BOOK I
Psalms 1 – 41
Introduction
Psalm 1
First Cycle
Psalm 2
Psalm 3
Psalm 4
Psalm 5
Psalm 6
Psalm 7
Psalm 8
Second Cycle
Psalm 9
Psalm 10
Psalm 11
Psalm 12
Psalm 13
Psalm 14
Psalm 15
Psalm 16
Psalm 17
Psalm 18
Third Cycle
Psalm 19
Psalm 20
Psalm 21
Psalm 22
Psalm 23
Psalm 24
Psalm 25
Psalm 26
Psalm 27
Psalm 28
Psalm 29
Bridge
Psalm 30
Psalm 31
Fourth Cycle
Psalm 32
Psalm 33
Psalm 34
Psalm 35
Psalm 36
Psalm 37
Psalm 38
Psalm 39
Psalm 40
Psalm 41
PARALLELISM
• While English poetry rhymes words, Hebrew poetry rhymes ideas by the use of parallelism.
• Hebrew parallelism expresses a thought between words, between lines, or divisions to compare and contrast.
hvw h y
• hwhy, Yahweh or Yhwh, is often translated as Jehovah or LORD.
TRANSLATION
While the King James Version (KJV) emphazies on the movement of the poetry, which makes this version great for memorization, and the modern versions emphasizes on translating into modern English, my version (BPV) emphasizes the best translation of words from the Hebrew into English. Unfortunately, one can’t have all three types of translation in the same version.
POETIC STRUCTURE
• A Word is the smallest element in poetry.
• A Colon (line) is a group of meaningful words in a verse of poetry.
• A Verseline may be formed by two colas (bicolic) or three colas (tricolic).
• A Strophe consists of two, three, or four verseline is a small division within a Canticle or Canto and is determined by unity of thought.
• A Canticle consists of one or more Strophes.
• A Canto (stanza) is the formal framework of the poem and its content.
Why are these terms important? These individual parts will help unify the psalm and give the reader a better understanding for each psalm. The work has been done for you.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Two numbers, 17 and 26, are woven throughout Scriptures to represent God’s name and presence.
• כבד, kabod, meaning glory, has a numerical equivalency of 17, and sometimes as כבוד will have a numerical equivalency of 26.
•hwhy, Yahweh or Yhwh, often translated as Jehovah or Lord, has a numerical equivalency of 26 and sometimes 17 in some forms.
• The YHWH-echad formula consist of 26 words + 13 words = 39 words.
• Five signfies grace.
• Seven signifies divine perfection or completion.
• Eleven signifies fulfillment.
• Fourteen is the gemetria number for the word David.
• Labuschagne, Casper J. (2016). Numerical Features of the Psalms and Other Selected Texts. https://www.labuschagne.nl/psalms.htm
INTRODUCTION PSALM: (1)
Psalm 1: In Its Season
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 1 functions as the overture for the whole Psalter and Book I with the word happy or happiness
interwoven throughout. Not only does this word introduce this Psalm, it is used 26 times in the whole Psalter (Book of Psalms), as a fingerprint of hwhy.
PARALLELISM
While English poetry rhymes words, Hebrew poetry rhymes ideas by comparing or contrasting. Therefore, to show parallel words the parallel parts are colored for you.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Verse 3 is a kabod verse, being composed of 17 words, signaling His Glory.
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 3, the outermost strophes, contrast a righteous man as opposed to the wicked.
• Strophe 2, the Central Theme, is for the righteous man to prosper spiritually.
HOW TO READ A PSALM
Read one strophe at a time. Within a strophe are one, two, or three verses. Each verse also might have one, two, or three lines.
While reading each verse, pay attention to the parallel lines. The colors show the parallel parts of the line. How do the lines compare and/or contrast?
What are the verses communicating in the strophe?
Consider how the strophes fit the Canto and then the Psalm as a whole.
Notice the strophes are indented to show the chiastic structure, with the Central Strophe indented. The Central Verse or Theme will be highlighted.
What is the Central Verse communicating to you?
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
CANTO I
Direct the man to avoid the wayward path of the wicked but to delight in His instruction for the purpose of being fruitful, flourishing, and prosperous in Him.
STROPHE 1
• (1) Happy or happiness is having the secure possession of good, as a result of choices. The Hebrew word for happy is slightly different than blessed.
• asher, is a noun and means happy or happiness. It is an abstract idea that describes the status of a man.
• barak, is a verb and means blessed.
