Lectionary Year B
March 2, 2003
Psalm 50:1-6

Step II: Disposition
A. Genre

(JFC) This lection introduces God who, anthropologically, repeatedly speaks and calls and comes and does not keep silence, as if it were expected that such a God might ever remain silent/quiet. Here, God's principal job seems to be "judging His people". The environment of this Speaking God is described and its locale is related as if it were high and lifted up above the heavens, above the sun's daily route and its situation is explained as appropriate for this God to be about judging in proclaimed justice and righteousness. The lines are uneven and seem to be able to stand independently of each other. According to Delitzsch, "In vv. 1-6 perfects alternate with imperfects, now the notion of the actual and now that of the future being preponderant." It covers all bases.

B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) Is this God residing upon the earth (Zion) or above it, in the heavens? Do the recipients of this poem really expect God to remain silent?

C. Organization

(JFC) God's residence as Zion is mentioned in the second verse and in the heavens is mentioned in verses 4 and 6. The silence of God is disparaged in the third verse.



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