The meaning of אערך in Psalm 5:4
Introduction
"The choice between TEV 'offer my prayer' and RSV prepare a sacrifice (see TEV footnote) depends on the exegesis of the Hebrew verb, which means 'to put in order, to arrange' (see TOB 'I get everything ready for you'). It is disputed whether it refers to prayer (Delitzsch, Briggs, Kirkpatrick; AT, MFT, NAB, NIV, NJV) or to a sacrifice (Weiser, Oesterley, Taylor, Toombs; RSV, NEB, ZÜR). NJB and SPCL have 'I lay my case before you,' and FRCL “I prepare myself to be received by you, and I wait.”[1]
There are four options represented among the translations:
- prayer/requests (KJV, NAB, NIV, NJV, NLT, CEV, GNT, NVI)
- sacrifice (RSV, ESV, NEB, ZÜR)
- legal case (NJB, SPCL, CSB)
- reflexive (FRCL, Reina Valera)
Argument Map
1. Prayer
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title: Prayer
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[Prayer]: "I prepare a prayer" (BDB :L:; DCH :L:). #p
+ <Usage>:"This supplementation (of 'my requests') can be supported from the use of this Hb. verb ערך elsewhere" (Broyles 1991:58). #p
+ "Jb. 32:14; 33:5; 37:19 arrange, set forth, words in order" (Briggs :C:). #p
- "The verb is not used elsewhere for prayer" (Ross 2011:247 :C:). #s
+ <Context>: The context is one of communication. #p
+ [vv.2-3]: "my words... my mutterings... my crying out... to you I pray." #p
2. Sacrifice
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[Sacrifice]: "I prepare a sacrifice" (HALOT :L:). #s
+ <Usage>: "ערך is often a priestly term for laying the altar fire and arranging the pieces of the burnt offering" (Kidner 1973:58 :C:). #s
+ Lev. 1:6ff; Num. 28:4; 1 Kgs. 18:33 #s
<Morning>: "The emphasis on the morning rather suggests this by its possible allusion to the daily sacrifice at God's threshold" (Kidner 1973:58 :C:). #s
+ "The laying of the wood in order for the morning offering of a lamb was one of the first duties of the priest" (Delitzsch :C:). #s
+ Lev. 6:5, cf. Num. 28:4 #s
+> [Sacrifice]
<Watching>: "The context, especially the verb צפה, suggests the idea of presenting an offering" (Kraus 1988:154 :C:). #s
+ [Sacrificial sign]: "Revelations while sacrificing are mentioned elsewhere" (Gunkel & Begrich 1998:125). #s
+ Gen. 4; Num. 23:3; Luke 1:11 #s
+> [Sacrifice]
3. Legal case
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[Case]: "I prepare a legal case" (NIDOTTE :D:). #c
+ <Usage>: "One notes the use of עָרַךְ as a forensic term" (NIDOTTE :D:). "ערך is a forensic term used absolutely in Ps 50:21; Job 33:5, 37:19" (Dahood 1965:30). #c
+ Job 13:18; 23:4; 32:14; 33:5; 37:19; Ps. 50:21; Isa. 44:7 (NIDOTTE :D:). #c
<Morning>: “Ancient Israel court decisions were made early in the morning" (Kraus 1988:155 :C:). #c
+ 2 Sam. 15:2; Jer. 21:12; Zeph. 3:5; Ps. 101:8 #c
+> [Case]
<Watching>: The following verb צפה is appropriate to refer to one's awaiting a response to a complaint. #c
+ [Hab. 2:1]: After Habakkuk issues a complaint to YHWH, he says, "I will look (אצפה) to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint (תוכחת)." #c
+> [Case]
4. Reflexive
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[Reflexive]: "I prepare myself" (LXX, Jerome PIH, Syriac). #r
+ <No DO>: There is no direct object; the verb is intransitive. #r
<_ "The verb אֶֽעֱרָךְ־לְ֝ךָ֗ is deficient... Some verbs imply nouns" (Ibn Ezra :C:). #r
+ "e.g., וּבֵרֵ֖ךְ וְלֹ֥א אֲשִׁיבֶֽנָּה ‘He has blessed and so I shall not revoke (it)’ (Num 23:20); וּבְרֹ֖ב יוֹעֲצִ֣ים תָּקֽוּם ‘with many advisors it (i.e., the plans) will be established’ (Prov. 15:22) in the imperfect" (Ibn Ezra :C:).#r
+ <Semantic field>: "The semantic field implies a reflexive, 'I prepare myself toward thee'" (Terrien 2003 :C:). #r
Conclusion
The forensic meaning of the verb is the most likely in this context: "I prepare (a case) for you and wait."
- This meaning of the verb is well attested, both with and without an explicit direct object (cf. Ps. 50:21).
- Furthermore, this interpretation explains the other elements in the verse:
- the context of communication in the preceding verses and in the preceding parallel line (v. 4a: "In the morning you hear my voice");
- the emphasis on the time of day (repetition of "morning" in v. 4ab) - the king decided legal cases in the "morning" (e.g., 2 Sam. 15:2);
- the following verb "watch/look-out" (cf. Hab. 2:1).
