Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The psalmist puts his trust in God and asks for guidance and support.
II. Photo
The psalmist was orphaned: “Though my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will take me in!” (v. 10)
III. Select Verses
1b-3: The LORD is my light and my help; whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, whom should I dread? When evil men assail me to devour my flesh — it is they, my foes and my enemies, who stumble and fall. Should an army besiege me, my heart would have no fear; should war beset me, still would I be confident.
4-5: One thing I ask of the LORD, only that do I seek: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD, to frequent His temple. He will shelter me in His pavilion on an evil day, grant me the protection of His tent, raise me high upon a rock.
7: Now is my head high over my enemies roundabout; I sacrifice in His tent with shouts of joy, singing and chanting a hymn to the LORD.
10: Though my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will take me in.
11-12: Show me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my watchful foes. Do not subject me to the will of my foes, for false witnesses and unjust accusers have appeared against me.
IV. Outline
1a. Superscription
1-6. Pedagogic proclamation of trust
1b-4. Proclamation of confidence
5-6a. Rationale: God has saved
6b. Declaration/vow
7-13. Petition
7. Invocation, initial plea
8. Affirmation of confidence
9-12. Petition, complaint
13. Affirmation of confidence
14. Exhortation to serve God
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://www.jansochor.com/photo-blog/orphan-port-au-prince-haiti.jpg
