GS 2025 Article 182 – APPENDIX A-3

Suggestions from the churches to change the lyrics for alternate psalms recommended by the SCBP

1.    Suggestion to keep Psalm 23 as it was

  • 1.1    Observations:
    • 1.1.1    The SCBP proposes to modernize the first line of stanza 4 to “A table thou hast furnished me” from “A table thou hast furnish-ed.”
    • 1.1.2    Winnipeg (Grace) argues that this “glaring anachronism” has been retained by the majority of modern hymnals, including the Trinity Psalter-Hymnal used by the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC).
  • 1.2    Consideration:
    • 1.2.1    The SCBP already received and dealt with the feedback provided. They suggest to follow the 1912 Psalter and the version which is also in the new songbook of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand (RCNZ).
  • 1.3    Recommendation: To adopt the modernization proposed by the SCBP to the first line of stanza 4.

2.    Suggestion to tweak the lyrics of Psalm 112

  • 2.1    Observations:
    • 2.1.1    Hamilton (Cornerstone) believes the second half of stanza 4 needs improvement;
      • Current: until upon his enemies, he his desire will see.
      • Proposed: until upon his enemies, he looks in victory.
    • 2.1.2    The SCBP notes that there is some “awkwardness” in the text, here and in other places.
    • 2.1.3    Changing this psalm will require interaction with the copyright holder. The TPH successfully obtained permission to do something similar.
  • 2.2    Consideration:
    • 2.2.1    These words are an improvement.
  • 2.3    Recommendation: To adopt the changes proposed by Hamilton (Cornerstone), provided copyright permission can be obtained.

3.    Suggestion to overhaul the lyrics of Psalm 149

  • 3.1    Observations:
    • 3.1.1    Fergus (Maranatha) proposes new wording to this psalm and asks the SCBP to review it before adopting the present version. The proposed text is as follows:
    • Give Praise to the Lord
      • 1. Give praise to the Lord and sing a new song.
    • Amid all his saints, his praises prolong.
    • The praise of their Maker, his people shall sing.
    • Let children of Zion rejoice in their King.
      • 2. With timbrel and harp and joyful acclaim,
    • with dancing and song, give praise to his name,
    • for God in his people, his pleasure will seek,
    • with robes of salvation adorning the meek.
      • 3. Let saints now break out in jubilant song,
    • exulting in glory all the night long.
    • Let praises of God from their lips be outpoured
    • as they in their hands wield a double-edged sword.
      • 4. They’ll punish the nations, put them to shame,
    • bind nobles and kings with fetters and chains,
    • for God has decreed this to be their reward.
    • So all saints gain glory. Give praise to the Lord!
    • The Psalter, 1912; revised
  • 3.2    Considerations:
    • 3.2.1    This proposal seems to be an improvement.
    • 3.2.2    Changes can be made before the publication of the final Book of Praise.
    • 3.2.3    The SCBP is tasked with the review and recommendation of songs for the Book of Praise.
  • 3.3    Recommendation: To pass this wording of Psalm 149 on to the SCBP for review and possible recommendation.

ADOPTED