• (2) Torah = instruction, doctrine; law
(1) Parallelism: Three activities that a good man should avoid.
| walking in the counsel of the wicked standing in the way of sinners sitting in the seat of the scornful |
(2) Parallelism: Two ways we are to be nourished by His instruction.
delight in it meditate day and night in it |
STROPHE 2
• (3) This focus in this central verse pertains to the phrase, in his season. As we become like a tree planted by the streams of living water, we are fruitful, flourishing, and spiritually prosperous. This is God’s purpose for us.
STROPHE 3
We are redirected back to the wicked and their destiny.
• (4) Chaff is the husk of the grain.
• (4) Wind can also mean spirit.
• (5) They are unable to get up.
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 1:1-6
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1 O Happiness of the man who has not walked in the counsel of the wicked;
And in the way of sinners has not stood;
And in the seat of the scoffer has not sat.
2 But if in the instruction of hwhy is his delight,
And in His instruction he meditates by day and night.
Strophe 2
3 And he has been as a tree, planted by streams of water,
That his fruit gives in his season, and his leaf does not wither,
And all that he does, he causes to prosper. (17 words)
Strophe 3
4 Not so are the wicked,
But if are as chaff that wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked do not arise in judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For hwhy is knowing the way of the righteous,
And the way of the wicked perishes.
FIRST CYCLE OF PSALMS: (2-8)
Psalm 2: Has Said Unto Me
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 2 functions as the overture for the first group: Psalms 2-8.
PARALLELISM
PARALLELISM
While English poetry rhymes words, Hebrew poetry rhymes ideas by comparing or contrasting.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Three times, hwhy, Yahweh or
YHWH, is used in this Psalm.
• This decree of God (vs. 6) consists of seven words, which the number seven signifies divine perfection or completion.
• This central verse (vs. 7) consists of eleven words, which the number eleven signifies fulfillment.
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 4, the outermost strophes, are addressing kings.
• Strophe 2 and Strophe 3, the inner strophes, are addressing Christ and the Anointed King.
• Verse 6 and Verse 7, parallel each other, and make up the Central Theme.
(6-7) Parallelism:
| be begotten | My King My Son |
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
CANTO I
Contrasts man’s rebellion and God’s response,
and arranges the stage for God’s divine decree in verse six.
STROPHE 1
Rulers who are in rebellion.
Mediate here can also mean plot, plan, devise.
STROPHE 2
God is laughing at rebellion.
• (5) The Hebrew word, ‘aph, actually means nose or nostril, but can mean anger. The imagery depicts a person breathing angrily causing his nostrils to expand.
• (6) The same anointing that rests on David, will be on the future King.
• (6) Mount Zion was the City of David, and was located below Mt. Moriah where the Temple Mount sits. The Ophel is situated between Mount Zion and Mount Moriah. (see the 1903 Map of Jerusalem.)
CANTO II
Christ’s inheritance and the submission of kings.
The Canto begins with God’s second decree given in Strophe 3.
STROPHE 3
The Resurrected Christ will rule the nations.
• (7) This central verse for Psalm 2 focuses on the phrase, (hwhy) has said unto Me., which then states that the LORD has begotten His Son.
• (7) The Hebrew word, yalad, translated as begotten, can mean to bring forth as a mother, or to beget as a father.
• (7) (Acts 13:33-34; Heb. 1:5, 5:5) Although begotten can mean to bring forth or beget, this highly prophetic verse is explained in Acts: God has begotten His Son through the Resurrection.
• (9) A parallel verse is used in Revelation 2:27, but the word rule is used instead of break. However, the implication would be that a nation would choose to be ruled or be dashed into pieces.
STROPHE 4
This strophe is about kings being submitted to Christ.
• (10) Where does understanding take place? The heart!
• (11) Kiss the Son — should be — kiss His feet. This verse seems to have been altered some in words and numerical features, and even differs from the Septuagint. Prof. Casper J. Labuschagne has put forth a reasonable correction that gives the parallelism in the two verses a better flow.
CODA
• (12) Notice that the Hebrew word for happiness, asher, used in Psalm 1 is used again here. How does the Psalmist teach us how we experience happiness? By trusting Him.
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 2:1-12
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1 Why have nations made a tumult,
And peoples meditate a vanity?
2 Set themselves do kings of the earth,
And princes have been convened together,
Against hwhy and against His Anointed, saying:
3 “Let us burst their bonds,
And cause us to cast away from us their cords.”
Strophe 2
4 He who is sitting in the heavens does laugh;
ADONAI derides them.
