'Psalm 81' by John Milton
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To God our strength sing loud, and clear,
Sing loud to God our King,
To Jacobs God, that all may hear
Loud acclamations ring.
Prepare a Hymn, prepare a Song
The Timbrel hither bring
The cheerfull Psaltry bring along
And Harp with pleasant string.
Blow, as is wont, in the new Moon
With Trumpets lofty sound,
Th'appointed time, the day wheron
Our solemn Feast comes round.
This was a Statute giv'n of old
For Israel to observe
A Law of Jacobs God, to hold
From whence they might not swerve.
This he a Testimony ordain'd
In Joseph, not to change,
When as he pass'd through Aegypt land;
The Tongue I heard, was strange.
From burden, and from slavish toyle
I set his shoulder free;
His hands from pots, and mirie soyle
Deliver'd were by me.
When trouble did thee sore assaile,
On me then didst thou call,
And I to free thee did not faile,
And led thee out of thrall.
I answer'd thee in *thunder deep *Be Sether ragnam.
With clouds encompass'd round;
I tri'd thee at the water steep
Of Meriba renown'd.
Hear O my people, heark'n well,
I testifie to thee
Thou antient flock of Israel,
If thou wilt list to mee,
Through out the land of thy abode
No alien God shall be
Nor shalt thou to a forein God
In honour bend thy knee.
I am the Lord thy God which brought
Thee out of Aegypt land
Ask large enough, and I, besought,
Will grant thy full demand.
And yet my people would not hear,
Nor hearken to my voice;
And Israel whom I lov'd so dear
Mislik'd me for his choice.
Then did I leave them to their will
And to their wandring mind;
Their own conceits they follow'd still
Their own devises blind
O that my people would be wise
To serve me all their daies,
And O that Israel would advise
To walk my righteous waies.
Then would I soon bring down their foes
That now so proudly rise,
And turn my hand against all those
That are their enemies.
Who hate the Lord should then be fain
To bow to him and bend,
But they, His should remain,
Their time should have no end.
And he would free them from the shock
With flower of finest wheat,
And satisfie them from the rock
With Honey for their Meat.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exciting Interpretation of Psalm 81 by John Milton
Psalm 81 is a powerful and captivating work by the great poet John Milton. It is a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this classic work.
Background and Context
Before we delve into the poem itself, it is important to provide some background and context. Psalm 81 is part of the book of Psalms in the Bible, which contains 150 poems that were originally written in Hebrew. The book of Psalms is a collection of songs, prayers, and poems that were used in worship and religious ceremonies.
Milton was a devout Christian and wrote many poems that reflected his faith. Psalm 81 is one of his most famous works and is considered by many to be a masterpiece of English literature. It was written in 1653, during a time of political and religious upheaval in England. The poem reflects Milton's belief in the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience.
Structure and Form
Psalm 81 is composed of three stanzas, each with a different theme and tone. The first stanza is a call to worship, the second is a reminder of God's blessings, and the third is a warning of the consequences of disobedience.
The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a common meter used in English poetry. This means that each line has ten syllables with the stress falling on every other syllable. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easier to memorize.
Themes and Interpretation
There are several themes that run throughout Psalm 81, including worship, obedience, blessings, and consequences. The poem begins with a call to worship, urging the people to sing and play music in honor of God. This theme of worship is continued throughout the poem, with references to trumpets, harps, and singing.
In the second stanza, the focus shifts to God's blessings. The speaker reminds the people of the many blessings that God has bestowed upon them, including freedom from slavery and the abundance of food and drink. This theme of blessings is a common one in the book of Psalms, and it serves as a reminder of God's goodness and mercy.
The third stanza is a warning of the consequences of disobedience. The speaker reminds the people of their past disobedience and the punishment that followed. This theme of consequences is a recurrent one in the Bible, and it serves as a reminder that actions have consequences.
One interesting aspect of Psalm 81 is the use of imagery and symbolism. The speaker uses the metaphor of a trumpet to represent the call to worship, and the image of a vine to represent God's people. These images add depth and meaning to the poem, and they help to create a vivid and memorable portrait of worship and obedience.
Language and Techniques
Milton uses a variety of language and techniques in Psalm 81 to create a powerful and memorable poem. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "hear, O my people" is repeated three times in the first stanza, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience.
The poem also includes a variety of rhetorical devices, including alliteration, metaphor, and personification. The use of alliteration, or the repetition of consonant sounds, can be seen in phrases like "with a voice of singing" and "the land of Egypt."
Metaphor is used to great effect in the poem, particularly in the second stanza. The speaker compares God's people to a vine, emphasizing their dependence on God for sustenance and growth. Personification is also used in the poem, with the speaker addressing the land of Egypt as if it were a living being.
Finally, the poem's use of iambic pentameter gives it a musical quality that is both pleasing to the ear and easy to memorize. This use of meter is also a reflection of Milton's skill as a poet, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of form and structure in poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Psalm 81 is a beautifully crafted poem that reflects Milton's deep faith and belief in the importance of worship and obedience. Its use of themes, imagery, and language make it a powerful and memorable work that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether read for its religious significance or simply appreciated as a work of literature, Psalm 81 stands as a testament to Milton's skill as a poet and his enduring contribution to English literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Psalm 81: A Masterpiece of John Milton
John Milton, the great English poet, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is Psalm 81, which is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that has captivated readers for centuries. In this article, we will take a closer look at Psalm 81 and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with an invocation to God, asking Him to listen to the psalmist's prayer. The psalmist then proceeds to exhort the people to sing praises to God and to celebrate His greatness. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a call to worship and praise.
In the second stanza, the psalmist reminds the people of God's deliverance from Egypt and how He led them through the wilderness. This is a reference to the Exodus story in the Bible, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. The psalmist uses this story to remind the people of God's faithfulness and to encourage them to trust in Him.
The third stanza is a warning to the people not to worship other gods or idols. The psalmist reminds them that God is a jealous God and that He will not tolerate any other gods before Him. This is a common theme in the Bible, where God repeatedly warns His people not to worship idols or other gods.
The fourth stanza is a call to repentance. The psalmist urges the people to turn away from their sins and to seek God's forgiveness. He reminds them that God is merciful and that He will forgive them if they repent and turn back to Him.
The fifth and final stanza is a declaration of God's love and faithfulness. The psalmist proclaims that God will never abandon His people and that He will always be with them. He encourages the people to trust in God and to have faith in His promises.
The structure of Psalm 81 is that of a hymn or a song. It is divided into five stanzas, each with a distinct theme and message. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. This gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read and recite.
One of the most striking literary devices used in Psalm 81 is repetition. The psalmist repeats the phrase "Sing aloud to God our strength" three times in the first stanza, emphasizing the importance of worship and praise. He also repeats the phrase "I am the Lord your God" three times in the third stanza, emphasizing God's sovereignty and authority.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. The psalmist uses vivid imagery to describe God's power and majesty. For example, he describes God as a "rock of refuge" and a "shield of salvation" in the first stanza. He also uses imagery to describe the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, painting a picture of a people who were lost and afraid but were led by God's hand.
In conclusion, Psalm 81 is a masterpiece of John Milton that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates God's greatness and encourages His people to worship and praise Him. The poem's structure, literary devices, and themes all work together to create a work of art that is both inspiring and uplifting. As readers, we can learn from the psalmist's message and be encouraged to trust in God's love and faithfulness.
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