So it’s my task as an elder to teach a Wednesday night class on the 23rd Psalm. I have a great exposition of the words I’ll cover (from the Creation 2.0 series). But I thought I might begin by opening the class’s heart to the power of psalm as song.
This final version is a cappella and the prettiest I’ve ever heard. The arrangement is by Bobby McFerrin.
McFerrin refers to God consistently as “she” throughout, which is, of course, contrary to the psalm itself. However, there are several scriptures in which God is referred to as female (Deut 32:18; Isa 42:14; 49:15; 66:13; Matt 23:37). After all, for a spiritual being, gender is always a metaphor. And shepherds are very often girls.
Nonetheless, I find it an affectation. But it’s a beautiful arrangement — too good not to share.
Okay. We get it. You are a huge Bobby McFerrin fan. That is wonderful. I like his musical efforts, too. This is actually not as much of a musical departure as many others he has done. I will say that I was taken aback by him referring to Jesus as God’s daughter. That is more than just an affectation. That is a musician editing the truth.
Bobby does better when he leaves theology to others. His innovations are sometimes in bad taste. I have both a brother and a sister. Neither was ever shy about standing up for their younger brother when the situation warranted it. Still, I prefer to have my brother, my Dad’s oldest son, beside me when I was scared. My sister was great, but my brother offered my misogynistic, little brother’s mind more comfort.
And my Dad was unrivalled in the family at being my champion of choice. Mom was terrific in many ways, but it was Dad who could calm me just by being close by.
Grizz
Grizz,
Actually, I much prefer Jethro Tull and Pink Floyd, but they never move into theological territory. Well, they do occasionally, and they aren’t very good at it. So not much fun for a theological blog.
LOL, Jay.
I am more of a Cat Stevens and Dan Fogelberg and Kentucky Headhunters type of fan. Spirit in the Sky is still a favorite.
And I guess it is a bit safer to talk about 70’s band songs than it would be to pick apart Fanny Crosby or Stamps-Baxter.
Grizz
“However, there are several scriptures in which God is referred to as female (Deut 32:18; Isa 42:14; 49:15; 66:13; Matt 23:37). ” could you please expound upon your statement?
Jay, I am beginning to see how we view the bible so differently, you can see things that are impossible for me to see. I don’t and can’t see one reference where God is referred to as female.
Deu 32:18 Of the Rock [that] begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.
NIV
You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.
( in your opinion, does this say that a female can father a child?)
Isa 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
(seems to me here he is expressing the differences)
Isa 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. (differences once again)
Isa 66:13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem (comparing his love to that of a loving mother)
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not! (stating his desire to protect his creation as a mother hen protects her chicks)
I see where God’s love for his creation is compared to the love of a mother for her child, but that is as far as my reasoning will let me go.
Wow, Jay! I hope I can say that you have horrible taste in music and we can remain as friends. 🙂