- Also, other elements in the Psalm assume a legal context (e.g., "hold them guilty" in v. 11a; "appear before you" in v. 6).
Research
Translations
Ancient
- LXX: τὸ πρωὶ παραστήσομαί σοι καὶ ἐπόψομαι
- "In the morning I will present myself to you and will look on" (NETS)
- Aquila & Symmachus: τὸ πρωΐ τάξω σοι και σκοπεύσω
- In the morning, I will arrange for you and look out
- Theodotion: τὸ πρωΐ έτοιμασθήσομαι...
- In the morning, I will be prepared/prepare myself
- Peshitta: ܡܪܝܐ ܒܨܦܪܐ ܬܫܡܥ ܩܠܝ. ܘܒܨܦܪܐ ܐܬܛܝܒ ܘܐܬܚܢܐ ܠܟ
- Oh Lord! In the morning, You will hear me; in the morning I will be prepared/prepare myself and appear to You.
- Jerome (PIH): mane praeparabor ad te et contemplabor
- In the morning I will be prepared for you and I will watch
- Targum: בצפרא שמע קלי צפרא אסדר קדמך ואסתכי
- O Lord, in the morning, hear my voice! In the morning I will set myself before You and expect/hope
Modern
- sacrifice (RSV, ESV, NEB, ZÜR)
- prayer/requests (KJV, NAB, NIV, NJV, NLT, CEV, GNT, NVI)
- legal case (NJB, SPCL, CSB)
- reflexive (FRCL, Reina Valera)
Secondary Lit.
Lexicons
BDB
- f. arrange words (מִלִּין) Jb 32:14 ( + אֶל against), so (obj. om.) 33:5 ( + לְפָנַי), 37:19 ψ 5:4 (prob.; > of arranging a sacrifice)
HALOT
- 2. a) to get ready, set out in order... ellipt. Ps 5:4 (+ עֹלָה or simil., see Kraus BK 155:176 :: Seeligmann Fschr. Baumgartner 278: to pray, cf. 1QH 4:24; Mansoor 127);
DCH
- 5a. arrange words, set out a (legal) case, make a charge
- b. give an ordered account of
- c. without obj., perh. set prayer in order, i.e. pray, unless prepare sacrifice, <SUBJ> worshipper Ps 5:4. <PREP> לְ of direction, to or before, + Y. Ps 5:4.
Dictionaries
NIDOTTE
one notes the use of עָרַךְ as a forensic term (see the above reference to Job 13:18, “Now that I have prepared my case”). See also 23:4: Job about God, “I would state my case before him”; 32:14: Elihu to the three counselors about Job, “But Job has not marshaled his words against me”; 33:5: Elihu’s challenge to Job, “Answer me if you can; prepare yourself [i.e., prepare your case] and confront me”; 37:19: Elihu to Job about God, “We cannot draw up our case because of our darkness”; Ps 5:3 [4]: “In the morning I lay my request [or, “draw up my case”] before you”; 50:21: God speaking to the wicked, “But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face” [or, “I will accuse you and draw up a case before your eyes”]; Isa 44:7: “Who is like me?… Let him declare and lay out before me … what is yet to come.”
עָרַךְ also appears in the OT as part of the technical vocabulary of the cult...
One wonders if there is a possible connection between עָרַךְ in this cultic context and the use of עָרַךְ for approaching God in prayer (see Ps 5:3 [4] and cf. par. 2 above). While the forensic background of עָרַךְ is in view there, it is possible, in light of the many uses of עָרַךְ for the laying of the pieces of the offering in order (Exod-Num), that the psalmist in Ps 5:3 [4] conveys by his use of עָרַךְ the idea of bringing an offering.
Articles
Botha 2018:5
Psalm 5:4 does refer to the suppliant’s ‘presenting his case’ in the ‘morning’ and ‘waiting’ for a response. This ‘presenting’ could also refer to the arrangement of the arguments of the psalmist, however, and does not necessarily imply an accompanying sacrifice.
Commentaries
Ibn Ezra 1156
The verb אֶֽעֱרָךְ־לְ֝ךָ֗ is deficient. It is as if it says, ‘I will arrange my prayer unto You.’ Just as I have already said, some verbs imply nouns, e.g., וּבֵרֵ֖ךְ וְלֹ֥א אֲשִׁיבֶֽנָּה ‘He has blessed and so I shall not revoke [it]’ (Num 23:20); וּבְרֹ֖ב יוֹעֲצִ֣ים תָּקֽוּם ‘with many advisors it (i.e., the plans) will be established’ (Prov. 15:22) in the imperfect.
Delitzsch 1871
The verb ערך is the word used of laying the wood in order for the sacrifice, (Lev. 1:7)... The laying of the wood in order for the morning offering of a lamb (Lev. 6:5, cf. Num. 28:4) was one of the first duties of the priest, as soon as the day began to dawn; the lamb was slain before sun-rise and when the sun appeared above the horizon laid piece by piece upon the altar. The morning prayer is compared to this morning sacrifice. This is in its way also a sacrifice. The object which David has in his mind in connection with אערך is תּפלּתי . As the priests, with the early morning, lay the wood and pieces of the sacrifices of the Tamı̂d upon the altar, so he brings his prayer before God as a spiritual sacrifice" (Delitzsch).
