Wednesday, August 28, 2024

PSALM 119:129-136. Bits and pieces!

PSALM 119:129-136. Block Pe. 

Psalm 119 is an alphabetic psalm – arranged according to the Hebrew alphabet. 176 verses are divided into 22 blocks (following the flow of the alphabet) 8 verses each. So, in verses 1-8 – all verses begin with the letter alef or aleph. Then each verse in 9-16 block begins with beth, and so on… Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to translate this beauty into English (or any other language for this matter). The prime reason – we have different alphabets, and then – it is hard to line up the words with a particular meaning which will begin with a certain letter.

Now, going into out set of verses (used for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, year B):  

This block exhibits many interesting features. I will point out only two of them. First, 8 lines as usual, and each line begins with a word that starts with the letter Pe. But there are two more words that begin with the same letter – simple (v. 130) and precepts (v. 134). Total 10 words – like 10 Words or 10 commandments. No wonder the last word of this block is Torah.


Also, v. 136 has an interesting double entendre:

My eyes run down with streams of water

Because THEY (the wicked) do not keep Thy/Your Torah/ teaching.

Or

My eyes run down with the streams of water

Because they (mine eyes) do not keep Your Torah

Most of the commentators are settling on the first one – I am ready to dispute it. The block as a whole does not address the behavior of others – it’s mostly “I” and “me” and “mine” pronouns. Also, by the end of the psalm – it’s the main concern of the psalmist – his own place before God (cp. v. 169-176). 

No comments:

Post a Comment

PSALM 117

All nations praise the L ORD . Only two lines – but such a deep meaning. Allow me to walk you through. v. 1a. Praise the L ORD , all nat...