The Beautiful Language of the Psalms: The Bible as Literature

For years I used to begin each day reading a chapter from the Book of Proverbs. If it were the 4th, I would read chapter four; if the 17th, chapter 17. Proverbs has 31 days so six times a year you will read that chapter with its long epilogue about the wife of noble character. The wisdom contained in these passages never grows old, nor out of date.

This past year I have been reading a psalm each morning. As a writer I am frequently--and I mean frequently--in awe at the beautiful imagery and vivid language of this book. The words, penned 3,000 years ago, routinely describe emotions we feel and situations we're in today. Psalm 73, for example, begins as a lament at how unfair it is that the one percenters can be so happy and carefree, bedecked with jewels, never having a pang of guilt about their behavior. The writer complains, in effect, "Why did I play by the rules? What's the point in doing good when these people get rewarded for doing whatever they want."

When my brother was in school at WVU in the 70s, he took a class titled The Bible As Literature. I considered this an intriguing way to approach the Bible. Even if you are not religious, becoming familiar with one of the world's most influential books has merit. Much like studying Shakespeare, there's plenty that will surprise you, especially when you become aware of how many sayings that are still part of our lives have their origins there. 

The trigger for this blog post was my reading this morning of Psalm 104. I found the metaphors and similes quite fascinating. Here are the first lines, to illustrate.

Psalm 104

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Lord my God, you are very great;

    you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

2 

The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;
    he stretches out the heavens like a tent

3 

    and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
    and rides on the wings of the wind.

4 

He makes winds his messengers,
    flames of fire his servants.

5 

He set the earth on its foundations;
    it can never be moved.

6 

You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
    the waters stood above the mountains.

7 

But at your rebuke the waters fled,
    at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;

8 

they flowed over the mountains,
    they went down into the valleys,
    to the place you assigned for them.

9 

You set a boundary they cannot cross;
    never again will they cover the earth.

You can read the rest here.

Throughout history people have found comfort in the Psalms during times of upheaval and distress, in times like these.

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RELATED

A Book of Grace

If your family has a standard ritual prayer that you say when giving thanks before meals, there are only so many times you can do that before it becomes a stale rote thing you do with no flavor left, like overchewed gum. Growing up we said, "God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for our food. Amen." 

On the positive side of the ledger, at least there was some kind of order to the dinner ritual. We didn't just sit down and start grabbing food. I do think a pause to express gratitude can have value. 

In 2002 local writers Margi Preus and Ann Treacy published a short collection of sayings, reflections and prayers from various cultures around the world and through history. The book is subtitled Words to Bring You Peace. 

The authors share thought-provoking expressions of gratitude from literary, historical, cultural, tribal and other sources, Celtic to Cheyenne, Confucius to Victor Hugo, from India to Zaire, Martin Luther to the Helen Keller.

The prayerful thoughts are assembled thematically from Grace and Courage to Generosity and Love. Even though only one chapter is titled Grace Before Meals, Susie and I have been reading one each evening before meals the last six months and have enjoyed it many times over. 

If you're here in the Northland, you can support our local bookstores (Zenith Bookstore is our favorite, and they will order it if it is not in stock) or you can find it here on Amazon.

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"Let us know peace.
For as long as the moon shall rise
For as long as the rivers shall flow
For as long as the sun shall shine
For as long as the grass shall grow
Let us know peace." —Cheyenne

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Photo at top of page: Gary Firstenberg