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Psalm 133:1 HINNEH MAH TOV U-MAH NA’IM Behold how good and how pleasant (is) SHEVET AḤIM (the) sitting (of) brothers GAM YAḤAD (twice) alsotogether HINNEH MAH TOV (twice) Lai lai lai ……..

Poetic Literature: The Psalms

Introductory Matters David as significant author in collection of Psalms Amount of poetry in First Testament What is the value of poetic expression? Possible responses –Visual imagery and figures of speech raise our level of sensitivity to spiritual truths –It is memorable

An Example When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died; My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry Contrast with classic western poetry Structure: Balance and symmetry in ideas and concepts – parallelism –Synonymous parallelism (Psalm 2:3-5) –Antithetical parallelism (Psalm 1:6) –Synthetic parallelism (Psalm 1:1-3) –Forms can be interrelated –Why is this such a powerful means of expressing biblical truth? –Parallelism “survives” translation –Importance of conceptual repetition in conveying truth

Additional Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry Figurative language –Personification “The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs” (Psalm 114:3-4) –Metaphor “But You are a shield around me, O Lord” (Ps 3:3) –Simile “He shall be like a tree…” (Ps 1:3) Acrostic (Psalms 119; also 25, 34, 37) Numbered patterns (Prov 6:16-19)

Introduction to the Psalms Israel’s hymnbook – God’s word to us and our words to God Psalm titles –Circumstances –Authors (David, Asaph, sons of Korah, Moses, Solomon, unknown) –Musical notes Arrangement – five books –Note Joshua 1 and Psalm 1 parallels - meditation on Torah General teachings –Nature of God and His mighty works for His people – hesed and emet (emunah) – Psalm 103:8-13 –Nature of sinful humans – need for penitence and deliverance –Love for God’s instruction – determination to live an upright life

Subject Matter Classification Individual (42,43) and corporate (137) laments – expressing distress and suffering Penitential psalms (51) – deep sorrow and repentance over personal sin Thanksgiving psalms (118); hymns of praise (8) Salvation history psalms (78, 105) Songs of Zion (48,84) Songs of trust (23)

Messianic psalms Messiah = “anointed one” – roles of king and priest Psalm 22 – “My God, My God, what hast Thou forsaken Me?” Psalm 110 – combines both kingly and priestly motifs

Imprecatory Psalms 109, 140 The problem: First Testament saints asking that others be cursed Considerations: –These psalms are part of Scripture –The writer is asking God to take care of the problem; he is not taking vengeance himself –There is great concern for God’s honor and glory –The writer is a sinner – but the enemy is worse –There is no gloating over the fall of the enemy –Affliction may cause some to turn in repentance