The National tribune., 1892-04-14

|
1t is from the verb haulaH, meaning to give
forth clear, sharp sound. Generally it IS
| translated praise. We have also the rendering
| song. 1t is onomatopoetc. 1t is used IN one
title of Psalm, to wit, Psalm, 40: l. 1t IS
the original for the word praise in that place.
1t is found in the body verses OF quite num-
| Der of the Psalms.
Another word for Psalm, praise, etc., is mig
more. 1t is from verb meaning TO toucn,
strike, twang, etc. the cords Of a musical IN
strument. it is also ouomatopoetic. 1t IS
found 81 times in the Book of the Psalms.
Then the Hebrew word sheer is used in 30
| Psalms, rendered song. The verb means to
sing. The word song" in the expression,
"A song of degrees" Pss, 120-13l, Is sheer IN
| the orig nal.
Mi=moye and sheer are used jointly in the
titles of PISS. 80, as 60 63, IS, &C. So, 81 49, ",
| 10S-mizmore rendered Psalm and sheer. song.
| The titles of the following Psalms have in
| them neither Psalm nor song: z, 10, IL, AZ "A,
| Sc GO, "a, 7S, sc, SO, go 102, 142.
The following Psalms have no titles: !, 2,
| 10, 3d. 43, II, 81, 90 81, 3d. 104-107, 111-119,
135-l37, 146-150.
The word Psalm is printed in italics in the
| following Psalms, not being in the Hebrew,
but supplied by the transators: II, Ia, Is, %
% 80 3i-7, $3.50 81 SO, 20, -, 81, 103 13S, 144,
145 In every case in which word is thus
supplied it is the word Psalm, and not song nor
praise.
The general idea throughout is that of praise,
worship in Psalms and songs 1t is evident
the Psalms were mainly intended for the serv-
ice of God in the Temple 1t is wonderful how
they fit into our devotons everywhere in the
Christian methods of worship.
EXPLANATION OF PSALM %.
l. Preliminary
It is remarkable what hold this Psalm has
on the Church. Rev. Adam Lind, of Scotland,
wrote: "What multitude of people have
learned this matchless Psalm. 1t has been sung
by countless sufferers on the sick-bed, and it
has shortened the weary hours of the night by
its consolation. From age TO age it has been
sung By the tongue of infancy and by the aged
one leaning on the staff. How many a last
hour has it cheered, when the sufferer has come
to the river Of DEATH
Mrs. Kate Brownlee Sherwood says: I" The
Odd Psalm is the most trustful and sweet Of .l
the poetic inspirations of King David. 1t has
been the stay and comfort of the oppressed and
overburdened in all ages, of the martyr at the
stake. and the silent and secluded ones Of earth,
whose whole life is constant nfartyrdom."
In October, 1887 the Boston Globe requested
leading persons to state their favorite authors.
Jenny June responded thus, referring in special
to the comfort expected as death shall draw
nigh: "When memory fails, even at the portal,
/ know shall still recall the 23d Psalm, The
Lord is my shepherd which / think the most
beautiful piece of prose in existence 1t was
the first | ever learned. 1t was taught me as
soon as was able to speak by my mother. 1t
is the last thought in my mind at night; it is
the first if / am troubled or in distress. 1t has
been a charm to me all my life, and will be my
comfort in death"
Edward Irving (1792-1s34), the famous elo-
quent Minister Of the Scotch Church, when dy-
ing, repeated in Hebrew chant the 23i Psalm.
The commentator South asks: what can
be conceived sweetcr or finer than this repre-
sentation of God as Shepherd?"
Rev. DR.. w. S. Plumer declared: 3" 1t is prob
able DO six consecutive verses OF Scripture are
more frequently committed to memory than
those of the 23d Psalm"
We notice the relation Of Ps % to the 22d.
Rev. Adam Lind says: The position Of this
Psalm deserves notice because it follows
Immediately after the 22d, which is called
the Psalm Of the Cross. Aud it Is only after we
have read, My God, my God, why hast thou
forsaken mc?' that We come to say, Tho Lord
is my shepherd We must first understand the
meaning and design Of the sword being drawn
to smite the shepherd, before we can realize the
security of the great Shepherds love and care"
DR.. Plnmer declares, The preceding Psalm
f22d) told how the Good Shepherd laid down
his life for the sheep. This ODD tells us how
lie lives to care for his flock" The commenta-
tor Henry said: This is full of comforts, and
the expressions of delight in Gods great good
ness, and dependence ON him. 1t is a Psalm
which has been sung by good Christians, and
will be while the world stands. with great
deal of pleasure and satisfaction"
2. Data.
We have for our study the entire Psalm.
3. Time.
We may date 1867 B. C.
A. A,thor.
We notice the title of the Psalm says "a
Psalm OF David" though the title is not posi-
tive proof of any statement, yet we have no
reason for DOUBLING David's authorship. We
remember he was called from shepherd life to
become King. Pastoral language was quito
familiar to all Jewish authors and so tho style
is not sure evidence David composed this
Psalm. We notice he was specially fitted by
early shepherd life and by great general expe-
rience to write in the spirit and words Of this
Psalm. The current opinion credits him with
the authorship. Familiarity with the life of
David fits one the better to enter into the tone
of the Psalms. A history of composition is
often its cearest commentary.
5. Place.
It is not unlikely David wrote this Psalm in
Jerusalem, not far off from the House of the
Lord. ". g.
6. Analysis.
Christ is represented as our Shepherd and as
our Host. We are in great needs.
!. CHRIST OUR SHEPHERD.
]. Supplies our wants,
2. Gives US green pastures.
3. Leads Us by still water.
a. Restores our souls.
5. Leads us into righteous paths
g. Relieves US from evil in the shadow of
death.
Z. Is with us.
8. Comforts US,
q. BY rod
b. BY staff.
ii. CHRIST IS OUR Host.
/. Spreads table for u.s.
9. Honors US before our enemies.
3. Anonts us.
4. Runs our cups over.
III. CONCLUSION.
j. Shall have goodness and mercy through
ont life.
2. Shall enjoy always the ordinances of the
Church.
T. Illustrations
Augustus Tholuck wrote: For long time
! felt myself to be a lost sheep, not knowing
on whom to rely: and now, with the deepest
consciousness that / have at last attained rest,
] excam, The Lord is my Shepherd. What
is there that can harm me?' And as l look