Psalms 32:4

For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יוֹמָ֣ם

H3119

For day

daily

וָלַיְלָה֮

H3915

and night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

תִּכְבַּ֥ד

H3513

was heavy

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

עָלַ֗י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָ֫דֶ֥ךָ

H3027

thy hand

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

נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ

H2015

is turned

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

לְשַׁדִּ֑י

H3955

upon me my moisture

(figuratively) vigor; also a sweet or fat cake

בְּחַרְבֹ֖נֵי

H2725

into the drought

parching heat

#10

קַ֣יִץ

H7019

of summer

harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season

#11

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?