Tuesday prior to Easter 3

 

[1]

Psalm 30—Sunday’s psalm was composed by David when he dedicated the materials for the building of the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:1–6), and may have been used at subsequent dedications: at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 7:4–10) and in 165 bc at the Jewish Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah; see 1 Maccabees 4:54–59; 2 Maccabees 10:1–9; John 10:22). The psalm is one of thanksgiving to God for preservation of physical life (vv. 1–5) and spiritual life (6–10). Finally, the last two verses give thanks to the Lord for His mercy forever.

Psalm 30 – Remembering a Great God at a Great Event

This psalm has a unique title: A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house of David. Though the title of the psalm (as it is in the English translation) indicates it was written for the dedication of David’s palace. Commentators thought that it was actually written prophetically for the dedication of the temple – which David prepared for, but Solomon built. Nevertheless, we take this psalm as being written for the dedication of David’s palace. It says nothing about the house itself; rather the focus is on God and the greatness of His deliverance. At the dedication of David’s house, David wanted God to be praised, not himself.

This Hebrew word schir may be here taken not simply for a song, but for a joyful song, as it is in Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:1; Psalm 33:3.[2]

Collect for Psalm 30: - God our Father, glorious in giving life and even more glorious in restoring it: In his last night on earth your Son knew anguish and deep sorrow. Do not turn away from us, or we shall fall back into dust: but rather turn our mourning into joy by raising us up with your Son, Christ our Lord.  [3]-26 April, 2022

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[1] The Resurrected Christ, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-30/

[3] Collect for Psalm 30, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY