Like Psalms 96 and 98, this is a “make music to the Lord” Psalm. You would think this would make it easy to make music out of it, but it’s actually pretty daunting: how do you say something unique with such a frequently used phrase? Added to that is the fact that the Psalm begins so cheerfully but quickly turns to evildoers flourishing for the moment before being destroyed forever.
Contrasting a G major chorus and an E minor verse gave me a little wiggle room with the emotional range of the Psalm. I especially like the turn to F# minor halfway through the verse; it’s enough of a curveball that the chorus feels extra joyful when it returns.
For some reason, verses 12-15 struck a chord in me. Earlier, we heard how the wicked sprout up quickly, then fade away just as quickly. Here, the psalmist compares that to the life of the righteous, who will grow and flourish like trees that bear fruit into old age. Or, as one commentator put it, “like trees that are fresh and full of sap”!
Morning and night, I sing your love.
O God, most high, my song pours out.
The harp is alive, each string resounds
with the tune of your great name,
morning and night.
1. Your works have made me glad;
my joy is in your hands.
Your wonders spring from wells so deep,
my mind can’t comprehend.
Though those who trust deceit
spring up like summer’s wheat,
they wilt and bow into the ground
while God remains the King.
2. You bless my arm with power;
anoint my head with oil.
My eyes have seen the victory;
my ears, the song of joy.
I’ll flourish in your house–
a tree within your courts–
still fresh with fruit until I die
with praise upon my tongue.