'Psalm 07' by John Milton

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The Poetical Works of John MiltonAug.14. 1653.
Upon The Words Of Chush The Benjamite Against Him.Lord my God to thee I flie
Save me and secure me under
Thy protection while I crie
Least as a Lion (and no wonder)
He hast to tear my Soul asunder
Tearing and no rescue nigh.Lord my God if I have thought
Or done this, if wickedness
Be in my hands, if I have wrought
Ill to him that meant me peace,Or to him have render'd less,
And fre'd my foe for naught;Let th'enemy pursue my soul
And overtake it, let him tread
My life down to the earth and roul
In the dust my glory dead,
In the dust and there out spread
Lodge it with dishonour foul.Rise Jehovah in thine ire
Rouze thy self amidst the rageOf my foes that urge like fire;
And wake for me, their furi' asswage;
Judgment here thou didst ingage
And command which I desire.So th' assemblies of each Nation
Will surround thee, seeking right,
Thence to thy glorious habitation
Return on high and in their sight.
Jehovah judgeth most upright
All people from the worlds foundation.Judge me Lord, be judge in this
According to my righteousness
And the innocence which is
Upon me: cause at length to cease
Of evil men the wickedness
And their power that do amiss.But the just establish fast,
Since thou art the just God that tries
Hearts and reins.On God is cast
My defence, and in him liesIn him who both just and wise
Saves th' upright of Heart at last.God is a just Judge and severe,
And God is every day offended;
If th' unjust will not forbear,
His Sword he whets, his Bow hath bended
Already, and for him intended
The tools of death, that waits him near.(His arrows purposely made he
For them that persecute.)BeholdHe travels big with vanitie,
Trouble he hath conceav'd of old
As in a womb, and from that mould
Hath at length brought forth a Lie.He dig'd a pit, and delv'd it deep,
And fell into the pit he made,
His mischief that due course doth keep,
Turns on his head, and his ill trade
Of violence will undelay'd
Fall on his crown with ruine steep.Then will I Jehovah's praise
According to his justice raise
And sing the Name and Deitie
Of Jehovah the most high.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into John Milton's "Psalm 07"

As a literary masterpiece of the seventeenth century, John Milton's "Psalm 07" represents a significant turning point in the history of English poetry. With its intricate structure, rich imagery, and powerful language, this poem has not only influenced the development of religious poetry but also inspired numerous poets and writers throughout the centuries.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this timeless work of art. So buckle up and get ready for a journey into the heart of one of the most profound poems ever written.

Historical Context

Before we dive into the poem itself, it is crucial to understand the historical context in which it was written. John Milton was a seventeenth-century English poet, best known for his epic masterpiece "Paradise Lost." Milton was also a staunch Puritan, who supported the Commonwealth and the overthrow of King Charles I.

In 1642, the English Civil War broke out between the Royalists (supporters of the king) and the Parliamentarians (supporters of the Commonwealth). Milton's political and religious beliefs were aligned with the latter, and he actively participated in the war effort by writing political pamphlets.

"Psalm 07" was written during this tumultuous period in English history, and it reflects Milton's deep-seated beliefs about justice, morality, and the ultimate fate of the righteous and the wicked.

Themes

At its core, "Psalm 07" is a meditation on the nature of justice and the fate of the righteous and the wicked. The poem is structured as a prayer to God, in which the speaker (presumably Milton himself) asks God to judge him according to his righteousness and to vindicate him against his enemies.

The central theme of the poem is the idea that God's justice will ultimately triumph over all evil and that the wicked will be punished while the righteous will be rewarded. This theme is expressed through a series of vivid images and metaphors that paint a picture of God's power and righteousness.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of divine providence, which is the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world and that everything that happens is part of his plan. This theme is expressed through the use of imagery such as the "bow and arrows" of God, which represent his power and his ability to strike down his enemies.