5 Then does He speak unto them with His nostrils enraged,
And in His burning anger He does strike them with terror.
6 “And I – I have anointed My King
Upon Zion — My holy mountain.” (7 words)
CANTO II
Strophe 3
7 “I recount concerning a decree:
hvw h y has said unto Me, ‘My Son You are,
I today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me,
And I give nations for Your inheritance,
And for Your possession the ends of earth.
9 You do break* them with an iron rod,
As a vessel of a potter You dash them to pieces.’”
Strophe 4
10 And now, O kings, become understanding,
Be corrected, O judges of earth.
11 Serve hwhy with fear,
And kiss His feet with trembling.
12 Lest He breathes angrily and you lose the way,
When kindles but a little His nostrils enraged.
Coda
O Happiness are all trusting in Him.
Psalm 3: And I Sleep
INTRODUCTION
In 2 Sam. 15-18, Absalom conspires against his father, King David, and attempts to overthrow him from his kingdom. Absalom is unsuccesful, but in the interim of distresses, David is forced to flee Jerusalem.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Five verses (1b-5) will consist of seven Hebrew words, which the number seven signifies divine perfection or completion. Five is the number for grace.
• In both Strophe 1 and Strophe 2, the verses have 14 Hebrew words. The gemetria number for the word David is also 14.
• Verses 6-8 consist of 26 Hebrew words, signifying hwhy.
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 5, the outermost strophes, are addressing David’s distresses and the LORD’s blessings.
• Strophe 2 and Strophe 4, address that the LORD God is David’s defender.
• Strophe 3 is the Central Theme showing that God gives David pleasant sleep.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
CANTO I
Contrasts David’s distresses with the LORD being his shield.
STROPHE 1
David is facing an unfavorable situation.
STROPHE 2
The LORD is David’s support in the midst of difficulties.
• (4) The Lord’s holy mount is the Heavenly Zion.
CANTO II
Experiencing the peace of the LORD,
turning to the LORD for salvation,
and experiencing His blessing.
STROPHE 3
The LORD has given David peace in the midst of his difficulties.
Verse 5 is the central verse of Psalm 3, with the focus on the phrase, and I sleep. David experiences the peace of the LORD even when he sleeps.
STROPHE 4
The LORD is the victor.
STROPHE 5
The concluding strophe is about salvation and blessing from the LORD.
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 3:1-3:8
1a A Psalm of David in his fleeing from the face of Absalom his son.
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1b hwhy, how they have been increased my distresses!
Many are arising against me. (7 words)
2 Many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah. (7 words)
Strophe 2
3 And You, O hvw h y, are a shield for me,
My glory and lifter up of my head. (7 words)
4 My voice is unto hvw h y, I call,
And He answers me from His holy mount. Selah. (7 words)
CANTO II
Strophe 3
5 I – I have lain down, and I sleep,
I have awakened, for hwhy sustains me. (7 words)
6 I am afraid not of myriads of people,
That round about they have set themselves against me.
Strophe 4
7a Arise, O hvw h y,
Save me, O my God.
7b For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek,
The teeth of the wicked You have shattered.
Strophe 5
8 Of hvw h y is salvation,
On Your people is Your blessing. Selah.
Psalm 4: Say in Your Heart ... and Be Still
INTRODUCTION
This Psalm is considered an Evening Psalm, and is thought to be a continution of David’s flight from Jerusalem on account of Absalom.
HEADING
Heading:
• Neginoth means stringed instruments.
• Identifies the author as David.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Verse 7 consist of seven Hebrew words, which the number seven signifies divine perfection or completion. In this verse, a foreshadow of Christ is given by the words grain and wine, signifying our joy, is in Him.
• Five times, hwhy, is used in this Psalm. Five is the number for grace.
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 5, the outermost strophes, contrast the crying out in prayer and answered prayer.
• Strophe 2 and Strophe 4, contrast shame against righteousness.
• Strophe 3, the Central Theme, shows the importance of lifting our hearts unto the LORD before going to sleep.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
CANTO I
David’s struggles.
STROPHE 1
David is facing an unfavorable situation.
• (1b) enlarged a space means to make room or to deliver.
STROPHE 2
Sons of men seeking shame.
STROPHE 3
The LORD hears his people; call on Him and wait for Him.
The central verse (vs. 4) of Psalm 4, focus the focus on the phrase, Say in your heart while upon your bed, and be still. David encourages us to meditate upon the LORD before we go to sleep.
CANTO II
David’s focus on the LORD.
STROPHE 4
Believers are to trust in His sacrifice.