Briggs 1906
ערך arrange, used Gn. 22 9 (E) for arranging wood of sacrifice, Ex. 40 4 - 23 , (P) of shew bread, so here in fig. sense as most, or as Jb. 32 14 33 s 37 19 arrange, set forth, words in order; elsw. arrange lamp Ps. 132 17 , table 23 s 78 10 , set forth in order thoughts 40 6 , a case 50 21
Dahood 1965:30
ʾeʿerōk is a forensic term used absolutely in Ps 50:21; Job 33:5, 37:19.
Kidner 1973:58
It is often a priestly term for laying the altar fire and arranging the pieces of the burnt offering (Lev. 1:6ff). The emphasis on the morning rather suggests this by its possible allusion to the daily sacrifice at God's threshold...
Craigie 1983:86
The time of prayer is specified in v 4 as the “morning” (cf. Ps 3). Whether this was a private prayer offered by an individual at the beginning of the day, or whether it was offered in some formal context of morning worship, cannot be ascertained. Many interpreters assume a formal context of worship, for the verb translated “I make preparations” (ערך) may be used with respect to the making of formal preparations for a sacrifice (e.g. setting the wood upon the altar). But the word may also be used of preparing one’s words (e.g. in a legal case or debate) and there can be no certainty that it is used in any technical sacrificial sense here. Thus, although it is possible that the context of the prayer is provided by the morning sacrifice, it is equally possible that the worshiper is simply preparing the words of his prayer.
Kraus 1988:154
ערך here probably has the meaning: to prepare a sacrifice, to lay the pieces of the offering in order (Lev. 1:8f., 12). The priest would then present the offering laid out. But ערך, probably connected with מליו may also have the meaning: 'prepare words,' 'present words' (Job 32:14), or in the phrase ערך משפט it can have the meaning: 'to present a case at law' (Job 13:18; 23:4; Ps 50:21). But the context, especially the verb צפה, suggests the idea of presenting an offering.
Broyles 1991:58
“My requests” is absent in the Hb. text and is supplied by the translators. This supplementation can be supported from the use of this Hb. verb ʿrk elsewhere. On the other hand, the verb’s frequent use in connection with ritual sacrifice (Lev. 1:8– 9, 12; 1 Kgs. 18:33) could indicate that a sacrifice was to be offered with the singing of the psalm.
NET 2001
tn Heb “I will arrange for you.” Some understand a sacrifice or offering as the implied object (cf. NEB “I set out my morning sacrifice”). The present translation assumes that the implied object is the psalmist’s case/request. See Isa 44:7.
Terrien 2003
Perhaps the semantic field implies a reflexive, "I prepare myself toward thee."
Goldingay 2006
b. ʿĀrak , with ellipse of a noun (cf. Job 33:5); the implicit object may be the words/ utterance/cry of vv. 1– 2.
Jacobson 2014:90, 95
The reference to morning is understood as a reference to a judicial decision, because the sun was seen as a symbol of justice and because in “ancient Israel court decisions were made early in the morning (2 Sam. 15:2; Jer. 21:12; Ps. 101:8), so the divine decision was awaited early in the morning.…” An affirmation in Zephaniah also supports this interpretation: “Every morning he renders his judgment” (Zeph. 3:5). However, morning may also be taken simply as symbolic of a renewal of hope (see below). A key word is the verb ʿāraḵ, “to lay out, set in rows.” In this context, where the psalmist is praying and asking God to hear a prayer (v. 2), ʿāraḵ means one of two things. It might mean to “prepare/lay out a sacrifice” that would accompany the prayer, as it does in Gen. 22:9, where Abraham “prepares/lays out” the wood for the sacrifice (cf. Lev. 1:8, 12, etc.). Alternatively, the verb might mean “to prepare words for a legal case,” with the sense that the prayer is a verbal assertion of legal innocence (cf. Job 32:14; 33:5; 37:19)
While morning may be a reference to the time of judicial decision (so Kraus, see above), it seems more likely that it is a reference to the almost universal human experience of equating the sun’s rise with the rebirth of hope. See, for example, Ps 30:5: “in the morning—rejoicing!” 46:5: “God will help it in the face of the morning”; or 130:6: “My inmost being waits expectantly for the Lord, more than those watching for the morning, those watching for the morning.” This last occurrence is especially significant because it pairs the concepts of “waiting” for God’s action and prayer (95).
Ross 2011:247
The verb "I shall lay out before you" has no direct object. It may be taken to refer to laying out in order the petitions; however, the verb is not used elsewhere for prayer. It is used in the Law for laying wood on the altar in preparation for the sacrifice (e.g., Lev. 6:5, and Num. 28:4); it may, then, be given an object of 'sacrifice,' indicating that he was planning to go to the sanctuary and lay out his sacrifice, presumably to accompany his prayer.
References
- ↑ Bratcher Reyburn 1991:50-51