burning blaze, 

evil itself will cease before the white light of your gaze. 

For everyone in right relationship to you 

is filled with overflowing joy, 

And music fills the space where you abide, 

and singing rises to your nameless name, 

O holy One who rides the heavens.        

 

Psalm 68:1-4