STROPHE 5
God’s blessing is upon His people.
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 4:1-4:8
1a To the Chief Musician on Neginoth.
A Psalm of David.
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1b In my calling, answer me, O God of my righteousness!
In distress you have enlarged a space for me;
Be gracious on me and hear my prayer.
Strophe 2
2 O sons of men! until when is my glory for shame?
You love vanity,
You seek for a falsehood. Selah
Strophe 3
3 And know that hvw h y has separated the pious to Himself;
hvw h y hears in my calling to Him.
4 Be angry, and sin not.
Say in your heart while upon your bed, and be still. Selah
CANTO II
Strophe 4
5 Sacrifice the sacrifices of righteousness,
And set your hope and confidence unto hvw h y.
Strophe 5
6 Many are saying, “Who does show us good?”
Lift upon us the light of Your face, hwhy.
7 You have given joy in my heart,
From the time their grain and their wine have been increased.
8 In peace together I lie down and sleep;
For You, hwhy alone,
In confidence, cause me to dwell.
Psalm 5: I Prostrate Myself Toward
INTRODUCTION
Considered a morning psalm and thought to be a continution of David’s flight from Jerusalem on account of Absalom, Psalm 5 serves as the central theme for the first group in Book I.
HEADING
Heading:
• Nehiloth suggests inheritances, a melody, or an instrument.
• Identifies the author as David.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Five times, hwhy, is used in this Psalm. Five is the number for grace.
• This psalm is loaded with 5’s, 8’s, 17’s, and the hwhy-echad formula of 26 + 13 = 39.
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 7, the outermost strophes, contrast the crying out in prayer and rejoicing in Him.
• Strophe 2 and Strophes 5 – 6, show the lot of the wicked..
• Strophes 3 – 4, the Central Theme, show the importance of focusing on worshipping the Lord in the midst of our troubles.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
CANTO I
David crying out to the Lord in his morning prayers.
STROPHE 1
David asking for God’s full attention.
• (1b) prick up your ears is a concrete expression and means to listen or give an ear to hearing.
• (3) set in order can mean to arrange in order for a meal, an altar, a battle, or words to be heard. In this context, set in order refers to words, and yet their is a hint of the other meanings.
• (3) watch expectantly can mean a watchman on a tower, or watching or expecting divine aid. In this context, watch expectantly refers to watching or expecting divine aid, but yet a watchman is symbolic of a prophet.
CANTO II
Comparing the wicked to those who walk in righteousness.
STROPHE 2
God hates evil.
• (4) sojourns means to tarry as a sojourner and stranger. The sojourner (guwr) was a immigrant who made the steps to dwell legally as opposed to the foreigner (nokriy) who was visiting or intruding. The context here is that evil would not be allowed to dwell legally.
STROPHE 3
David in the presence of the Lord.
Verse 7 is the central verse of Psalm 5 with the focus on the phrase, I prostrate myself toward. David finds that worshiping God in his temple during his hardships becomes most important in his life.
STROPHE 4
David needing God’s guidance because of his oppressors.
CANTO III
From the mouth of the wicked to the joy of the righteous.
STROPHE 5
A description of David’s oppressors.
• (9b) While the throat is rough, yet the tongue speaks smooth words.
STROPHE 6
David recognizes vengeance belongs to the Lord. Neither is David asking for God to destroy his oppressors as is translated in some versions, nor is he asking for them to be merely judged as in other translations. Rather than seeking his own retribution, David is praying for the Lord to inflict the deserved punishment.
STROPHE 7
God is our joy and protection.
• (11) To cover over is protection. Notice how trusting in Him, being covered over by Him, and loving His name all function together.
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 5:1-5:12
1a To the Chief Musician on Nehiloth.
A Psalm of David.
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1b To my sayings prick up your ears, hwhy,
Turn the mind to my fervent cry.
2 Be attentive to the voice of my outcry,
My King and my God,
For unto You I supplicate myself.
3 hwhy, in the morning, You hear my voice;
In the morning, I set in order to You, And I watch expectantly.
CANTO II
Strophe 2
4 For not a God delighting in wickedness are You,
Nor sojourns in You evil.
5 Take not their stand the insolent,
Before Your eyes;
You have hated all working iniquity.
6 You destroy those speaking falsehood,
A man of blood and fraudulent
Does hvw h y abhor.
Strophe 3
7 And I, in the multitude of Your covenantal mercy, I enter Your house;
I prostrate myself toward Your holy temple in Your fear.
