Proverbs 13:12-19, A Chiasm about Desire and Receiving the Word
Note: For translation and structure of the chiasm scroll down to the end of this document. The word “desire" marks the beginning and end of this paragraph. It begins with desire (or hope) deferred and ends with desire fulfilled. The verses between deal especially with the word of God and the receiving or neglecting of…
Proverbs 11:23-27, A Chiasm about Generosity
A 23. The desire of righteous ones (is) only good,B And the expectation of wicked ones (is) wrath.C 24. There is one who disperses and still increases,D And one who withholds more than is upright, surely to poverty.C 25. A soul of blessing will be made fat,C’ And one who gives drink, he also will…
The Structure of Psalm 18
This psalm is a close copy of the song of David found in 2 Samuel 22. It's clear from both 2 Samuel and from the title of the psalm that David wrote it near the end of his life. He had defeated his enemies, consolidated his kingdom after the long and bitter struggle with Saul,…
The Unique Features of Psalm 145
A Praise of David1. I will exalt you, My God the king, And I will praise your name to forever and perpetuity.2. Every day I will bless you, And I will praise your name to forever and perpetuity,3. Great (is) Yahweh and much praised, And his greatness is not searchable.4. Generation to generation will laud…
Psalm 138: Confessing the Lord’s Name before Kings
This psalm has three clearly marked stanzas. In the first three verses (8 lines) David speaks in the first person singular. In vv. 4–6 (7 lines) he speaks in the third person, about the kings of the earth. In the last two verses (7-8, 7 lines) he speaks again in the first person singular. The…