No More Learning

Tipsh *naxn man 40 :^aiD sptjsj^? *a
J av| ? : ? :j- t ? ? n i * mv t: ~ %
This elliptical possessive form, which will not ? Kote on D
always bear literal translation, is often used in
Hebrew. Thus in the last verse but one of Canto X
the phrase translated, "when I shall have learned
Thy righteous judgments," is literally, "in my
learning the judgments of Thy righteousness. "
Similarly, the literal translation of the end of
the Second Commandment is as follows :--
"Upon the third and fourth generations of My
haters, and showing mercy unto thousands of My
lovers and the keepers of My commandments. "
English Bible translation :--
"Upon the third and fourth generations of them
that hate Me, and showing mercy unto thousands of
them that love Me and keep My commandments. "
1
-Ski 43 , *nana *nn&i-^a nan wi naWKi 42
-: |lvt : * ? :- t F at t j" I i jvt;tv:
219
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
IDs. CXIX. myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved.
(8) 48 My hands also will I lift up unto Thy command-
ments, which I have loved: and I will meditate in
Thy statutes.
IHlote on 1 In Canto Vauf (1) the Psalmist prays for help
from God, and for power to tell and show to others
the strength and comfort of knowing and obeying
the commandments of God.
The second verse, of which the literal meaning is,
>>
ZAIN.
(1) 49 Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon
(2) which Thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is
my comfort in my affliction: for Thy word hath
(3) quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly
in derision: yet have I not declined from Thy law.
(4) 52 I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Lord;
(5) and have comforted myself. 53 Horror hath taken
hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake
(6) Thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs in
(7) the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered
Thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept Thy
(8) law. 56 This I had, because I kept Thy precepts.
n
CHETH.
(1) 57 Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said
(2) that I would keep Thy words. 58 I intreated Thy
favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me
(3) according to Thy word. 59 I thought on my ways,
220
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
new TnixtrSx *w wtti & pmak newps. cxix.
jv | v ; *t v -- <t v: ? :itt jv **:
j vena nrvew
|v ? . : t t: ? :t t
"and I shall answer my reproacher's word, for I 'Mote on i
have trusted in Thy word," is another example of
the possessive form we noticed in Cantos N and it,
which gives an epigrammatic turn to the verse,
irreducible to English idiom.
t
nxi 5o :oW? rv new n*y mifr nrrnpj 49
whr\ dht 51 j*3n>>n mbx *a *nona
? ? v: *"i ? :t ? j| : it: ? i* a* : t: j* t viv
T&Sete vnaFra :*? vjm xn vrrtna nxa-ny
I iv t: ? ? ;^-t ? i' t j I: it ? a;
DWgha WrnM nsyni 53 . Dmnto nirv 1 Dniya
a*" 51" ? : ~t --,i jtt ; ? it v : vit t: jt *t"
:*rui? rvM nno|54 :nnnin
fnrrhfi maewi rrin* *pe> rb'bz 'trot 55
liv t 1 t: : v t at: j|: ? t. '~~ ':*-t
p? vtm sinpfi *a *1rnrvn 56
? :itt I jv|; ? P t : it
n
*n^n 58 , flni^i nbe6 wtbn nin* *pbn 57
? ? I ivt . :? ? :- t 't: |i*: v
$nn 59 :^nntjnJ? *jan ^>-h^ 'fos
? -. at : - : ? :? : -i I iv ? ? -: - t j? tit
221
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX.
(4) and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies. 60 I
made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy command-
(5) ments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed
(6) me: but I have not forgotten Thy law. 62 At mid-
night I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of
(7) Thy righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of
all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy
(8) precepts. 64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy
mercy: teach me Thy statutes.
a
TETH.
(1) 65 Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O
(2) Lord, according unto Thy word. 66 Teach me
good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed
(3) Thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I
(4) went astray: but now have I kept Thy word. 68
Thou art good, and doest good; teach me Thy
(5) statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against
me: but I will keep Thy precepts with my whole
(6) heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I
(7) delight in Thy law. 71 It is good for me that I
have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.
(8) 72 The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than
thousands of gold and silver.
>
JOD.
(1) 73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me:
give me understanding, that I may learn Thy com-
(2) mand ments. 74 They that fear Thee will be glad
222
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
*TM u^h ^an 61 ,sp? fof9 te. cx1x.
"? y 'n1? nninS am rbb nixn 62 . *nrD0 k1?