Strophe 4
8 O hwhy, lead me in Your righteousness,
Because of my oppresors;
Make straight before my face Your way.
CANTO III
Strophe 5
9a For nothing in his mouth is sincere,
Their inward part is mischiefs.
9b An open sepulcher is their throat,
Their tongue they make smooth.
Strophe 6
10a Inflict punishment on them, O God!
Let them fall from their own counsels;
10b In the multitude of their transgressions cast them down,
For they have rebelled against You.
Strophe 7
11And rejoice all trusting in You;
Forever they shout for joy, and You cover over them;
And they exult in You, those loving Your name.
12 For You bless the righteous, O hvw h y,
As a shield with favor You surround him.
Psalm 6: I Have Been Weary with My Groaning
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 6 is the first of the Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), named by Cassiodorus in his commentary, and that express Repentance. David does not express his innocence at all.
HEADING
Heading:
• Neginoth suggests stringed instruments.
• Sheminoth suggests the eighth octave or eight strings.
• Identifies the author as David.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Eight times, hwhy, is used in this Psalm. Eight is the number for the Resurrection.
• This psalm has a perfectly symmetric strophic structure.
CANTO I – 39 words
Strophe 1 – 24 words
Strophe 2 – 15 words
Strophe 3 – 15 words
Strophe 4 – 24 words
CANTO II – 39 words
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 4, the outermost strophes, contrast David crying out for mercy and his prayers heard.
• Strophe 2 and Strophes 3, contrast the rememberance of the LORD’s covenantal mercy with repentance.
• Verse 6 is the Central Theme, showing the weariness of David’s heart.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
A FORESHADOW OF JESUS
David is considered a weeping prophet like Jeremiah. Allthough this is a Penitential Psalm of David, the imagery of the Passion of Jesus is foreshadowed.
POETRY STRUCTURE
CANTO I
STROPHE 1
David calls upon the LORD to be gracious. Yet, this is a prophetic picture of Calvary when, Jesus experiences the chastisement of God for our transgressions.
• (1b) The Hebrew word, ‘aph, actually means nose or nostril, but can mean anger. The imagery depicts a person breathing angrily causing his nostrils to expand. I can imagine David thinking, O Lord, please don’t take me to the woodshed while looking like you are ready to explode.
• (2) Here David explains his physical condition in very concrete terms.
• (3) until when is asking how long.
STROPHE 2
David is praying to the LORD for deliverance and reminding Him of His covenantal mercy. Yet, this speaks of the Messiah being not forsaken in Sheol, and the importance of the Father’s covenantal mercy towards His Son.
• (5) Sheol or Hades is the underworld where the dead went. The righteous, who were separated from the unrighteous, were waiting for the coming of the Savior so they could be with God in Heaven.
CANTO II
David speaks about God.
After recalling his grief, David address his enemy.
His tears of repentance turn into spiritual victory.
STROPHE 3
David speaks about himself and pouring out his heart. Where else do we see tears shed but at the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus Christ!
Verse 6 is the central verse of Psalm 6 with the focus on the phrase, I have been weary with my groaning. David isn’t just sorrowful for his transgressions, but he sees the depth of his sin, the consequences he faces, and how others have been affected. He has recognized that there is no atonement by animal sacrifice for his two great transgressions, and can only be forgiven by His covenantal mercy.
STROPHE 4
David speaks to his enemy and proclaims the LORD will hear him. This strophe foreshadows the crucified Christ as a result of the works of the Enemy, and yet Jesus Christ knowing that God will carry him through.
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 6:1-10
1a To the Chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith.
A Psalm of David.
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1b O hwhy, not with Your nostrils enraged reprove me,
Nor in Your hot anger chastise me.
2 Be gracious to me, O hwhy, for feeble am I;
Heal me, O hwhy, for have been trembling my bones.
3 And my soul has been terrified greatly,
And You, O hwhy, until when?
Strophe 2
4 Return, O hwhy, deliver my soul;
Save me for the sake of Your covenantal mercy!
5 For in death is no remembrance of You;
In Sheol, who does give thanks to You?
CANTO II
Strophe 3
6 I have been weary with my groaning;
I cause to swim in all the night my bed;
With my tears my couch I dissolve.
7 Has wasted away from grief — my eye;
It has become old because of all my adversaries.
Strophe 4
8 Depart from me all you doers of iniquity;
For has heard hwhy the voice of my weeping.
9 Has heard hwhy my supplication;
hwhy my prayer receives.
