Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church

Psalm 51: For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Controversy surrounds the debate about when the titles of individual Psalms were incorporated into the text. Some say they belong to very early editions, whilst other scholars disagree. Setting that […]

“Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.” (Psalm 51:19 NIVUK) If you’ve been following through on this series of reflections over the past four weeks, you are possibly wondering why this verse even appears here. We dealt with “burnt […]

“May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 51:18 NIVUK) Adherents of three world religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – all look upon Jerusalem as a Holy City. And, without doubt, anyone who has visited its walls and wayside markets, spending time with its people (despite the […]

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 NIVUK) “Sorry” is a word rarely heard these days. Even when said, it is often fleeting and accompanied with an inappropriate smile. Sometimes, therefore, I rather cheekily say to the person, “Perhaps you can practice […]

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.” (Psalm 51:16 NIVUK) “Old Testament pizza” – that’s what we call it in our house when someone (almost always, Derek) is late for dinner. It’s a reference to the fact that, in previous times, God’s people […]