Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The psalmist petitions God to help the needy and God promises to do so.
II. Photo
The psalmist trusts in God: “The words of the Lord are pure words, silver purged in an earthen crucible, refined sevenfold.” (v. 7)
III. Select Verses
2-4: Help, O LORD! For the faithful are no more; the loyal have vanished from among men. Men speak lies to one another; their speech is smooth; they talk with duplicity. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, every tongue that speaks arrogance.
6: “Because of the groans of the plundered poor and needy, I will now act,” says the LORD. “I will give help,” He affirms to him.
7: The words of the LORD are pure words, silver purged in an earthen crucible, refined sevenfold.
9: On every side the wicked roam when baseness is exalted among men.
IV. Outline
1. Superscription
2-3. Invocation, petition, complaint
4-5. Wish/imprecation
6. Salvation Oracle
7-9. Affirmation of confidence
V. Comment
No comment. 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).
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