MAPPING THE PSALMS LESSON TWO THE STRUCTURE OF
- Slides: 63
MAPPING THE PSALMS LESSON TWO: THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK
Some people look at the night sky and get lost in the sea of twinkling lights.
Some people look at the night sky and get lost in the sea of twinkling lights. Others learn to recognize the patterns of the constellations.
Some people look at the night sky and get lost in the sea of twinkling lights. Others learn to recognize the patterns of the constellations. This is the constellation of Orion the Hunter.
Some people look at the night sky and get lost in the sea of twinkling lights. Others learn to recognize the patterns of the constellations. This is the constellation of Orion the Hunter.
The three stars of his belt make him easy to locate.
Orion’s right shoulder is the star Betelgeuse. It is about 700 times the size of the Sun!
The constellations help us draw a map of the stars.
God has also given us ways to map the Holy Scriptures.
When you and I think of poetry, we generally think of rhyming sounds.
When you and I think of poetry, we generally think of rhyming sounds. I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. Alfred Joyce Kilmer
When you and I think of poetry, we generally think of rhyming sounds. In biblical poetry, we see parallel concepts or rhyming ideas. I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. Alfred Joyce Kilmer
PARALLELS IN STRUCTURE In a SYNONYMOUS parallel, one idea is presented two complementary ways: In a SYNONYMOUS parallel, one idea is stated two ways:
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE In a SYNONYMOUS parallel, one idea is stated two ways: the way of life is the way of no death Proverbs 12: 28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
PARALLELS IN STRUCTURE In a SYNONYMOUS parallel, one idea is presented two complementary ways: In an OPPOSING parallel, an idea is set in contrast to its opposite:
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE In an OPPOSING parallel, an idea is set in contrast to its opposite: Proverbs 11: 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE In an OPPOSING parallel, an idea is set in contrast to its opposite: the way of life and the way of death Proverbs 11: 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? Psalm 119: 1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? a synonymous parallel Psalm 119: 1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? a synonymous parallel What two concepts are shown as one? Psalm 119: 1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? a synonymous parallel What two concepts are shown as one? the way [of God] the law of the LORD Psalm 119: 1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? Psalm 1: 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? an opposing parallel Psalm 1: 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? an opposing parallel What concepts are set in opposition? Psalm 1: 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
PATTERNS IN PARALLELS INSTRUCTURE What kind of structure is used here? an opposing parallel What concepts are set in opposition? the way of the righteous the way of the ungodly Psalm 1: 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
The books of the Bible are rich in word pictures or EMBLEMATIC parallels.
Psalm 1: 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. A SIMILE establishes a parallel using the words like or as.
Psalm 84: 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. A METAPHOR establishes a parallel by calling one thing another.
Psalm 34: 15 ANTHROPOMORPHISM uses the traits of a man to describe the ways of God.
Psalm 34: 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. ANTHROPOMORPHISM uses the traits of a man to describe the ways of God. (Anthropology is the scientific study of humans, human behavior and societies in the past and present. )
Psalm 91: 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. In ZOOMORPHISM, the ways of God are described using attributes of the lower animals. (Just think of the word ‘zoo’. )
PARALLELS IN IMAGERY Test your understanding: 1. 2. 3. 4. Simile Metaphor Anthropomorphism Zoomorphism
PARALLELS IN IMAGERY Test your understanding: 1. 2. 3. 4. Simile Metaphor Anthropomorphism Zoomorphism __ Revelation 5: 5 …behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. __ Psalm 31: 3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. __ Psalm 118: 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. __ Psalm 36: 6 a Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep…
PARALLELS IN IMAGERY Test your understanding: 1. 2. 3. 4. Simile Metaphor Anthropomorphism Zoomorphism __ Revelation 5: 5 …behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. __ Psalm 31: 3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. __ Psalm 118: 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. __ Psalm 36: 6 a Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep…
PARALLELS IN IMAGERY Test your understanding: 1. 2. 3. 4. Simile Metaphor Anthropomorphism Zoomorphism __ Revelation 5: 5 …behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. __ Psalm 31: 3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. __ Psalm 118: 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. __ Psalm 36: 6 a Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep…
PARALLELS IN IMAGERY Test your understanding: 1. 2. 3. 4. Simile Metaphor Anthropomorphism Zoomorphism __ Revelation 5: 5 …behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. __ Psalm 31: 3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. __ Psalm 118: 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. __ Psalm 36: 6 a Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep…
PATTERNS IN STRUCTURE In a SYNONYMOUS parallel, one idea is presented two complementary ways: God set verses into structural patterns that magnify both their individual meaning and their relationship one to another. One such pattern is ALTERNATION or alternating ideas.