10 Be ashamed and terrified greatly all my enemies;
Return and be ashamed suddenly.
Psalm 7: I Have Been Weary with My Groaning
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 7 is a hymn of praise, and is a psalm for adversity.
HEADING
Heading:
• Shiggaion is a hymn. The only other place this word is mentioned in the Hebrew is in Habakkuk 3.1. The meaning of the word is unknown and has aroused several speculative definitions.
• Identifies the author as David.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Seven times, hwhy, is used in this Psalm with the middle occurrence ending Part I. The number seven is the number of holiness and completion.
• This psalm has two parts with each part having its own center, and then it has one center for the entire psalm.
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 7, the outermost strophes, begin with a plea for help and end with the iniquitous reaping their just reward.
• Strophe 2 and Strophe 6, contrasts the psalmist checking his own actions and God being the warrior.
• Strophe 3 and Strophe 5, contrasts the psalmist calling out to the Lord and God being his shield.
• Strophe 4 is the major Central Theme, praying that God would establish the righteous.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
PART I
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE OF THE FIRST INDIVIDUAL PART OF THE PSALM:
Strophe 1 and Strophe 3: A plea for help contrasts calling out to the Lord.Strophe 2 is the minor theme with the psalmist checking his own actions.
CANTO I
STROPHE 1
• (1b) have trusted is to take refuge; to preserve means to save
STROPHE 2
If I have done wrong, then let me get my just rewards.
• (4) without cause or rashly
• (4b) middle line of Part I
STROPHE 3
The Psalmist calling out to the Lord.
PART II
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE OF THE SECOND INDIVIDUAL PART OF THE PSALM:
Strophe 4 and Strophe 7: A pray that God would establish the righteous contrasts with the iniquitous receiving their just reward. Strophe 5 and Strophe 6: God is a shield and a warrior.
• Verse 12 is the minor theme with God ready for battle.
CANTO II
The Psalmist speaks about God and righteousness.
STROPHE 4
Addresses God to judge and establish the righteous.
• (8b) The two phrases, according to my righteousness, and according to my my integrity upon me, parallel each other in the same line.
• (9b) reins (kidneys) considered the inmost soul
STROPHE 5
Spoken about the righteous God!
• (11) Angered every day refers to the sins He sees every day.
CANTO III
The Psalmist speaks about God and His righteousness.
STROPHE 6
Spoken about the warrior God.
STROPHE 7
Spoken against the iniquitous.
• (16) crown is the top of the head.
CODA
Spoken about praising God.
STROPHE 8
Spoken to God.
• (17) Praise here is a giving of thanks.
• (17) To sing and/or play a musical Instrument.
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 7:1-7:17
1a A Shiggaion of David which he has sung to hwhy,
concerning the words of Cush in Benjami.
PART I
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1b O hwhy my God, in You I have trusted,
Preserve me from all my pursuers, and deliver me.
2 Lest he tear as a lion my soul,
Breaking me, and no deliverer.
Strophe 2
3 O hwhy, my God, if I have done this,
If there is iniquity in the palms of my hands,
4 If I have repaid my friend with evil,
And set free my adversary without cause,
5 Let an enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it,
And tread down to the earth my life ,
And my honor in the dust cause to dwell. Selah.
Strophe 3
6 Arise, O hvw h y, in Your anger,
Lift up Yourself because of the outpouring of anger of my adversaries,
And awake for me the Judgment You have commanded.
7 And a congregation of peoples surround You,
And over it return on high.
8a hwhy judges the peoples.
PART II
CANTO II
Strophe 4
8b Judge me, O hvw h y,
According to my righteousness, And according to my integrity upon me,
9a Let I pray, come to an end the evil of the wicked,
And establish the righteous,
9b And an assayer of the hearts and the reins,
O righteous God.
Strophe 5
10 My shield is upon God,
Savior of the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
And a god angered every day.
CANTO III
Strophe 6
12 If He does not turn Himself, his sword He sharpens.
His bow He has bent, and directs it.
13 And for Himself He has prepared weapons of death,
His arrows flaming He makes.
Strophe 7
14 Behold, he brings forth iniquity,
And he has conceived trouble, and he has begotten a lie.
15 A pit he has excavated, and digs it,
And falls in the snare he makes.
16 Returns his trouble on his head,
and on his crown his violence comes down.
CODA
Strophe 8
17 I praise hvw h y according to His righteousness,
And I sing the name of hvw h y Most High.
Psalm 8: And the Son of Adam
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 8 is a psalm of joy. It is one of the three winepress psalms.
