Psalm 36 Story behind the Psalm
About the Story Behind Layer[ ]
The Story behind the Psalm shows how each part of the psalm fits together into a single coherent whole. Whereas most semantic analysis focuses on discrete parts of a text such as the meaning of a word or phrase, Story Behind the Psalm considers the meaning of larger units of discourse, including the entire psalm. (Click 'Expand' to the right for more information.)
The goal of this layer is to reconstruct and visualise a mental representation of the text as the earliest hearers/readers might have conceptualised it. We start by identifying the propositional content of each clause in the psalm, and then we identify relevant assumptions implied by each of the propositions. During this process, we also identify and analyse metaphorical language (“imagery”). Finally, we try to see how all of the propositions and assumptions fit together to form a coherent mental representation. The main tool we use for structuring the propositions and assumptions is a story triangle, which visualises the rise and fall of tension within a semantic unit. Although story triangles are traditionally used to analyse stories in the literary sense of the word, we use them at this layer to analyse “stories” in the cognitive sense of the word—i.e., a story as a sequence of propositions and assumptions that has tension.
Story Behind Visuals for Psalm 36[ ]
Summary Triangle[ ]
The story triangle below summarises the story of the whole psalm. We use the same colour scheme as in Participant Analysis. The star icon along the edge of the story-triangle indicates the point of the story in which the psalm itself (as a speech event) takes place. We also include a theme at the bottom of the story. The theme is the main message conveyed by the story-behind.
Background ideas[ ]
Following are the common-ground assumptions which are the most helpful for making sense of the psalm.
- The evil actions of the "wicked" (רשׁע; vv. 2-5) threaten the lives of those who are "upright in heart" (ישׁרי לב; v. 11) (cf. Ps 11:2).
- YHWH's "loyalty" (חֶסֶד) refers to his commitment to fulfill his obligations towards his people — his "covenant partners" — and demonstrate this commitment by his actions (see SDBH).
- YHWH's temple is a place of safety and security (cf. Pss 27:5; 61:4-5).
Background situation[ ]
The background situation is the series of events leading up to the time in which the psalm is spoken. These are taken from the story triangle – whatever lies to the left of the star icon.
Expanded paraphrase[ ]
The expanded paraphrase seeks to capture the implicit information within the text and make it explicit for readers today. It is based on the CBC translation and uses italic text to provide the most salient background information, presuppositions, entailments, and inferences.
For legend, click "Expand" to the right
- Close but Clear (CBC) translation
- Assumptions which provide the most salient background information, presuppositions, entailments, and inferences
v. 1[ ]
For the director. By the servant of YHWH — by David.
v. 2[ ]
Pretending to be a prophet invested with divine authority, personified Rebellion’s pseudo-prophetic declaration [speaks] to the wicked in the midst of his heart that is, the core of his being. Choosing Rebellion’s influence instead of YHWH’s leads to the wicked thinking: There is no fear of God before his eyes In other words, he cannot perceive what it is to live rightly before God.
v. 3[ ]
For Rebellion has flattered him in his eyes in other words, deceived the wicked person into thinking, that he has found his iniquity and hated it with the result that the wicked person no longer notices his sin but is blind to it.
v. 4[ ]
The consequence of the wicked person's faulty perception is that The words of his mouth are evil and deceit. He has also ceased to act wisely and to do good.
v. 5[ ]
He is not satisfied with others' evil: He plots evil of his own while on his bed. He acts on his schemes: He remains beside every way that is, looking for an opportunity that is not good. He does not refuse evil but seizes every opportunity to undermine goodness and work wickedness.
v. 6[ ]
Yet you are entirely unconcerned! Your character is in no way threatened. Instead of being intimidated by evil, if I understand your character, I will sing a hymn of praise: YHWH, your loyalty to your people is in the unending sky , that is, is everlasting and completely unthreatened by his evil; your faithfulness to your people [extends] up to the clouds , that is, is equally everlasting and completely unthreatened by any evil.
v. 7[ ]
Your justice is steadfast and sure like the mighty mountains and is guaranteed to vindicate your people and deliver them from evil; your judgment is steadfast and sure [like] the great ocean and is guaranteed to vindicate your people and deliver them from evil. Indeed, You deliver all living creatures, that is humans and animals, YHWH.
v. 8[ ]
As creation testifies, so do I: How precious is your loyalty, God! Your loyalty to your covenant people is the hope and security of all your people. Mortals take refuge in your loyalty to them: like a baby chick with its mother, mortals shelter under the cherubim on the lid of the ark of the covenant, within the protection of your wings on the mercy seat.
v. 9[ ]
The ark belongs within a temple and a well-watered garden, like the Garden of Eden. When they take refuge there, They drink to the full from the abundance of your house that is, your temple and you give them drink from your delightful literally, “Eden”-like stream,
v. 10[ ]
because the spring that is, the source of life is with you because you are life itself and the creator/giver of life. By your light , which radiates from your face and proves your favor, we can see light that is, experience salvation and prosperity and are thus able to live within your temple forever.
v. 11[ ]
The evil of the wicked cannot stand against your loyalty, which is why I know that you will Continue your loyalty for those who know you that is, those who are loyal to you; and [continue] your righteousness for those who choose straight, correct paths, that is the upright in heart and not those who choose crooked, wrongs paths, that is, the wicked!
v. 12[ ]
Your loyalty is so powerful I know that you Do not let the foot of the arrogant which threatens to step on my neck and subdue me come against me as I dwell within your temple; and do not let the hand of the wicked which threatens to overpower me drive me away from your presence in the temple!
v. 13[ ]
Because YHWH has continued his loyalty to his people, I know that evil cannot endure. This is why Evildoers have already fallen dead, never to rise again there at YHWH's temple where they threatened to overtake us. They have been thrust down by YHWH and have not been able to stand up again in order to seek our lives.
Story Triangles[ ]
