Canon Rob's Reflections

Continuing the Eastertide season, today’s psalm is another expressing thanksgiving to the God of Israel who has, once again, heard the prayers of His people. Psalm 30 is, without doubt, a hymn of praise, beginning as it does with the words, “I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have raised me up and have not let my foes triumph over me.” As is often the case, we do not know what the event is, or was, which caused the author to write the psalm. Who are the “foes” mentioned in this first verse? If they were the enemy involved in a war, there would surely be more mention of them as in other psalms. Reflecting on the whole psalm, this feels more personal and in verse 2 the psalmist writes about being healed. “O Lord my God, I cried out to you and you have healed me.” Perhaps, in referring to foes, the author is suggesting that if God had not healed him from his serious illness, then those who were his enemies would have rejoiced over his death. Instead the Lord has heard his prayers for healing and, as we read in verse 3, “You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; you restored me to life from among those that go down to the pit.” [The “pit” is another word for a grave, or “Sheol” which is the Hebrew for the place of the dead where God was believed to be absent. Psalm 28 refers to the pit in verse 1: “To you I call, O Lord my rock; be not deaf to my cry, lest, if you do not hear me, I become like those who go down to the pit.” Isaiah refers to Sheol when he prophecies what will befall the king of Babylon when God shows compassion on Israel. [See Isaiah chapter 14.] In Sheol those who die will return to their fathers, but there is no return to earth from there. Easter however tells us that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and, as the Creeds remind us, because of the Resurrection, we believe in “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” [Apostles’ Creed.] The author of today’s psalm would have no such belief. Although death for him would not have meant total extinction, but an existence in the shady underworld as mentioned above. No wonder he expresses his joy when God hears his prayers and heals him, saving him from that fate! In fact, so joyful is he that he calls on others to join him in praising God:

“Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; give thanks to his holy name.” [Verse 3.] Then, as if to show them how much he has learned from his experience of being saved from death, he adds, “For his [God’s] wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his favour for a lifetime. Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”


In verses 6 – 10, the psalmist reflects further on his experience. It is clear from verse 6 that, thanks to God’s goodness he has enjoyed a comfortable life. He was happy and prosperous. But then everything changed and he believed that God had deserted him. So, in verse 8, he cries for help and argues with God that his death would not profit Him at all. Instead, it would mean he could no longer praise God and thank Him for His goodness. Then, in verse 10, his tone changes as if he remembers who he is: a mere servant of the Lord, just like those he referred to in verse 4. “Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; O Lord, be my helper.” It is as if God is withholding healing, until the psalmist remembers his place and humbly throws himself on His mercy? Perhaps being happy and prosperous gets in the way of true devotion? Certainly Jesus had something to say about riches affecting faith. [See Mark 10. 17 -22 and Luke 12.32-34.] Is this a lesson the psalmist has learnt? A change of heart brings about a change in his condition and the outcome is a cause of great rejoicing as you can see in verse 11. “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.” Death would have brought silence. Recovery brings praise and thanksgiving. Here is an answer to prayer. Here is a new beginning. What lies ahead for the author of Psalm 30 we do not know. Perhaps he will no longer be wealthy. Certainly his life has changed. Whatever happens, he is over the moon! “…my heart sings to you [God] without ceasing; O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.” [Verse 12.]