Hij roept mijn leven - beurtzang naar psalm 103 = Who Calls My Life Away - Antiphonal Song from Psalm 103, 1979 - 1981

Oosterhuis’ choice of Psalm 103 is from an Individual Thanksgiving, in the classic form of a hymn. It opens with the reason for giving praise, and concludes with the (same) reason for giving praise. It is a post-Exilic text, with implicit references to the later books of Isaiah, chapters 40-55 (BC 550-538) and 56-66 (BC 520). The text was probably recited in the Temple as the testimony of an individual, who may have been a Ruler, a Priest, or some other individual, to give thanks for some great act of deliverance, and to instruct the assembly that the only recipe for true happiness is reverence (fear) for the Lord. In return, God shows mercy to those who display such respect.

Whereas Christians tend to bless people, places and things in the name of God, Jews bless God directly. A blessing (berakah) is an act of thanksgiving for the good things done on our behalf. It is not per se a magic formula or incantation to bring divine favor on us, but rather a wish for happiness in all who have been touched by God, which we imply makes God happy too, even though the Deity is beyond all human emotions. In our limited use of words, this makes complete God’s plan for Creation. This however, implies a commitment to ensuring that all forms of oppression and injustice have been eradicated from society.

Huijbers chose as is melody Alleluia II, a common chant tone in the second mode for general use throughout the year. This suits the ubiquitous nature of the psalm text, and especially the free-flow selection of verse chosen by Oosterhuis. There is a pastoral mood to the piece, whose poetic imagery is drawn from the fields - Tony Barr