PATTERNS IN STRUCTURE In a SYNONYMOUS parallel, one idea is presented two complementary ways: Three Calls Three Causes In Psalm 100, there is a cycle of three calls to the people of God, alternating with three reasons for answering those calls.
PATTERNS IN STRUCTURE In a SYNONYMOUS parallel, one idea is presented two complementary Psalm 100: 1 -5 ways: 1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Three Calls 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Three Causes 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Three Calls 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Three Causes
An even more elaborate form of structure is seen in an ALPHABETIC ACROSTIC. Each verse begins with a sequential letter of the alphabet.
An even more elaborate form of structure is seen in an ALPHABETIC ACROSTIC. Each verse begins with a sequential letter of the alphabet. The best known acrostic in the Bible is found in Psalm 119. The 176 verses divide into twenty-two stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
An even more elaborate form of structure is seen in an ALPHABETIC ACROSTIC. Each verse begins with a sequential letter of the alphabet. The best known acrostic in the Bible is found in Psalm 119. The 176 verses divide into twenty-two stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has eight verses, each verse begins with that letter. Verses 1 to 8 begin with the letter aleph; verses 9 to 16 begin with beth, and so on.
Ps 119: 1 -8 Aleph
Ps 119: 1 -8 Aleph This detail is entirely lost in the English translation:
Psalm 119: 1 -8 1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
We can fabricate an alphabetic acrostic in the English Bible using Psalm 142: 6 -7 and 143: 8 -9.
ttend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. ring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. ause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. eliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
The 22 verses describing the virtuous women in Proverbs 31: 10 -31 are also an alphabetic acrostic.
Proverbs 31: 10 -18 10 ALEPH. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 BETH. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 GIMMEL. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 DALETH. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 HE. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 VAU. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 ZAIN. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 CHETH. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 TETH. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
The first 4 chapters of Lamentations are also written in an acrostic structure. In Chapters 1, 2 and 4, each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters, and each chapter has 22 verses). Chapter 3 has 66 verses, so the divisions are made in threes.
The design of the Bible is an amazing study, but we must enter into it with caution. God forbid we should examine the Bible through clinical eyes. The Word of God was given us to obey, not analyze. Appreciating the Bible is no substitute for believing the Bible.
Seeing the patterns in the Scriptures will neither make us more holy nor wise. But so long as we keep things in the right perspective, this knowledge will not only bring us joy, it will also increase our reverence and awe of God.
In the Bible, the Psalms are divided into five books.
In the Bible, the Psalms are divided into five books. Each books corresponds to one of the five books of Moses.
Book 1 Ps 1 to 41 Five Hallelujah Psalms Ps 146 -150 GENESIS Man and Creation
Book 1 Ps 1 to 41 GENESIS Man and Creation Book 2 Ps 42 to 72 EXODUS Deliverance and Redemption Five Hallelujah Psalms Ps 146 -150
Book 1 Ps 1 to 41 GENESIS Man and Creation Book 2 Ps 42 to 72 EXODUS Deliverance and Redemption Book 3 Ps 73 to 89 LEVITICUS Worship and Sanctuary Five Hallelujah Psalms Ps 146 -150
Book 1 Ps 1 to 41 GENESIS Man and Creation Book 2 Ps 42 to 72 EXODUS Deliverance and Redemption Book 3 Ps 73 to 89 LEVITICUS Worship and Sanctuary Book 4 Ps 90 to 106 NUMBERS Wilderness and Wandering Five Hallelujah Psalms Ps 146 -150
Book 1 Ps 1 to 41 GENESIS Man and Creation Book 2 Ps 42 to 72 EXODUS Deliverance and Redemption Book 3 Ps 73 to 89 LEVITICUS Worship and Sanctuary Book 4 Ps 90 to 106 NUMBERS Wilderness and Wandering Book 5 Ps 107 to 145 DEUTERONOMY Scripture and Praise Five Hallelujah Psalms Ps 146 -150
Book 1 Ps 1 to 41 Book 2 Ps 42 to 72 Ps 41: 13 Ps 72: 18 -19 Book 3 Ps 73 to 89 Ps 89: 52 Book 4 Ps 90 to 106 Ps 106: 48 Book 5 Ps 107 to 145 Ps 145: 21 Five Hallelujah Psalms Ps 146 -150 Each book ends with a special form of praise called a doxology.
Book 1 Ps 1 to 41 Book 2 Ps 42 to 72 Book 3 Ps 73 to 89 Book 4 Ps 90 to 106 Book 5 Ps 107 to 145 Five Hallelujah Psalms Ps 146 -150 Five “Hallelujah” psalms close out the entire collection, each one beginning and ending with “Praise ye the Lord. ”
Book 1 (Ps 1 -41): GENESIS In the next lesson, we will begin our study of Book One.