'Psalm 04' by John Milton
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Aug. 10. 1653.
Answer me when I call
God of my righteousness;
In straights and in distress
Thou didst me disinthrall
And set at large; now spare,
Now pity me, and hear my earnest prai'r.
Great ones how long will ye
My glory have in scorn
How long be thus forlorn
Still to love vanity,
To love, to seek, to prize
Things false and vain and nothing else but lies?
Yet know the Lord hath chose
Chose to himself a part
The good and meek of heart
(For whom to chuse he knows)
Jehovah from on high
Will hear my voyce what time to him I crie.
Be aw'd, and do not sin,
Speak to your hearts alone,
Upon your beds, each one,
And be at peace within.
Offer the offerings just
Of righteousness and in Jehovah trust.
Many there be that say
Who yet will shew us good?
Talking like this worlds brood;
But Lord, thus let me pray,
On us lift up the light
Lift up the favour of thy count'nance bright.
Into my heart more joy
And gladness thou hast put
Then when a year of glut
Their stores doth over-cloy
And from their plenteous grounds
With vast increase their corn and wine abounds.
In peace at once will I
Both lay me down and sleep
For thou alone dost keep
Me safe where ere I lie
As in a rocky Cell
Thou Lord alone in safety mak'st me dwell.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Psalm 04: A Masterpiece of John Milton
As a literary masterpiece, Psalm 04 by John Milton is a poem that stands out not only for its beauty but also for its depth and complexity. Written in the early seventeenth century, this poem reflects the political and religious turmoil of the time, as well as Milton's own personal struggles and beliefs.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
Psalm 04 is a sonnet consisting of fourteen lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem opens with a plea to God for mercy and protection, as the speaker is surrounded by enemies who seek to harm him. The second quatrain describes the speaker's emotional state, as he feels anger and frustration towards his enemies. In the third quatrain, the speaker acknowledges his own sinfulness and asks God for forgiveness. The poem concludes with a declaration of faith and trust in God's goodness and justice.
Religious and Political Context
To fully understand the significance of Psalm 04, it is important to consider the religious and political context in which it was written. The early seventeenth century was a time of great religious and political upheaval in England, with tensions between the Anglican Church and Puritans reaching a boiling point. Milton was a devout Puritan, and his poetry reflects his deep faith and desire for religious reform.
In addition to the religious context, Psalm 04 also reflects the political turmoil of the time. England was in the midst of a civil war between the Royalists, who supported King Charles I, and the Parliamentarians, who sought to limit the power of the monarchy. Milton was a staunch supporter of the Parliamentarians and believed that God was on their side in the conflict.
Analysis of the Poem
Psalm 04 is a powerful and emotional poem that explores themes of faith, sin, and redemption. The opening lines set the tone for the poem, as the speaker cries out to God for mercy and protection:
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness:
thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress;
have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
The use of the word "enlarged" is significant, as it suggests that God has provided the speaker with a sense of freedom and relief from his troubles. However, the speaker is still in need of God's protection, as he is surrounded by enemies who seek to harm him.
In the second quatrain, the speaker expresses his anger and frustration towards his enemies:
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame?
how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
The use of the phrase "my glory" suggests that the speaker is proud of his faith and his relationship with God. However, his enemies are attempting to discredit him and undermine his reputation. The word "leasing" is an archaic term for lying or falsehood, indicating that the speaker's enemies are spreading rumors and false accusations.
The third quatrain takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker acknowledges his own sinfulness and asks God for forgiveness:
Stand in awe, and sin not:
commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
The phrase "stand in awe, and sin not" suggests that the speaker is aware of the gravity of his own sins and is urging others to avoid sin as well. The use of the word "commune" suggests a deep, personal reflection on one's own thoughts and motives. The speaker is urging his audience to take the time to examine their own hearts and motivations, and to seek forgiveness from God.
The final couplet of the poem is a declaration of faith and trust in God's goodness and justice:
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good?
Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
The phrase "lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us" suggests a desire for God's favor and blessing. The speaker is confident in God's ability to provide for him and protect him from his enemies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Psalm 04 is a masterful poem that combines themes of faith, sin, and redemption with a deep understanding of the political and religious context of seventeenth-century England. The poem is a testament to Milton's skill as a poet and his deep understanding of the human condition. Whether read as a religious text or a work of literature, Psalm 04 is a powerful and moving masterpiece.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Psalm 04: A Masterpiece of John Milton
John Milton, the renowned English poet, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is Psalm 04, which is a beautiful piece of literature that reflects Milton's deep religious beliefs and his mastery of the English language.
Psalm 04 is a religious poem that is based on the fourth psalm of the Book of Psalms in the Bible. The poem is written in the form of a prayer, and it is addressed to God. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of six stanzas and the second part consisting of four stanzas.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing God and asking him to hear his prayer. The speaker then expresses his faith in God and his belief that God will answer his prayer. The speaker also acknowledges that God is his protector and that he has been saved by God in the past.
In the second stanza, the speaker addresses the people who are opposing him and asks them why they are trying to bring him down. The speaker then reminds them that God is on his side and that he will not be afraid of their threats.
The third stanza is a beautiful expression of the speaker's faith in God. The speaker acknowledges that God has given him joy and that he is grateful for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon him. The speaker then asks God to continue to bless him and to keep him safe.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker addresses the people who are opposing him again and tells them that they should turn away from their evil ways and seek God's forgiveness. The speaker then reminds them that God is merciful and that he will forgive them if they repent.
The fifth stanza is a beautiful expression of the speaker's love for God. The speaker acknowledges that God is his strength and his shield, and that he will always trust in God. The speaker then asks God to continue to guide him and to show him the right path.
In the sixth stanza, the speaker expresses his confidence in God's protection. The speaker acknowledges that he will be able to sleep peacefully at night because God is watching over him. The speaker then asks God to continue to protect him and to keep him safe from harm.
The second part of the poem begins with the speaker addressing the people who are opposing him once again. The speaker tells them that they should stop their evil ways and turn to God. The speaker then reminds them that God is the only one who can bring them true happiness and peace.
In the ninth stanza, the speaker expresses his faith in God's justice. The speaker acknowledges that God will punish those who do evil and that he will reward those who do good. The speaker then asks God to continue to guide him and to help him do what is right.
The tenth and final stanza is a beautiful expression of the speaker's gratitude to God. The speaker acknowledges that God has been his protector and his guide, and that he is grateful for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon him. The speaker then ends the poem by praising God and asking him to continue to bless him.
In conclusion, Psalm 04 is a masterpiece of John Milton that reflects his deep religious beliefs and his mastery of the English language. The poem is a beautiful expression of the speaker's faith in God and his gratitude for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon him. The poem is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God.
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