- Iat ^: I t j. t : - ? :it t j
B
ni& 66 :spans nin; jfwuup nw atop 65
Dne 67 :*? n30Mn Tnixaa *a ^nan nrn Dye
vjv ? ;itv:iv I -v : ? : i* w : - -j-t = j-
eg TMS a*9? i nnx
aSna 70 . Y^j5s "1% 1 ^rSaa D^n
h-y\(R) 71 . wfcsw nnnin Dan
:tpM ant
|Vit t /II
1
ivrmh monxi wan waton tt 73
:*nnrv "? pann *a ^nofc^ ^^n* w 74
22. 3
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
]ps. CXIX. when they see me; because I have hoped in Thy
(3) word. 75 I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments
are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted
(4) me. 76 Let, I pray thee, Thy merciful kindness be
for my comfort, according to Thy word unto Thy
(5) servant. 77 Let Thy tender mercies come unto me,
(6) that I may live: for Thy law is my delight. 78 Let
the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely
with me without a cause: but I will meditate in Thy
(7) precepts. 79 Let those that fear Thee turn unto
me, and those that have known Thy testimonies.
(8) 80 Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes; that I
be not ashamed.
3
CAPH.
(1) 81 My soul fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope
(2) in Thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for Thy word,
(3) saying, When wilt Thou comfort me? 83 For I
am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not
(4) forget Thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of
Thy servant? when wilt Thou execute judgment on
(5) them that persecute me? 85 The proud have
digged pits for me, which are not after Thy law.
(6) 86 All Thy commandments are faithful: they
(7) persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me. 87 They
had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook
(8) not Thy precepts. 88 Quicken me after Thy loving-
kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of Thy
mouth.
224
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
n^DKi' pEP? nin* *nyT 75ps. cxix.
j^. ? ^ jITO^I jHW Kjrn; 76
: $b$j# jjrnin *3 rvm\ spjjrp 77
jcnx t6 pgfp TIP"? D'? C
j t ? J it- ') :it :? a- := j| ;it :? jt :it
Iav:~ i". it -- ? ;it t j '! *? **? is I ? : j ?
nirre> dht ^-ro 85 :t33#b *fiTn n^n *05
n>> ^niya-Si 8e :Tjnnin? n1? n^x
-t6 *3w ^3 tayaa 87 . vjntj;
: tj^js nny nT&^'to jptpn:) 88 :^nps tow
225 g
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
mote on Cantos Zain (t), Cheth in), Teth (2), Jod C), and
3, JO n I Caph O), are the meditations of one who is starting
on his career determined to obey God's laws through
all trials and difficulties.
When troubles gather thick
around him, he learns to understand that affliction
stimulates our consciousness of the Power above and
beyond us, and strengthens our faith in God. "It
is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might
learn Thy statutes. "
b
LAMED.
(1) 89 For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in
(2) heaven, 9o Thy faithfulness is unto all generations:
Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
(3) 91 They continue this day according to Thine
(4) ordinances: for all are Thy servants. 92 Unless
Thy law had been my delights, I should then have
(5) perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget
Thy precepts: for with them Thou hast quickened
(6) me. 94 I am Thine, save me; for I have sought
(7) Thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me
to destroy me: but I will consider Thy testimonies.
(8) 96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy
commandment is exceeding broad.
mote on b Canto Lamed (b) expresses the lofty and peace-
giving thought of the unalterable Divine laws and
Divine goodness over-riding all evil, and comforting
all who trust in God. The canto ends with the
226
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
The expression used in the first and second verses mote on
of Canto 3 (the same verb in Hebrew, though 311 ? 0 n T
translated "fainteth" in the first verse and
"faileth" in the second) is a figure of speech
meaning to pine away with excessive desire, the
sickness of an overwhelming longing. It occurs
again in a later canto (V ).
striking phrase, " I have seen an end of all perfection, mote on
but Thy commandment is exceeding broad. " The
Psalmist realizes that the Divine wisdom is above
and beyond human understanding.
b
227
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
. cxix. ?
MEM.
(1) 97 O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all
(2) the day. 98 Thou through Thy commandment
hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for it
(3) is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding
than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my
(4) meditation. 100 I understand more than the
(5) elders, because I keep Thy precepts. 101 I have
refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might
(6) keep Thy word. 102 I have not departed from Thy
(7) judgments: for Thou hast taught me. 103 How
sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter
(8) than honey to my mouth! 104 Through Thy
precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every
false way.
3
NUN,
(1) 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
(2) unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will
perform it, that I will keep Thy righteous judg-
(3) ments. 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me
(4) O Lord, according unto Thy word. 108 Accept, I
beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, 0
(5) Lord, and teach me Thy judgments. 109 My soul
is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget Thy
(6) law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet
(7) I erred not from Thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies
228
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
Q
:*nrvjr wn dftrha sinnin ^mnx-na 97 >><<. cxix.
i' t|' 4* - t |av t i ? ir- t It
i* t I v ;t" ^ ? :a-: * /-; -; t ?
