Psalms 102:6

Authorized King James Version

I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.

Word-by-Word Analysis

דָּ֭מִיתִי

H1819

I am like

to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider

לִקְאַ֣ת

H6893

a pelican

probably the pelican (from vomiting)

מִדְבָּ֑ר

H4057

of the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

הָ֝יִ֗יתִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּכ֣וֹס

H3563

I am like an owl

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

חֳרָבֽוֹת׃

H2723

of the desert

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?