Mizmor 145: Transcendence and Immanence/0

Mizmor 145: Transcendence and Immanence

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Structure

Several alternative structures have been proposed for the psalm, each highlighting different themes and messages. Two possibilities follow:

God is Great, God is Good

I. Outline

Prelude: Individual Blessing  (verses 1-2)

• Stanza 1: Transcendence: Hashem's Greatness (verses 3-6)
• Stanza 2: Immanence: Hashem's Good (verses 7-9)

Interlude: Blessing of the Righteous (verse 10)

• Stanza 3: Transcendence: Hashem's Greatness (verses 11-13)
• Stanza 4: Immanence: Hashem's Benevolence (verses 14-20)

Postlude: Universal Blessing (verse 21)

II. Analysis

This structure is based on both the content and guiding words of each unit.

• The Frame – The root "ברכ"appears three times in the chapter, once in the beginning (verse 1), once in the middle (verse 10) and once at the end (verse 21). The changing context of the phrase points to a progression from the individual to the universal, as first the psalmist blesses Hashem (), then the community of righteous () and finally all flesh ().  These verses, thus, serve to frame the psalm, comprising its introduction, interlude and conclusion.
• Stanza 1 – In verses 3-6 the root "גדול" appears three times, twice in the beginning and once at the end of the unit, framing the section.  The theme pervades the verses as synonyms () evoke the same message of Hashem's might.
• Stanza 2 – This stanza is framed by the word "טוב" (appearing in both verse 7 and 9).  It appropriately revolves around Hashem's caring, being marked by words connoting mercy (חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם, אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, גְדׇל חָסֶד).
• Stanza 3 – This subsection reverts back to the theme of Hashem's transcendence introduced in stanza 1, highlighting Hashem's kingship, with variations of the word "מַלְכוּת" appearing four time in the three verses.
• Stanza 4 – The fourth stanza elaborates on stanza 2, providing many examples of Hashem's caring.  It is marked by the guiding word "כל" which appears 10 times in the section, ¹ and emphasizes the scope of Hashem's benevolence.

III. Key Message

 The

Alternating Voices: A Call to Praise

I. Outline

Call to Praise: The Individual (verses 1-2)

• Answering Call: Hashem is Great (verse 3)

Call to Praise: Individual and Community (verses 4-7)

• Answering Call: Hashem is Caring (verses 8-9)

Call to Praise: The Community (verses 10-13)

• Answering Call: Hashem is Caring (verse 14)

Statement of Trust: Universal Hope in God (verses 15-16)

• Answering Call: Hashem Listens (verses 17-20)

Conclusion (verse 21)

¹ The word is not unique to this section, appearing 7 more times in the chapter, but the clustering in these verses in particular is noteworthy.