God’s Song

Imagine reading God’s book of poetry, the Psalms, as traditional poetry. Throughout history we have seen psalms collected from several different poets placed into a single volume. It is rare, though, to find one poet who alone “translated” all 150 psalms. Thomas Seller did.

Imagine enjoying these poems from a single author, in rhyme and meter, rather than free verse style. Not many poets have accomplished that. Thomas Seller did.

Finally, imagine the delight in discovering that poet used over thirty different meter patterns. Thomas Seller did. His collection of all 150 psalms, Psalm Poems, is remarkably epic. He did not compromise theology of original scripture as he exquisitely transformed prose into rhyming verse.

This 40th anniversary edition of Seller’s work, God’s Song: Psalms in Rhyming Meter, is a condensed version. About half the poems are presented. As a devotional, it is not intended to be a substitute for reading God’s Word. It does, though, reveal new insights when words from scripture are re-arranged in a fresh way.

Sandy Betgur’s bonus “Your Song” responses offer simple exercises for singing back praises to God. These activities of physical or contemplative worship are designed as an aid in retaining one thought throughout the day. For instance, after reading Psalm 18 that tells of God as a great Rock, the reader is asked to carry a small rock in his pocket to remind him to thank God for the refuge He offers.

Poetry is a powerful vehicle for stimulating emotions and creativity. In these verses one often hears the lyrical tone of familiar phrases from King James version. The meaning is not obscured, but beauty of ancient language is evidenced. We are enticed to contemplate and meditate on our relationship with God – and that’s a good thing.

This devotional is packed with as much scripture as possible. Mr. Seller used the Word of God, translating it from Hebrew into English poetry. He does not claim to have received special inspiration, although during the writing he was aware of God’s empowering beyond his own resources.

Hear God singing his inspired Word in the opening stanzas of these familiar psalms.

Psalm 23

Jehovah’s mine, my Shepherd divine;

No want will He fail to surpass;

He makes me dine, be filled, and recline

In pastures of tender, young grass.

Psalm 24

Earth is Jehovah’s, in all of its spaciousness,

All of its treasures, stored up in His graciousness,

All of the land that is man’s habitation,

All of the people comprising each nation:

All is Jehovah’s possession,

For on the waters, at first, He hath founded it,

Lifted it out of the seas that surrounded it,

Stablished it firmly, with valley and mountain,

Watered it richly, with river and fountain,

All by Jehovah’s discretion.

Psalm 51

Have mercy, O God, on me, in accord with the love Thou art:

In the prodigy, the infinity, of compassions that fill Thy heart,

Blot out all my transgressions from me, I pray,

My determined insistence on my own way.

Psalm 103

My soul, thy gracious Lord Jehovah bless,

And all that is within me come, extol

The name of His surpassing holiness:

Bless thou Jehovah joyfully, my soul.

Psalm 115

Not to us, O Lord Jehovah, not to us who were dismayed,

But to Thy great name let all the glory be,

For Thy mercy that is magnified and openly displayed,

And Thy incorruptible fidelity.

Psalm 139

Jehovah, Thou searchest me deeply;

My nature dost Thou understand;

Whenever I sit, Thou ponderest it;

Whenever I rise, Thou dost realize

My thoughts and the deeds I have planned.

God wrote a book of poems called Psalms.

Seller rewrote Psalms as rhyming poems called God’s Song.

Read Seller. Hear God. Be blessed.