The Epiphany Of Our Lord
Preaching
Hear My Voice
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
Object:
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see also The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle A, for an alternative approach; see also Advent 2, Cycle A, for vv. 1-7.)
Psalm 72 is the psalm selection for Epiphany during all three years of the lectionary cycle. Epiphany traditionally celebrates themes surrounding the visit of the Magi. There are several possible directions to go with these themes. The most common celebrates Jesus' first appearance to the non-Jewish world. This both provides a textual setting to discuss the inclusive nature of the gospel and sets the stage for the church's mission work in the wider world.
Psalm 72 is an excellent vehicle for either of these themes. The psalm is structured as a prayer. It was probably used as part of the coronation ceremony of a new king. The prayer expresses the brightest possible hope for the new king. In fact, the description of what is hoped for runs past the bounds of what is humanly possible, even for a king.
From the very start, the psalm has an eye toward the poor. The congregation prays for the king to rule with justice and righteousness (vv. 1-2). These words ring with prophetic significance, as well they should. Doing justice has the same force for the psalmist as it does for the prophets.
The psalm also offers a prayer for "prosperity" (v. 3). It is hard for us to hear this word and not think of money. Prosperity for us is all about wealth, but the Hebrew word translated here as "prosperity" is shalom. The word, shalom, often translated as "peace," actually means well-being, wholeness, even healing. The psalmist's prayer for shalom reflects a desire that all God's people might prosper in all aspects of their existence -- physical and spiritual.
Amazingly, the psalmist tells us that the mountains will produce this shalom. Clearly, the reference here is partly economic. Prosperity from the mountain refers to harvest and crop yields, but it is also from the mountain that the Lord appears. It is upon the holy mountain that God's people gather for worship. In other words, the psalmist's prayer is for the well-being that comes to a nation or even a world when all of its people are able to enjoy the bounty of the earth and the presence of God.
As the mountains yield shalom, the king should defend the cause of the poor (v. 4). There is a reciprocal relationship suggested by God who supplies the bounty of the earth and the king who defends the right of the poor to have access to it.
This need continues today. In our world, huge corporations are able to purchase for themselves favorable treatment in terms of tax breaks and land use. Meanwhile, the weak and the poor have no one to lobby for their cause.
But a new king has arrived. He has made himself known to the world. This new king champions the cause of the poor, and he calls to us to do the same.
-- J. E.
Psalm 72 is the psalm selection for Epiphany during all three years of the lectionary cycle. Epiphany traditionally celebrates themes surrounding the visit of the Magi. There are several possible directions to go with these themes. The most common celebrates Jesus' first appearance to the non-Jewish world. This both provides a textual setting to discuss the inclusive nature of the gospel and sets the stage for the church's mission work in the wider world.
Psalm 72 is an excellent vehicle for either of these themes. The psalm is structured as a prayer. It was probably used as part of the coronation ceremony of a new king. The prayer expresses the brightest possible hope for the new king. In fact, the description of what is hoped for runs past the bounds of what is humanly possible, even for a king.
From the very start, the psalm has an eye toward the poor. The congregation prays for the king to rule with justice and righteousness (vv. 1-2). These words ring with prophetic significance, as well they should. Doing justice has the same force for the psalmist as it does for the prophets.
The psalm also offers a prayer for "prosperity" (v. 3). It is hard for us to hear this word and not think of money. Prosperity for us is all about wealth, but the Hebrew word translated here as "prosperity" is shalom. The word, shalom, often translated as "peace," actually means well-being, wholeness, even healing. The psalmist's prayer for shalom reflects a desire that all God's people might prosper in all aspects of their existence -- physical and spiritual.
Amazingly, the psalmist tells us that the mountains will produce this shalom. Clearly, the reference here is partly economic. Prosperity from the mountain refers to harvest and crop yields, but it is also from the mountain that the Lord appears. It is upon the holy mountain that God's people gather for worship. In other words, the psalmist's prayer is for the well-being that comes to a nation or even a world when all of its people are able to enjoy the bounty of the earth and the presence of God.
As the mountains yield shalom, the king should defend the cause of the poor (v. 4). There is a reciprocal relationship suggested by God who supplies the bounty of the earth and the king who defends the right of the poor to have access to it.
This need continues today. In our world, huge corporations are able to purchase for themselves favorable treatment in terms of tax breaks and land use. Meanwhile, the weak and the poor have no one to lobby for their cause.
But a new king has arrived. He has made himself known to the world. This new king champions the cause of the poor, and he calls to us to do the same.
-- J. E.
