Psalms 143:5

Authorized King James Version

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי

H2142

I remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

יָמִ֨ים׀

H3117

the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מִקֶּ֗דֶם

H6924

of old

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

הָגִ֥יתִי

H1897

I meditate

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

בְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

פָּעֳלֶ֑ךָ

H6467

on all thy works

an act or work (concretely)

בְּֽמַעֲשֵׂ֖ה

H4639

on the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדֶ֣יךָ

H3027

of thy hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֲשׂוֹחֵֽחַ׃

H7878

I muse

to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 143 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?