POETIC DEVICES AND IMPLICATIONS IN PSALM 19: AN EXEGETICAL STUDY (1)

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

According to C.S. Lewis, Psalm 19 is the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyric in the world [1] and Nichol states that this Psalm is perhaps the best known and most popular of the nature psalms. It is a grateful meditation of God’s revelation of Himself in the world of nature and in His law.^[2] Edward states, “not only is the psalm superb poetry. Its theme is of the utmost significance: the revelation of God through the heavens and the revelation of God through his torah (the law).” [3] Adam Clarke affirms that it is a highly finished and beautiful ode.^[4]

            Matthew Henry affirms that this is an excellent book which the great God has published for the instruction and edification of the children of men. [5] According to Martin Luther this Psalm is a prophetic and didactic psalm. He states: “It prophesies that the Gospel will be preached in the whole world. Secondly, it talks about the manifold and great value of the Gospel, how it acquired this, and what it works and accomplishes.” [6] Furthermore Barclay contends this is a wisdom psalm which celebrates the Word of God in the context of creation.

Statement of the Problem

            Why do many scholars state that psalm 19 is the most beautiful poem? What are poetic features which the writer employs in this Psalm? What are the implications of employing poetic devices in this song? These questions are needed to answer in order to see its beauty and get the clearer understanding of its implication as well as the interpretation of the song.

Purpose and Importance of Research

The purpose of the study is to explore and to describe the prominent feature in Psalm 19 by expounding its poetic devices. This study would exegete some prominent features in this chapter to find the meaning and its theological implication as well as to find the purpose of writing the poem.

Delimitations

            This study is limited to analyze of poetic devices in Psalm 19. In addition this study also would discuss, explore and exegete the prominent feature this psalm.

Methodology

            The approach of this study is an exegetical and employs grammatical-historical method. Chapter 1 contains the statement of the problem, purpose of study, the delimitation and methodology. Chapter 2 discusses the study related to the authorship, date and genre. Chapter 3 consists of literary analysis related to the translation, poetic devices and its implications. Chapter 4 discusses the broader context and finally chapter 5, the summary will be presented.

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[1] C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms (New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1958) p. 63

^[2]Francis D. Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 3 (Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1978; 2002), 675.

[3] S. Edward Tesh and Walter D. Zorn, Psalms, The College Press NIV commentary. (Joplin, Mo.: College Press, 1999), 187.

^[4]Adam Clarke, Clarke's Commentary: Psalms, electronic ed., Logos Library System; Clarke's Commentaries (Albany, OR: Ages Software, 1999), Ps 19:1.

[5] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996, c1991), Ps 19:1.

[6] Martin Luther, vol. 12, Luther's Works, Vol. 12 : Selected Psalms I, ed. Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald and Helmut T. Lehmann, Luther's Works (Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1999, c1955), 12:139.