Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The psalmist confesses his sins, gives thanks to God, and urges others to do the same.
II. Photo
The psalmist encourages the people: “Be not like a senseless horse or mule whose movement must be curbed by bit and bridle; far be it from you!” (v. 9)
III. Select Verses
1b-2: Happy is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered over. Happy the man whom the LORD does not hold guilty, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
5-6: Then I acknowledged my sin to You; I did not cover up my guilt; I resolved, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. Therefore let every faithful man pray to You upon discovering [his sin], that the rushing mighty waters not overtake him.
8-10: Let me enlighten you and show you which way to go; let me offer counsel; my eye is on you. Be not like a senseless horse or mule whose movement must be curbed by bit and bridle; far be it from you! Many are the torments of the wicked, but he who trusts in the LORD shall be surrounded with favor.
IV. Outline
1a. Superscription
1b-2. Pedagogic beatitudes
3-5. Account of trouble, confession, and salvation
6. Exhortation
7. Trust
8-10. Pedagogic instruction
11. Call to worship
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Craigie, Peter C. “Psalms 1-50” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 19 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1983).
Gerstenberger, Erhard S. “Psalms Part 1 with an Introduction to Cultic Poetry” Forms of Old Testament Literature (Michigan: Eerdmans, 1988).
Photo taken from http://kellyangard.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/up-close-personal-horse.jpg
