Psalm 109:5-19 chanted in the Sarum Use by Sarah James

Themes: The Psalmist speaks against his inveterate enemies, prays against them and announces God's judgments, the reason on which this is grounded, and prays for his own safety and salvation, using many arguments to invoke God’s mercy upon him. The title of this psalm, To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, has already often occurred, and on it the versions offer nothing new. The Syriac says it is "a Psalm of David, when the people, without his knowledge, made Absalom king; on which account he was slain.” (From the Adam Clarke Commentary, 1831)

In Judaism: Psalm 109 is recited on the day of Parshat Zachor, which are Shabbat days on which special events or holidays are commemorated. (Wikipedia)

In Christianity: That Psalm 109 foretells the passion of Christ and contains a prophecy against Judas and the enemies of our Lord, is evident from Acts 1:20. Probably, in its primary meaning, (for such a meaning it certainly has), it may refer to Ahithophel [of David’s day]. The imprecations in it should be rendered in the future tense, as they are mere prophetic denunciations of God's displeasure against sinners. Taken in this light, it cannot be a stumbling-block to any person. God has a right to denounce those judgments which he will inflict on the workers of iniquity. But perhaps the whole may be the execrations of David's enemies against himself. Ahithophel, who gave evil counsel against David, and being frustrated hanged himself, was no mean prototype of Judas the traitor; it was probably on this account that St. Peter, Acts 1:20 [“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’]. Christian’s interpret this passage in application to Judas, as a prophetic declaration concerning him, or at least a subject that might be accommodated to his case. (From the Adam Clarke Commentary, 1831)

Nine hundred years ago, the Cathedral of Salisbury, England developed a unique form of chant and liturgy known as the “Use of Salisbury,” or “Sarum Use.” Differences from the Roman rite are both melodic (more florid in the Sarum) and textual (Elizabethan English rather than Latin). The best repository of Sarum Use tones is the St. Dunstan's Plainsong Psalter, from which Sarah has sung this psalm. Additional resources on Sarum Use plainsong at [ Ссылка ].

“The arrest of Christ upon the kiss of Judas and Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus,” a fresco (ca. 1437-1446) by Fra Angelico, is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer.

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