Bittersweet Mercies

We continue our study highlighting the introductory sections to each of the 5 Books into which the collection of Psalms is organized.  Today we introduce Book III with Psalms 73 & 74.  As before, the first is of a personal individual nature, the second national and corporate.  Bk III represents the low curve of the Psalm trajectory with its emphasis on the devastation that has come upon the people of God.  It has the fewest psalms (17) and some are quite long, dealing with times when enemies seem to have the upper hand as they devastate the people of God.  Admittedly, I don’t have many favorite go-to psalms in this section; however, we find here deep consolation to draw us to the mercies of God.  We will first read the national/corporate Ps. 74, with brief comments along the way, noting first the bitterness it expresses and then the sweet mercies evident even in bitter situations.  After that, we’ll do the same with the more personal Ps. 73.