Finally, the poem also touches on the idea of human agency, or the belief that human beings have the power to affect their own destiny. This theme is expressed through the speaker's plea to God to judge him according to his righteousness and not to punish him for the sins of others.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking features of "Psalm 07" is its use of literary devices, which are used to create a vivid and powerful picture of God's justice and power. Some of the most notable literary devices used in the poem include:

Allusion

Milton makes use of allusion throughout the poem, drawing on biblical and literary sources to create a rich and complex web of references. For example, in the first stanza, he alludes to the "leopard" that represents the wickedness of his enemies, drawing on the biblical image of the leopard as a symbol of evil.

Imagery

Imagery is also used extensively in the poem, with vivid and powerful images that help to convey the central themes. For example, in the third stanza, Milton uses the image of God's "bow and arrows" to represent his power and his ability to strike down his enemies.

Metaphor

Metaphor is another key literary device used in the poem, with the speaker using a range of metaphors to describe God's justice and power. For example, in the seventh stanza, the speaker describes God as a "judge" who "sits above the streams," using the metaphor of the judge to represent God's role as the arbiter of justice.

Repetition

Repetition is also used throughout the poem, with certain phrases and images repeated for emphasis. For example, the phrase "rise up" is repeated several times in the poem, emphasizing the speaker's plea to God to act on his behalf.

Interpretation

So what does "Psalm 07" mean? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of justice and the ultimate fate of the righteous and the wicked. The speaker is asking God to judge him according to his righteousness and to deliver him from his enemies, who are depicted as wicked and deceitful.

The poem is also a reflection of Milton's own deeply held beliefs about justice and morality. As a Puritan, Milton believed in the idea of divine providence, and he saw the English Civil War as a struggle between the forces of righteousness and the forces of evil.

Finally, the poem is a testament to the power of poetic language to convey complex ideas and emotions. The use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors helps to create a sense of urgency and intensity, conveying the speaker's deep-seated emotions and beliefs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Psalm 07" is a masterpiece of seventeenth-century poetry, a powerful meditation on the nature of justice, morality, and the ultimate fate of the righteous and the wicked. With its intricate structure, rich imagery, and powerful language, this poem continues to inspire and influence writers and readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Milton's Psalm 07 is a classic piece of poetry that has been celebrated for centuries. The poem is a reflection on the nature of God's justice and the role of humanity in the world. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem, as well as its historical context and significance.

The poem begins with a plea for God's protection from the wickedness of the world. The speaker acknowledges that he is not perfect and has sinned, but he trusts in God's mercy and justice to save him from his enemies. This theme of divine justice is central to the poem and is explored in depth throughout.

Milton uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent is imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world, which serve to illustrate the power and majesty of God. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker describes God as "a consuming fire" and "a tempest fierce and strong." These images convey a sense of awe and reverence for God's power, while also emphasizing the destructive force of his justice.

Another important literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "O Lord my God" is repeated several times throughout, emphasizing the speaker's reliance on God for protection and salvation. This repetition also serves to create a sense of urgency and desperation, as the speaker pleads with God to save him from his enemies.

The historical context of the poem is also significant. Milton was writing during a time of great political and religious upheaval in England. The country was divided between Catholics and Protestants, and there was a great deal of tension between the two groups. In addition, the English Civil War was raging, and the country was in a state of chaos and uncertainty.

Against this backdrop, Milton's Psalm 07 takes on added significance. The poem can be seen as a reflection on the role of God in the midst of human conflict and suffering. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, God's justice and mercy are still present and can provide comfort and hope.

In conclusion, John Milton's Psalm 07 is a powerful and timeless piece of poetry that explores the themes of divine justice and human frailty. Through vivid imagery and repetition, Milton conveys a sense of awe and reverence for God's power, while also emphasizing the need for human beings to rely on God for protection and salvation. The poem's historical context adds to its significance, as it speaks to the challenges and uncertainties of a tumultuous time in English history. Overall, Psalm 07 is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and uplift, even in the darkest of times.

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