May 25, 2018 — Saint of the day, St. Bede the Venerable, on his death bed he composed this five line poem (this is a modern English translation):
Before setting forth on that inevitable journey, none is wiser than the man who considers— before his soul departs hence—
what good or evil he has done,
and what judgement his soul will receive after its passing.
The Lost Scriptures – Wisdom Literature and Poetry
The Thanksgiving Psalms
Psalm 4. I thank you, O Lord, for your eye is awake and watches over my soul. You rescue me from the jealousy of liars, from the congregation of those who seek the smooth way. But you save the soul of the poor whom they planned to destroy by spilling the blood of your servant. I walked because of you – but they didn’t know this. They laughed at me. They shamed me with lies from their mouth. But you helped the soul of the poor and the weak, you saved me from their harsh arms, you redeemed me amid their taunts. From the wicked I do not fear destruction.
The dependence upon biblical literature, including the Psalms, is especially valid for the Thanksgiving Psalms. This is true for a lot of the Qumran literature. Some scholars will conclude that many of the Gnostic writings are merely biblical quotations; but this is a misinterpretation. Direct references to biblical texts and authors, as in the New Testament, are never found. In some cases the wording is so general and frequently found that it is hardly due to literary dependence, but rather to usage of traditional religious language. But apart from this, yes, many of the poems allude to and rely on biblical passages. Sometimes expressions of similar meaning or wording from scattered places in the Bible are combined into a meaningful piece of writing. This is no simple imitation – it indicates how great an extent the community in Qumran felt itself tied to biblical tradition. The Bible was read and interpreted from the community’s own experience and existence, and its history.
The Psalms, whether canonical or otherwise are meaningful expressions of lament, trust, despair, and hope – among other emotions. They all deserve our time and attention.
The Lost Scriptures – Wisdom Literature and Poetry
The Psalms of Solomon
1 I cried unto the Lord when I was in distress [ ],
Unto God when sinners assailed.
2 Suddenly the alarm of war was heard before me;
(I said), He will hearken to me, for I am full of righteousness.
3 I thought in my heart that I was full of righteousness,
Because I was well off and had become rich in children.
4 Their wealth spread to the whole earth,
And their glory unto the end of the earth.
5 They were exalted unto the stars;
They said they would never fall.
6 But they became insolent in their prosperity,
And they were without understanding,
7 Their sins were in secret,
And even I had no knowledge (of them).
8 Their transgressions (went) beyond those of the heathen before them; They utterly polluted the holy things of the Lord.
These Psalms are composed in the style of the Psalms in the bible attributed to David. They deal with traditional Jewish themes – responsibility for one’s actions, a belief in the resurrection of the body, a deep concern for a life filled with goodness and piety. Although attributed to Solomon, he did not write them. In general these psalms are much like the canonical psalms. The same range of feelings and expressions is found – you will hear feelings from praise to lament, from seeking hope to thanksgiving. Overall, however, there is a sense of judgment in these psalms. The author in no way blames G-d for this judgment, for G-d is justified in every respect. The people have been incredibly sinful, “more sinful than the heathen” the psalmist will say. The blessedness of the righteous vs. the damnation of these sinners is dwelt upon at great length. The people have been led in this sinfulness by their leaders, men who wear the faces of godliness and sincerity, but who are “sinners” through and through. They are spoken of as home-wreckers who have taken advantage of their privileged status.
But G-d has not abandoned His people. God will avenge all who exalt themselves over and against G-d when, in reality, they are only instruments of G-d’s greater purpose. While the simple, righteous man who puts his trust in G-d will never be forsaken. Thus G-d has a faithful remnant which will be honored and preserved.
My friends, G-d has not abandoned nor forsaken us – those who believe and trust in G-d’s promises – for as the psalms teach, G-d is justified in every respect. It is humanity who is led astray by their human leaders and decisions. Every day we need to pray for our leaders – the leaders of our country, our state and our churches. It is through prayer that we can have the most impact – for G-d hears all of our prayers.
Lutheran Schreff 