-bib 101 :*nn^ ^ppp \a IW* D'3j3p 100
-no 103 ? vjrnin nfix-"a vnEn6 TtDSetoo 102
*T2# 1 *nx:? e> p-^y faiapx
3
*fio:ft 10G *nynaf? "nxi teh ^rfc-o 105
t$tt8 wy3 107 'sjpny 'pf^a u6^? na'j5xi
nin; xrrrcn *| nirn io8 :^m? hyv.
^iVfinj Tan *s33 109 :*jp? fe ^Ds^bi
T"flpsb$ h na dw'n ^iru no :*nn3tf xS
229
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are
(8) the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine
heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the
end.
D
SAMECH.
(1) 113 Doubters I hate: but Thy law do I love.
(2) 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I
(3) hope in Thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evil-
doers: for I will keep the commandments of my
(4) God. 116 Uphold me according unto Thy word,
that I may live: and let me not be disappointed of
(5) my hope. 117 Hold Thou me up, and I shall be
safe: and I will have respect unto Thy statutes
(6) continually. 118 Thou hast set at nought all them
that err from Thy statutes: for their deceit is false-
(7) hood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the
earth like dross: therefore I love Thy testimonies.
(8) 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am
afraid of Thy judgments.
Hote on Cantos Mem (D), Nun (3) and Samech (D)
D ^ D declare the wisdom and the strength that come to us
by studying the laws of God. Have you ever tried on
a dark night to make your way step by step along a
track by the light of a lantern held just in front of
your feet? If so you will better realize the meaning
conveyed by the imagery of the first verse of Canto J.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path. " We may be tempted at times to do
230
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
D
nnp 114 imim ^mim *r>>ttB> D*syp 113
*? ? ? : ,jv ? j ? :it ? I :it :? tat 1>> ? t
wrong in order to get something that we very much mote on
want. But there is just one right path of conduct, D 3 Q
and the law of God is the light that guides us along
it. If we stick to that light, instead of letting our
thoughts pass into the darkness of doubt and
temptation, we shall be guided on the right path of
conduct, as surely as the wayfarer's lantern guides
him safely through the darkness of the night.
231
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. V
AIN.
(1) 121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me
(2) not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for Thy
servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
(3) 123 Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation, and for the
(4) word of Thy righteousness. 124 Deal with Thy
servant according unto Thy mercy, and teach me
(5) Thy statutes. 125 I am Thy servant; give me
understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.
(6) 126 It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have
(7) made void Thy law. 127 Therefore I love Thy
commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
(8) 128 Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning
all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
mote on y Canto A'in (V) is a prayer for two kinds of help.
First the Psalmist prays to be saved from the
oppression of man. Then he utters a prayer of over-
whelming longing for help to his own soul. The
3
PE.
(1) 129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth
(2) my soul obey them. 130 The entrance of Thy
words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the
(3) simple. 131 I opened my mouth, and panted : for I
(4) longed for Thy commandments. 132 Look Thou
upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to
(5) do unto those that love Thy name. 133 Order my
232
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
V
'W^7 *jrr$? r^3 tofyfa wy 121 >><<. cxix.
^ 123 . dht ^yi-Sx nip1? spfty any 122
? jj^yoy rpv. 124 i^jji* ID? ^'?
oann ^ny 125 riifh ^jpm ^pro
nan nirvS rwyS ny 126 :why ny-M
:tb#i an]a ^T\ixa mro frSy 127 :sjnnin
nap mfc^a *nB>> Sb h^pb-V3 1 p-Sy 128
? ? ? t
last two verses--declaring his loving and loyal faith flote on y
in God's ruling--shew that the earnestness of his
prayer has gone far towards bringing about its fulfil-
ment.
s
-nets 130 :^aa. Drr&a jf-Sy ^nny nixSs 129
nSxetai *mya '3 131 :D"ns paa tn* spyi
t t: vit ? ;-t< j- i-t; I J" ? ? | <<? ? :
BstfM oam ^x-nas 132 rfox' wfotoS '3
-oSevrSfeO ^jnnpKa j an 133 :sjq^ *ani<S
233
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
p8. CXIX. steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have
(6) dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the
(7) oppression of man: so will I keep Thy precepts.
135 Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and
(8) teach me Thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run
down mine eyes, because they keep not Thy law.
IRote on 3 The first three verses are a poem in praise of the
Law, the next four verses are a prayer for help in the
effort to live according to its precepts; the concluding
verse is the Psalmist's lament when he sees the law
of God neglected and forgotten.
The second verse suffers in translation, owing to
the fewness of English words to express the idea of
imparting wisdom. "It giveth understanding" is a
2t
TZADDI.
(1) 137 Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are
(2) Thy judgments. 138 Thy testimonies that Thou
hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
(3) i39 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine
(4) enemies have forgotten Thy words. 140 Thy word
is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it.
(5) 141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget
(6) Thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an ever-
lasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth.
(7) 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me:
(8) yet Thy commandments are my delights. 144 The
righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting: give
me understanding, and I shall live.
234
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:07 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www.