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Psalms

Psalms in Poetic Form: Psalm 55

 

Terebinth Tree

Click here to read PSALM 55 in poetic form.

Background

This Psalm has the title “Maschil,” which means instruction. Psalm 55 is separated into three sections, each separated with the Hebrew term “Selah,” which means to pause. Some Bible teachers say this connected the truths that come before and after the term. It has a closing subscript “To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim,” which means “a dove flying through faraway Terebinth trees.” This could refer to David’s many wanderings through the wilderness, fleeing from his enemies. Compare verses 6 and 7 of this Psalm: “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.”

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Psalms

Psalms in Poetic Form: Psalm 42

1 Ibex

Click here to read PSALM 42 in poetic form.

Background

This Psalm opens the second or “Exodus” book in the Psalms (Psalms 42-72), and is tied together with Psalm 43 (which has no title of its own). This unity can be seen in that a chorus occurs in the middle and end of Psalm 42 and at the end of Psalm 43. The chorus includes: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.”

Categories
Psalms

Psalms in Poetic Form: Psalm 41

 

Blog Sundown

Click here to read PSALM 41 in poetic form.

Background

Like Psalms 38 and 39 and 40, this shows the sufferings the Messiah would endure and overcome so that he could reign as King. Psalm 41 shows Messiah’s trust in God despite the betrayal of intimate friends. It closes with Messiah’s integrity and his future place seated at God’s right hand forever. This Psalm is also the conclusion of the first or “Genesis” book in the Psalms, having a benediction and double “Amen.”