PSALMS AND THE CHRISTIAN
CHARACTERISTICS OF HEBREW POETRY
INTRODUCTION
Before we get into the background of the Psalms themselves, it may prove helpful to notice some things about Hebrew poetry. Not only does this help to better understand the nature of the Psalms, but can also assist in proper interpretation of this portion of scripture.
One of the things that make Hebrew poetry different is...
I. The Use of “Thought Rhyme” Instead of “Word Rhyme”
A. Thought Rhyme is also known as parallelism. It involves arranging thoughts in relation to each other. This is done without concern as to whether certain words rhyme with each other.
B. Examples of Thought Rhyme (Parallelism)
1. Synonymous Parallelism
The thought of the first line is repeated in the second, expressed in different words for emphasis. An example of this is found in Psalms 24:2.
First line: “For He has funded it upon the seas”
Second line: “And established it upon the waters”
2. Antithetical Parallelism
The truth presented in one line is strengthened by a contrasting statement in the other. An example of this is found in Psalms 1:6.
Truth: “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous”
Contrast: “but the way of the ungodly shall perish”
3. Synthetic Parallelism
The first and second lines bear some definite relation to each other (such as cause and effect, or proposition and conclusion). An example of this is found in Psalms 119:11.
Cause: “your word I have hidden in my heart”
Effect: “that I might not sin against you”
4. Progressive Parallelism
There are several varieties the most common being Stair-like and Climatic.
Stair-like is composed of several lines, each providing a complete element of the aggregate or composite thought. An example of this is in Psalms 1:1. “Blessed is the man...
1. who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly”
2. nor stands in the path of sinners”
3. nor sits in the seat of the scornful.”
In Climatic, the principle idea of the first line is repeated and expanded to complete the thought. An example is Psalms 29:1.
“Give unto the Lord, O you might ones”(give what?)
“Give unto the Lord glory and strength.”
5. Introverted Parallelism
The first line is closely related to the fourth, and the second to the third. For example, Psalms 91:14.
*Line 1: “Because he has set is love upon me”
>Line 2: “therefore I will deliver him”
>Line 3: “I will set him on high”
*Line 4: “because he has known my name”
Another unique feature of Hebrew poetry is...
II. The Lack of Poetic Rhythm
A. Unlike most modern poetry that has standard measures of identifiable rhythms as illustrated in the rhythm of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”.
B. The art of poetic rhythm was of secondary consideration. It is unlikely that Hebrew poets had standard measures, carefully defined. Again the emphasis was on “thought rhyme”.
An important element of Hebrew poetry is...
III. The Use of Figurative Expression
A. The figure must be accepted and dealt with as a figure of speech and not as a literal statement. For example, in Psalms 23:1, calling the Lord a “shepherd”. He is LIKE a shepherd, but not one literally.
B. The figure must be interpreted in light of meaning of the figure in the day and setting in which it was used. For example, Psalms 23:4 “the valley of the shadow of death”. Commonly applied at modern funeral to dying, it refers to a treacherous place where the guiding hand of a shepherd would be very helpful to sheep to avoid death. Therefore it is applicable to times other than just when we are dying.
CONCLUSION
Appreciating these characteristics of Hebrew poetry can help the Psalms become more meaningful to us. Understanding these characteristics can also help avoid misinterpreting the Psalms to teach doctrines the psalmist had no intention of teaching.