'Psalm 81' by John Milton

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The Poetical Works of John Milton1648To 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

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Psalm 81 by John Milton

Psalm 81, one of the most celebrated works of John Milton, is a masterpiece of literary and philosophical excellence. This poem is a stunning tribute to the biblical tradition and its prevailing themes of faith, redemption, and divine inspiration. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various aspects of this poem that make it a timeless classic.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 81 is part of a larger collection of psalms in the Old Testament of the Bible. The collection is attributed to King David but is believed to have been written by several authors over time. The psalm's historical context is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been written during the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people, which lasted from the 6th century BCE to the 5th century BCE.

Milton's version of Psalm 81 was written during the 17th century, a time of great religious and political turmoil in England. Milton was a devout Christian and a prominent political figure who actively supported religious tolerance and democratic values. His interpretation of Psalm 81 reflects his belief in the power of faith and the importance of individual liberty.

Structure and Style

Psalm 81 is a relatively short poem consisting of only ten verses. The poem is structured in three parts, each with a distinct message and tone. The first part, consisting of verses 1-3, is a call to worship God and celebrate His greatness. The second part, consisting of verses 4-7, is a reminder of the Israelites' past struggles and God's faithfulness in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. The final part, consisting of verses 8-10, is a plea to God to continue his protection and guidance.

Milton's style in Psalm 81 is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. His use of language is direct and powerful, conveying the poem's message with clarity and precision. The poem's structure and style are reflective of Milton's broader literary style, which emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and a focus on moral and ethical values.

Themes and Interpretations

The themes of Psalm 81 are deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and Milton's interpretation of it. The poem's central message is one of faith and trust in God's guidance and protection. The psalm also emphasizes the importance of gratitude and remembrance for God's past blessings.

One of the most striking aspects of Psalm 81 is its emphasis on the role of music and celebration in worship. The psalm begins with a call to "sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!" (Psalm 81:1). This emphasis on music and celebration is reflective of the broader biblical tradition, which often links music and worship to feelings of joy, gratitude, and spiritual upliftment.

Another central theme of Psalm 81 is the importance of remembering God's past blessings and faithfulness. The second part of the psalm, which recounts the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, serves as a reminder of God's enduring presence and protection. This emphasis on remembrance is reflective of a broader biblical tradition that emphasizes the importance of remembering the past as a way of affirming one's faith and identity.

Finally, Psalm 81 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection in times of distress. The final part of the psalm is a plea to God to continue his protection and guidance. This plea highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's guidance and protection, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Psalm 81 is a remarkable work of literary and philosophical excellence. The poem's themes of faith, gratitude, and remembrance are central to the biblical tradition and reflective of Milton's broader literary and philosophical beliefs. The poem's structure and style are characterized by their simplicity and elegance, reflecting Milton's broader literary style. Psalm 81 is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift readers today, reminding us of the enduring power of faith and the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection in times of distress.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Psalm 81 is a classic piece of poetry written by the renowned English poet, John Milton. This poem is a beautiful representation of the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God. In this article, we will take a detailed look at this masterpiece and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with an invocation to God, asking Him to listen to the psalmist's plea. The psalmist then proceeds to recount the history of Israel, from their time in Egypt to their journey through the wilderness. He reminds the people of God's faithfulness and His miraculous deeds, such as parting the Red Sea and providing manna from heaven.

The psalmist then shifts his focus to the present, urging the people to worship and praise God. He reminds them of the importance of keeping the Sabbath and of offering sacrifices to God. He also warns them of the consequences of disobedience, such as being handed over to their enemies.

One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "hear, O my people" is repeated three times, emphasizing the psalmist's plea for the people to listen to him. The repetition of the phrase "I am the Lord thy God" also serves to reinforce God's authority and power.

Another literary device used in this poem is imagery. The psalmist uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of God's power and majesty. For example, he describes God as "the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters." This image of God turning a rock into a fountain is a powerful metaphor for His ability to provide for His people.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct theme. The first section focuses on the history of Israel, the second on the present, and the third on the consequences of disobedience. This structure serves to give the poem a sense of progression and development.

One of the key themes of this poem is the importance of faith and trust in God. The psalmist reminds the people of God's faithfulness in the past and urges them to continue to trust in Him in the present. He also warns them of the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness.

Another theme of this poem is the power of worship and praise. The psalmist urges the people to worship and praise God, reminding them of the importance of keeping the Sabbath and offering sacrifices. He emphasizes the transformative power of worship, suggesting that it can bring about a change in the hearts and minds of the people.

In conclusion, Psalm 81 is a beautiful and powerful piece of poetry that explores themes of faith, trust, obedience, and worship. Its use of repetition, imagery, and structure serve to reinforce its message and give it a sense of progression and development. As we read this poem, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God and of the transformative power of worship and praise.

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