This is so timely/providential. I've been thinking a fair bit about King Alfred and those Psalms recently for a potential project, so this blogpost and that Penguin book are so helpful. I live in not far from the Somerset Levels in Wessex - and frankly, would campaign that Wessex should be an independent country. But that's one for another time...
I’m deep diving into King Alfred’s experiences in the marshes. Modern historians tend to gloss over this part of the story as it’s ’too weird’ and Christian. But there’s a lot in there. For example, he enters the marshes at age 30 (like Christ) and embarks on the mission at Pentecost (like the disciples).🤔
Quite hard to dive too deeply in those marshes. Mind you, I've seen some awful floods in the last few years, so you might be alright. But yes, historians do what they must but consistently discount the spiritual, and they tend to describe it as delusional. It just doesn't make any sense of the person, the data or the history.
Thank you for this. I feel privileged that we llive in the legacy of people like this.
Excellent post. Where can I read the rest of Alfred’s commentaries on the psalms?
I use an anthology of Alfred’s life and writings and it has several psalms in it. I think you can buy a complete book of the translated psalms.
Can I get the name of the Anthology?
Alfred the Great
Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources - Penguin books.
This has 5 psalms, but huge amounts of primary sources about King Alfred. Well worth getting if you are an Alfred-Nut.
Thank-you and it makes me happy that others are writing about King Alfred the Great.
This is so timely/providential. I've been thinking a fair bit about King Alfred and those Psalms recently for a potential project, so this blogpost and that Penguin book are so helpful. I live in not far from the Somerset Levels in Wessex - and frankly, would campaign that Wessex should be an independent country. But that's one for another time...
I’m deep diving into King Alfred’s experiences in the marshes. Modern historians tend to gloss over this part of the story as it’s ’too weird’ and Christian. But there’s a lot in there. For example, he enters the marshes at age 30 (like Christ) and embarks on the mission at Pentecost (like the disciples).🤔
Quite hard to dive too deeply in those marshes. Mind you, I've seen some awful floods in the last few years, so you might be alright. But yes, historians do what they must but consistently discount the spiritual, and they tend to describe it as delusional. It just doesn't make any sense of the person, the data or the history.
I agree. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series 👍🏽
I love these insights. You bless us with your research.