Lectionary Year A
July 14, 2002
Psalm 119:105-112

Step II: Disposition
A. Genre

(JFC) This stanza affirms the author's faithfulness to God's Law/Word/ordinance(s). It repeatedly compliments same and reiterates intentions to observe, obey, respect, fulfill, confirm, keep, etc., etc., etc. Repeatedly, I repeat! Mays says it says the same thing 176 different ways! Perhaps it does. Perhaps. The Psalmist admits to being in distress, illness, injury, etc. and then asks God for relief/healing/cure. It also accuses enemies of treachery and affirms that God's testimony is accepted and expected to bring joy forever. Each line is a short sentence though some seem to change the subject almost abruptly, as if they might be streams of consciousness stated rather spontaneously.

B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) We have to wonder if the poet's acknowledging his trouble is as interruptory and/or off topic as it appears in early readings. Then, doth he protesteth too much? Is he over-emphasizing with poetic license or what? And, do we need to identify his enemies?

C. Organization

(JFC) The affliction admitted comes in the 107th and 109th verses. The over-emphasis fills verses 106, 107b, 109b, and 110b. The persecutors are mentioned in verse 110.



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