Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
The Book of Psalms is divided into five distinct "Song Books", and Psalm 41 is the last song in the first nook. The big double "Amen" at the end is a congregational assent to the whole first book, not just Psalm 41. There is, indeed, a thread that winds through all the psalms in this first collection, and as we look at it as a whole we can see how obvious this theme is.
I am, of course, talking about the great sin of "False Witness", of which David was a constant victim. David was attacked with vicious slander no matter what the circumstances. When David was ill, he was greeted with gloating and rumors rather than care and compassion. When he was in danger, his "friends" moved off to a safe distance. When he was suffering, his enemies used that as an opportunity to attack him. The lies, innuendo, slander, libel, Fake news, plots, conspiracies, and betrayal all worked together to make David's life miserable.
And yet, even in his darkest hour, David overflows with Praise, Trust, Confidence, and Faith in God. He is not "in denial" over his sufferings, or even his own sinfulness, and sometimes even admits that his troubles are a result of his own behavior. These songs are from David's heart, and yet, are so truthful about the human condition that they can be shared with the congregation and turned into liturgy. Each Psalm can stand alone, be included in a "song cycle", be read in the context of "Book One", or even as a part of the entire Book of Psalms. We shall see more groupings like this within the whole Book, and within the five individual Song Books as we progress.
And then, of course, the Book of Psalms is just a portion of our Topical Study of "Music in the Bible".
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS