Figures of Speech Figures of Speech n

Figures of Speech

Figures of Speech n n n Figures of speech add color or vividness. – Ps. 18: 1 -3 Figures of speech attract attention. – Phil 3: 2 Figures of speech make abstract ideas more concrete. – Deut 33: 27 Figures of speech add to retention. – Matt 23: 27 Figures of speech abbreviate an idea. – Ps 23: 1 Figures of speech encourage reflection. – Isa 5: 1 -3

Figures of Speech Simile: Resemblance, an explicit comparison (using “like” or “as”) between two things of unlike nature that yet have something in common. n n n “Silence settled on the audience like a block of granite. ” “He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of waters. ” (Ps. 1: 3) “All flesh is like grass. ” (1 Pet. 1: 24) Metaphor: Representation, an implicit comparison between two things of unlike nature that yet have something in common; a declaration that one thing is or represents another. n n “The LORD God is a sun and a shield. ” (Ps. 84: 11) “The LORD is my shepherd. ” (Ps. 23: 1)

Figures of Speech Personification: The investment of non-human subjects (e. g. , abstractions, inanimate objects, or animals) with human qualities or abilities. n “The land mourns--the oil languishes. ” (Joel 1: 10) n “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ” (Ps. 23: 4) Anthropomorphism: An implicit or explicit comparison of God to some corporeal aspect of mankind. By this comparison the author does not intend to be evocative but to be didactic, viz. , to communicate a truth about the person of God. n “Incline your ear to me. ” (Ps. 31: 3) n “His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the sons of men. ” (Ps. 11: 4)

Figures of Speech Zoomorphism: An explicit or implicit comparison of God (or other entities) to the lower animals or parts of the lower animals. n “In the shadow of your wings I used to rejoice. ” (Ps. 63: 8) n “If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the remotest part of the sea. ” (Psalm 139: 9)

The Old Barn Ohio Barn (upon discovering a barn on an ancestor’s forgotten homestead) Fingers run down bent beams To touch twisted nails; Tracing swirled wood grain scenes Revealed in faded paint by wind’s assail. Eyes pursue sagging timber Upward through broken stairs; Searching vainly the chamber For some trace of former owner’s care. Ears bend to creak and groan Of tired gates and door; Swinging on hinges like lone Leaves grasping limbs misdt storm’s roar. Fivefold senses contemplate Wood, steel, corrugated roof; But long for only sensate Touch, glance, voice, tangible proof That ancient photos are true roots.

Genre Identification The Psalms

Introduction n n Twenty-four of the 150 canonical psalms have no heading. Ten psalms are introduced only by the shout “Hallelujah. ” One hundred and twenty-six (126) psalms bear some sort of heading. Authorship: One hundred and one (101) psalms have in their headings the name of some specific person or group of persons. Those mentioned are: David (73 psalms), Asaph (12), the Korahites (11), Solomon (2), Moses (1), Ethan (1), and Heman (1). The problem with interpreting the Psalms arises primarily from their nature —what they are: 1. 2. Because the Bible is God’s Word, most Christians automatically assume that all it contains are words from God to people. Thus many fail to recognize that the Bible also contains words spoken to God or about God, and that these words, too, are God’s Word. Hebrew poetry, particularly the Psalms, is addressed to the mind through the heart. They are emotive in language. They are visual and visceral. One must read with both head and heart engaged.

English Poetry n The Nature of Poetry English Poetry: American/English poetry is easily identified by rhythm, rhyme and meter: I never saw a purple cow. I never hope to see one, But, I can tell you anyhow, I’d rather see than be one! My true love hath my heart and I have his, By just exchange one for the other given. I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss, There never was a better bargain driven.

Defining Hebrew Poetry n Poetry: communication with highly stylized language marked by parallelism, figures of speech and terseness n Terseness: statements that are short and to the point Blessed is the nation who God is the Lord (Psa 33: 12). n The fool has said in his heart, “No God” (Psa 14: 1). n I will set no wicked thing before my eyes: I hate the work of those who turn away (Psa 101: 3). n

Defining Hebrew Poetry Figures of Speech: symbolic language used to communicate thoughts (more will be developed in a latter lecture. ) n n The Lord is my shepherd (Psa 23: 1). You are a strong tower (Psa 61: 2). God is our refuge (Psa 46: 1). Parallelism n n Affirming Parallelism (Synonymous/Similar): The second line repeats or heightens the statement in the first line. The second line “seconds” the first line. n n n The heavens declare the glory of God The firmament shows his handiwork (Psa 19: 1). Wash away all my inquity, And cleanse me of my sin (Psa 51: 2). Like those forsaken among the dead Like the slain that lie in the grave (Psa 88: 5).

Defining Hebrew Poetry n Opposing Parallelism (Antithetical): The second line relates to the first in a negative way. n n n A wise son causes a father to rejoice, A foolish son is a pain to his mother (Pr 10: 1). The wicked borrows and cannot pay back, But the righteous is generous and gives (Psa 37: 21) Advancing/Progressive Parallelism: The first line serves as a theme on which the author then continues to build his concept. This is close to free verse in that the author has great flexibility to develop his thought. n n Our God is in the heavens He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands. (Psa 115: 3 -4). You have put more joy in my heart Than they have when their grain and wine abound (Psa 4: 7).

Forms of the Psalms Laments n n Illustration: Psalm 3 - A Lament n n n Address. The psalmist identifies the one to whom the psalm is prayed. This is, of course, the Lord. Complaint. The psalmist pours out, honestly and forcefully, a complaint, identifying what the trouble is and why the Lord’s help is being sought. Trust. The psalmist immediately expresses trust in God. (Why complain to God if you don’t trust him? ) Moreover, you must trust him to answer your complaint in the way he sees fit, not necessarily as you would wish. Deliverance. The psalmist pleads for God to deliver from the situation described in the complaint. Assurance. The psalmist expresses the assurance that God will deliver. This assurance is parallel somewhat to the expression of trust. Praise. The psalmist offers praise, thanking and honoring God for the blessings of the past, present, and/or future.

Forms of the Psalms Thanksgiving n n Illustration: Psalm 138 - A Thanksgiving Psalm Thanksgiving psalms have a different structure, as might be expected, because they have a different purpose in what they express. The elements of the thanksgiving psalms are as follows: n Introduction. Here the psalmist’s testimony of how God has helped is summarized. n Distress. The situation from which God gave deliverance is portrayed. n Appeal. The psalmist reiterates the appeal that he or she made to God. n Deliverance. The deliverance God provided is described. n Testimony. A word of praise for God’s mercy is given.

Forms of the Psalms Hymns of Praise Salvation History Psalms of Celebration and Affirmation n n n n Royal Psalms: There are nine psalms in the Psalter that deal especially with the Kingship (2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 101, 110, 144). Enthronement Psalms: It is likely that these psalms celebrated the enthronement of the king in ancient Israel, a ceremony that may have been repeated yearly (24, 29, 47, 93, 95 -99). Zion Psalms: These psalms celebrate the holy city (46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 122). Wisdom Psalms Songs of Trust

n Concluding Thoughts: n n The Psalms are a guide to worship. The Psalms were written within a historical context for the children of Israel. The Psalms demonstrate to us how we can relate honestly to God. The Psalms demonstrate the importance of reflection and meditation upon things that God has done for us.

Genre - Proverbs Words of Wisdom

n Definition of a proverb n n “Short sentences drawn from long experience. ” “The wisdom of many, the wit of one. ” “Proverbs are brief sayings that are memorable, embody the wisdom of many, possess a fullness of meaning with a wide application, and have a bit of a kick or bite to them to ensure their saltiness and continued usefulness. ” Two Primary Purposes: n n Leadership training: Proverbs 1: 2 -7, 22: 17 -21 Guidance in avoiding life’s personal pitfalls.

The Types of Proverbs Form Example 1. Instruction Listen my son 2. Admonition Guard your heart 3. Numerical Saying Three things…four 4. “Better-than” Saying Better wisdom than gold 5. Comparative Saying For as churning milk 6. Abomination Saying The LORD detests 7. Beatitude Blessed is he who 8. Paradoxical Saying A gentle tongue breaks 9. Acrostic Virtuous woman poem 10. Pairs Do this/do not do that n Reference Prov. 4: 1 Prov. 4: 23 Prov. 30: 18 -19 Prov. 16: 16 Prov. 30: 33 Prov. 15: 8 Prov. 14: 21 Prov. 25: 15 b Prov. 31: 10 ff Prov. 26: 4 -5

Guidelines for Interpretation n Accept a proverb for what it is. n Look for verifying examples and counter-examples within the collection of proverbs. n Recognize the poetic ways that sages expressed their wisdom. n Look for pairs and strings of proverbs. n Look for evidence of the setting of the proverb. n Identify the specific value the proverb is communicating.

Beware of several pitfalls: n Taking the proverbs as promises for success, wealth, and happiness. n Focusing on the rewards as trying to motivate. n Trying to split hairs over the meaning of synonymous terms. n Trying to read ideas into the proverbs when those ideas are not explicitly stated. n Using Proverbs to provide simplistic solutions to complex modern problems.