March 9th, 2009 by Kristi Stephens

Now that we have finished 1st and 2nd Samuel, we’re going to take some time in Psalms and the Wisdom Literature. [Once again, let me state that I am not an expert or a theologian. I am simply passing on to you what I have been taught! If you have questions, ask, and we'll find out together!]

I love the Psalms – most people who have spent any time reading the Bible, whether they are a believer in Christ or not, enjoy reading through the Psalms. They are emotive, sincere, honest. I’m sure we all have a psalm that God used to minister to us during times of struggle, questioning, and difficulty. So, it behooves us to spend some time looking at how to read this great book.

First of all, we need to have a basic understanding of Hebrew poetry. Unlike what we commonly consider to be poetry (“This one, I think, is called a Yink. He likes to wink, he likes to drink…” sorry for the Dr. Seuss allusion there), Hebrew poetry only rarely follows a consistent rhythm of syllables or has rhyming sounds. Rather, Hebrew poetry “rhymes” in meaning.

There are different ways which the Psalms and other Biblical poetry “rhyme” in their meaning. One line can restate the idea of the preceding line in a similar way, and build a fuller understanding of what is being said. For example, consider Psalm 1:1 -

“Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers…”

Do you see how the bold, italic, and underlined words “rhyme” with one another? The lines of this verse “rhyme” in meaning and develop the idea as they go – there is a progression of involvement with the wicked, who are also described as sinners and mockers.

First one might walk by and take notice of what the wicked say. Then, one might associate with them more deliberately. Then, this might move to actually sitting down with them in more intimate contact. By developing the poetry this way, it brings more fullness to the idea and emphasizes it more than just saying, “don’t associate with wicked people.”

Another way that Hebrew poetry can rhyme is by stating the opposite of the first line. Notice verse six of Psalm 1 -

“For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.”

The righteous and wicked, as well as the eventual outcomes of their chosen ways of life “rhyme” by being opposites.

Another form of Hebrew poetry is the acrostic form, where each line of poetry begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It carries the idea of totality, ie: “As we have exhausted the alphabet, so we have exhausted the subject.”

A great example of this form of poetry is Psalm 119. Most people familiar with Bible trivia can tell you that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Well, isn’t that great – a life-changing tidbit if I ever heard one. [Sarcasm! oh, I hate Bible trivia for the sake of knowing trivia! POINTLESS!] Anyway… do you know why it is the longest chapter in the Bible?

If you look at the text of Psalm 119, you will find that there are 22 sections of 8 verses each. The verses of each section begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which is indicated before each stanza. So what?

Psalm 119 is all about the Word of God. You might know verse 11 by heart – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” The reason the Psalmist put this song into an acrostic form is important – remember, acrostic poetry symbolizes totality, or exhaustion of a subject.

Psalm 119, both by content and by poetic form, strongly emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God. We should long for it, read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, because it is central to everything! It is the focal point of a life lived in pursuit of God!

Tomorrow we’ll look into more of the technical aspects of reading and understanding the Psalms. I encourage you to ponder today the centrality of the Word of God. Oh, that God might give us a yearning for Truth in the innermost parts!

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:9-16