Here is some fruit from what Chris shared about singing the Psalms.
I translated this Psalm into common meter so it can be sung to any 8,6,8,6 tune.
I wrote it with Amazing Grace in mind, but it is easily changed to ... God rest ye merry gentlemen, O God our help in ages past... yes, even Gilligans Island,.
I've been working out what it means to translate the Psalms not as prose, but as poetry that can be sung in our language. The question I've been asking is whether it can be considered properly translated if it cannot be sung?
Another thought to share is that, since there is really no New Testament equivalent of the Psalms it requires us as believers to create new songs to fill out the message.
My hope is that as we learn to sing what is written in the Old Testament we will be better equipped to write more solid Psalms/Hymns/Spiritual Songs birthed from the Spirit given in the New Testament. There is a perspective, passion, depth, teaching, revelation, and emotion/mind connecting work in the Psalms that could surely serve to inform our modern song writing.
If the Lord prompts anyone to talk more please let me know. I am hoping to find fellowship on this little journey.
Especially with someone who understands the music side of the equation.
Yours,
Bill
P.S. I've been experiencing that the process of translating really helps slow down and work out what the Psalm is saying.
PSALM 59
Deliver Me From My Enemies
My God, deliver me from those
that
are my enemies;
I ask you to defend from those
that
up against me rise.
Please do deliver me from them
that
work iniquity;
and give me safety from the men
of
bloody cruelty.
Look, they lay waiting for my soul:
the
mighty do combine
against me, Lord; not for my fault,
nor
any sin of mine.
I’ve done no wrong, yet after me
they
run to the attack
Arise to meet me with your help
and
look upon my plight
Rise up Lord God of Israel,
Lord
of angel armies.
Destroy the nations, sparing none
of
those wicked traitors.
They return when the sun goes down
as
howling scavengers
Like dogs they make great noise and sound
prowling
through the city
Out from their mouths they spew daggers
Their
lips are sharp as swords
Thinking none can hear their attack
they
never will be caught
But you oh Lord laugh at them all
You
see that they are fools
You’re my fortress and mighty God
I
wait on your great strength
My loving God goes before me
my
enemies to best
I’ll look on them who slander me
in
triumph and in joy
But don’t kill them, oh Lord my shield
In
your might bring them down.
Cause them to wander all around
So
we will not forget
Let them all be trapped in their pride
because
of their mouth’s sins.
Curses and lies they always speak
Their
lips are filled with sin
Consume them in your wrath oh Lord
Until
they are no more
So the ends of the earth will know
God
rules over Jacob
Let these men return in the night
howling
like packs of dogs.
Round the streets they search for food
And
growl when they find none
I will sing each morning about
your
mercy and power
You are my fortress and refuge
in
the day of distress
Oh strength of mine, to you I’ll sing
new
songs of highest praise
You’re my strong fortress and defense
Filled
with love and mercy