HEADING
Heading:
• Gittith refers to the winepress and may mean a type of musical instrument. The Gittith is also mentioned Psalms 81 and 84.
• Identifies the author as David.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Twice, hwhy, is used in the opening and closing of this psalm (1b-10).
• Both Strophe 1 and Strophe 6 envelop the psalm witha 7 Hebrew word verse. Seven is complete and holy.
• Composed of 17 Hebrew words, Strophe 3 is a kabod strophe, signaling His Glory.
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 6, the outermost strophes, envelop the poem with the his mighty name.
• Strophe 2 and Strophe 5, contrasts the psalmist checking his own actions and God being the warrior.
• Strophe 3 and Strophe 4, contrasts the glory of the Lord.
• Verses 5 and 6 is the Central Theme, speaking of the status of mankind in general, but the work of Christ.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
CANTO I
STROPHE 1
• (1b) The Hebrew word is mighty, but the Greek Septuagint translated this word to mean a wonder, or a marvel.
STROPHE 2
• (2) The Hebrew word is strength, but the Septuagint uses praise. There is strength in praise.
STROPHE 3
CANTO II
STROPHE 4
STROPHE 5
STROPHE 6
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 8:1-8:9
1a To the Chief Musician on the Gittith.
A Psalm of David.
CANTO I
Strophe 1
1b O hvw h y, our Lord,
How mighty your name in all the earth! (7 words)
Strophe 2
2 Who gives your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of children and sucklings You have ordained strength,
3 Because of your adversaries,
to restrain an enemy and one desirous of vengeance.
Strophe 3
4 When I see Your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which You have created.
5 What is man that You remember him,
And the son of adam that You visit him.
CANTO II
Strophe 4
6 You have caused him to be wanting a little of the Elohim,
And glory and honor You have crowned him.
7 You cause him to rule over the works of your hands,
All You have set under his feet.
Strophe 5
8 Sheep and oxen all,
And also beasts of the field
9 Birds of air, and fish of the sea,
passing over the paths of the seas
Strophe 6
10 O hvw h y, our Lord,
How mighty your name in all the earth! (7 words)
SECOND CYCLE OF PSALMS: (9-18)
Psalms 9-10: Celebrate with Praise among the Peoples
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 9: Although evil is temporary, the righteous will endure.
This is a partial anacrostic (alphabetic) psalm, but the next psalm picks up the remainder of the alphabet. Notice the ancient Paleo-Hebrew letter at the line in which the Hebrew word begin with that particular letter. However, the letter dalet=d is missing from the psalm.
HEADING
Heading:
• Almuth Laben = on the death of a son.
• Identifies the author as David.
Ending:
• Selah = a pause or rest
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Nine times, hwhy, is used in this psalm (1b-20).
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 10, the outermost strophes, begin with praising the Lord and then ends by praying for the fear of the Lord upon the nations.
• Strophe 2 and Strophe 9, each compare the lot of the enemy with the remembrance of the righteous.
• Strophe 3 and Strophe 8, discuss the outcome of evil nations.
• Strophe 4 and Strophe 7, proclaim the Lord is the defender and savior of the righteous.
• Verses 5 and 6 is the Central Theme: He is our rock and confidence; celebrate for He has not forgotten us.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
SUB-CANTO I.1
STROPHE 1
STROPHE 2
STROPHE 3
SUB-CANTO I.2
STROPHE 4
STROPHE 5
STROPHE 6
STROPHE 7
(14) Rejoice or leap for joy; go in a circle.
SUB-CANTO I.3
STROPHE 8
(16) Higgaion = Sound of the lyre. Selah = rest, silence
STROPHE 9
(17) Elohim = creator God
STROPHE 10
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 9:1-9:20
1a To the Chief Musician Almuth Laben.
A Psalm of David.
CANTO I
Sub-Canto I.1
Strophe 1
A 1 I praise, O hwhy, with all my heart,
I recount all Your wonders,
2 I rejoice and exult in You,
I sing Your Name, O Most High.
Strophe 2
b 3 In turning my enemies back,
They totter and perish from Your face.
4 For You have done my judgment and my cause,
You have sat on a throne judging righteousness.
Strophe 3
g 5 You have rebuked nations, You have destroyed the wicked,
Their name You have wiped away forever and ever.
6 O Enemy, Destructions have completed for ever,
And cities you have plucked up, Have perished their remembrance with them.
Sub-Canto I.2
Strophe 4
7 And hwhy forever remains,
He has prepared for judgment His throne.
h 8 And He judges the world in righteousness,
He defends the peoples in uprightness.
