Psalms 109:1

Authorized King James Version

Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
H430
O God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#2
תְ֝הִלָּתִ֗י
H8416
of my praise
laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn
#3
אַֽל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#4
תֶּחֱרַֽשׁ׃
H2790
Hold not thy peace
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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