Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The psalmist begs God to destroy his enemies.
II. Photo
The psalmist describes his enemies: “They come each evening growling like dogs, roaming the city.” (v. 7)
III. Select Verses
2-5: Save me from my enemies, O my God; secure me against my assailants. Save me from evildoers; deliver me from murderers. For see, they lie in wait for me; fierce men plot against me for no offense of mine, for no transgression, O LORD; for no guilt of mine do they rush to array themselves against me. Look, rouse Yourself on my behalf!
7-8: They come each evening growling like dogs, roaming the city. They rave with their mouths, sharp words are on their lips; [they think,] “Who hears?”
13b-15: Let them be trapped by their pride, and by the imprecations and lies they utter. In Your fury put an end to them; put an end to them that they be no more; that it may be known to the ends of the earth that God does rule over Jacob. Selah.
17-18: But I will sing of Your strength, extol each morning Your faithfulness; for You have been my haven, a refuge in time of trouble. O my strength, to You I sing hymns; for God is my haven, my faithful God.
IV. Outline
1. Outline
2-3. Invocation, petition
4-5a. Complaint; Proclamation of innocence
5b. Petition
6. Imprecation
7-8. Refrain = Complaint/description of the wicked
9. Praise/hope
10-11. Affirmation of confidence
12-14. Imprecation
15-16. Refrain = Complaint/description of the wicked
17-18. Vow/hymn
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Gerstenberger, Erhard S. “Psalms Part 1 with an Introduction to Cultic Poetry” Forms of Old Testament Literature (Michigan: Eerdmans, 1988).
Tate, Marvin. “Psalms 51-100” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 20 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1990).
Photo copied from http://www.dog-obedience-training-online.com/images/dog-growling.jpg