Strophe 5
w 9 And is hwhy a lofty place for the crushed,
A rock in times of distress.
10 They set their confidence in You, those knowing Your name,
For You have not deserted those seeking You, hwhy.
Strophe 6
z 11 Sing ye to hwhy, dwelling in Zion,
Celebrate ye with praise among the peoples His deeds,
12 For seeking blood He has remembered them,
He has not forgotten the outcry of the afflicted.
Sub-Canto I.3
Strophe 7
j 13 Be gracious to me, O hwhy, See my affliction from those hating me,
You raising me from the gates of death,
14 So that I recount all Your praise,
In the gates of the daughter of Zion, I rejoice in Your salvation.
Strophe 8
f 15 Nations have sunk in a pit they have made,
In a net which they have hidden their own foot has been caught.
16 hvw h y has become known, judgment He has done,
In a work of his own hands is the wicked snared. Higgaion. Selah.
Strophe 9
y 17 Wicked turn themselves to Sheol,
All nations forgetting Elohim.
k 18 For not for ever is the needy forgotten,
The hope of the afflicted lost for ever.
Strophe 10
19 Arise, hvw h y, let not man become strong,
Let nations be judged before Your face.
20 Lay on, hvw h y, a fear to them,
Let nations know they are men! Selah.
Psalms 9-10: Celebrate with Praise among the Peoples
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 10: Although evil is temporary, the righteous will endure.
This is a partial anacrostic (alphabetic) psalm, that picks up the remainder of the alphabet from the previous psalm. Notice the ancient Paleo-Hebrew letter at the line in which the Hebrew word begin with that particular letter. However, the letters mem=m, noon=n,
and samech=s are missing from the psalm.
HEADING
Heading:
• There is no heading since this psalm continues from the previous psalm.
NUMERICAL FEATURES
• Five times, hwhy, is used in this psalm (1-20).
CHIASTIC STRUCTURE
• Strophe 1 and Strophe 10, the outermost strophes, begin with praising the Lord and then ends by praying for the fear of the Lord upon the nations.
• Strophe 2 and Strophe 9, each compare the lot of the enemy with the remembrance of the righteous.
• Strophe 3 and Strophe 8, discuss the outcome of evil nations.
• Strophe 4 and Strophe 7, proclaim the Lord is the defender and savior of the righteous.
• Verses 5 and 6 is the Central Theme: He is our rock and confidence; celebrate for He has not forgotten us.
PARALLEL COLORS
• Hebrew verbs or parallel words acting as such are in blue letters.
• Hebrew words acting as parallel phrases are in sea green letters.
• Hebrew words acting as a second set of parallel phrases are in burnt orange letters.
POETRY STRUCTURE
SUB-CANTO II.1
Scripture Reading - BPV
Psalm 10:1-10:18
CANTO II
Sub-Canto II.1
l 1 Why, hwhy, do YOU stand afar?
Do YOU hide in times of distress?
2 In pride the wicked pursues hotly the poor,
They are taken in counsels which they have plotted.
3 For the wicked glories of the desire of his soul,
And a despoiler he has blessed, he has rejected hvw h y.
4 The wicked with his arrogant nose, inquires not.
`ELOHIM is not!’ are in all his counsels.
5 His ways are firm at all times,
On high are YOUR judgments before his eyes,
All his adversaries, he rails against them.
6 He has said in his heart, `I do not totter,’
To generation and generation which nothing be in evil.
Sub-Canto II.2
p 7 His mouth has been full of cursing, and frauds, and oppression:
Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.
8 He sits in ambush of their enclosures,
In hiding-places he kills the innocent.
8-9 His eyes on the unfortunate watch secretly,
He lies in wait in a hiding-place as a lion in a lair.
9 He lies in wait to seize the poor,
He seizes the poor in drawing him into his net.
x 10 He crushes, he sinks down,
The unfortunate has fallen by his powerful members = lions.
11 He has said in his heart, `God has forgotten,
He has hidden His face, He has never seen.’
Sub-Canto II.3
q 12 Arise, O hwhy, O God, lift up Your hand!
Forget not the afflicted.
13 Wherefore has the wicked rejected Elohim?
He has said in his heart, `YOU do not punish.’
r 14 YOU have seen, for YOU to behold
trouble and grief by giving into YOUR hand,
Upon YOU the unfortunate commits himself,
Of the orphan YOU have been a helper.
c 15
INTRODUCTION PSALM: (1)