'Psalm 03' by John Milton
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The Poetical Works of John MiltonAug. 9.When He Fled From Absalom.Lord how many are my foes
How many those
That in arms against me rise
Many are they
That of my life distrustfully thus say,
No help for him in God there lies.
But thou Lord art my shield my glory,
Thee through my story
Th' exalter of my head I count
Aloud I cry'dUnto Jehovah, he full soon reply'd
And heard me from his holy mount.
I lay and slept, I wak'd again,
For my sustain
Was the Lord.Of many millions
The populous rout
I fear not though incamping round about
They pitch against me their Pavillions.
Rise Lord, save me my God for thou
Hast smote ere nowOn the cheek-bone all my foes,
Of men abhor'd
Hast broke the teeth.This help was from the Lord;
Thy blessing on thy people flows.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of John Milton's "Psalm 03"
John Milton is one of the greatest poets in the English language, and his works have been widely studied and celebrated for centuries. One of his most powerful and moving pieces is "Psalm 03," which was written during a period of personal turmoil and upheaval. This poem is a passionate and profound meditation on faith, hope, and the enduring power of God's love.
Overview of the Poem
"Psalm 03" is a lyrical poem in the form of a prayer, and it is structured around a series of questions and affirmations. The speaker begins by asking why his enemies are so numerous, and expressing his fear and despair in the face of their threats. However, he quickly turns to God for comfort and protection, and affirms his faith in God's power and goodness. The poem ends with a joyful expression of trust and confidence in God, and a plea for deliverance from his enemies.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with a sense of despair and uncertainty, as the speaker describes his enemies as numerous and powerful:
1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
This opening line sets the tone for the entire poem, as the speaker expresses his fear and anxiety in the face of overwhelming opposition. However, he quickly turns to God for help and comfort, and expresses his faith in God's power and protection:
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Here, the speaker affirms his belief that God is his protector and defender, and that he will help him to overcome his enemies. He also expresses his gratitude for God's love and support, and his trust in God's plan for his life.
Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey his emotions and experiences. For example, he compares his enemies to wild animals:
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
This image of God breaking the teeth of the wicked is particularly striking, as it suggests that God is able to defeat even the fiercest and most dangerous enemies. It also suggests that God is not just a protector, but a warrior who is willing to fight on behalf of his people.
Another powerful image in the poem is the idea of God as a shield. This image is repeated several times throughout the poem, and it suggests that God is not just a passive presence, but an active protector who is able to deflect and absorb the blows of his enemies. This image is particularly comforting to the speaker, as it suggests that he is not alone in his struggles, but is surrounded by the love and protection of God.
Themes and Interpretation
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of faith and trust in God. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses his unwavering belief in God's power and goodness, and his trust that God will protect and deliver him from his enemies. This theme is particularly relevant to the context in which the poem was written, as Milton was facing significant personal and political challenges at the time. By affirming his faith in God, Milton is able to find hope and strength in the face of adversity.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of God as a protector and defender. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses powerful imagery to convey the idea that God is able to overcome even the most formidable enemies, and that he is a shield and refuge for those who trust in him. This theme is particularly relevant to the context of the poem, as Milton was living in a time of political and religious conflict, and was likely facing threats from various groups.
Finally, the poem can be seen as a meditation on the power of prayer. Throughout the poem, the speaker addresses God directly, asking for help and guidance in the face of his enemies. By doing so, he is able to connect with God on a deep and personal level, and to find comfort and strength in his presence. This theme is particularly relevant to the context of the poem, as prayer was a key part of Milton's religious and spiritual life.
Conclusion
"Psalm 03" is a powerful and moving poem that reflects Milton's deep faith and trust in God. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem conveys a sense of hope and strength in the face of adversity, and affirms the enduring power of God's love and protection. As such, it remains a timeless and inspiring work of poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of faith and prayer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Milton's Psalm 03 is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. Written in the 17th century, this poem is a reflection of the author's deep faith in God and his unwavering belief in the power of prayer. In this article, we will take a closer look at this masterpiece and analyze its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing his distress and fear. He feels surrounded by enemies who seek to harm him, and he cries out to God for help. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker's desperation is palpable:
"Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.'"
The speaker's enemies are not just physical threats, but also spiritual ones. They doubt his faith and question whether God will come to his aid. This is a common theme in many of Milton's works, as he often explores the idea of spiritual warfare and the battle between good and evil.
The second stanza shifts the focus to God's power and majesty. The speaker acknowledges that God is his shield and protector, and that he can trust in Him to deliver him from his enemies. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the midst of trials and tribulations:
"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain."
The third stanza is a call to action. The speaker urges his readers to trust in God and to seek His face. He reminds them that God is a refuge and a safe haven, and that they can find peace and rest in Him:
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side."
The final stanza is a declaration of victory. The speaker proclaims that God has delivered him from his enemies and that he can now rest in peace. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God:
"Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people."
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its structure. Psalm 03 is written in a specific form known as a psalm, which is a type of poetry that was commonly used in the Bible. Psalms typically consist of a series of stanzas, each with a specific theme or message. In this poem, each stanza builds upon the previous one, creating a sense of progression and momentum.
Another notable aspect of this poem is its language. Milton's use of imagery and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's emotions and beliefs. For example, the image of God as a shield is a powerful metaphor that conveys a sense of protection and safety. Similarly, the image of tens of thousands of enemies surrounding the speaker creates a sense of overwhelming danger and fear.
In conclusion, Psalm 03 is a timeless masterpiece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of faith, trust, and spiritual warfare are as relevant now as they were in the 17th century. Milton's use of structure and language is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's emotions and beliefs, and his message of hope and victory is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and faith in God.
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