'Psalm 86' by John Milton


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Thy gracious ear, O Lord, encline,
O hear me I thee pray,
For I am poor, and almost pine
With need, and sad decay.
Preserve my soul, for *I have trod Heb. I am good, loving,
Thy waies, and love the just, a doer of good and
Save thou thy servant O my God holy things
Who still in thee doth trust.
Pity me Lord for daily thee
I call; 4 O make rejoyce
Thy Servants Soul; for Lord to thee
I lift my soul and voice,
For thou art good, thou Lord art prone
To pardon, thou to all
Art full of mercy, thou alone
To them that on thee call.
Unto my supplication Lord
Give ear, and to the crie
Of my incessant praiers afford
Thy hearing graciously.
I in the day of my distress
Will call on thee for aid;
For thou wilt grant me free access
And answer, what I pray'd.
Like thee among the gods is none
O Lord, nor any works
Of all that other Gods have done
Like to thy glorious works.
The Nations all whom thou hast made
Shall come, and all shall frame
To bow them low before thee Lord,
And glorifie thy name.
For great thou art, and wonders great
By thy strong hand are done,
Thou in thy everlasting Seat
Remainest God alone.
Teach me O Lord thy way most right,
I in thy truth will hide,
To fear thy name my heart unite
So shall it never slide.
Thee will I praise O Lord my God
Thee honour, and adore
With my whole heart, and blaze abroad
Thy name for ever more.
For great thy mercy is toward me,
And thou hast free'd my Soul
Eev'n from the lowest Hell set free
From deepest darkness foul.
O God the proud against me rise
And violent men are met
To seek my life, and in their eyes
No fear of thee have set.
But thou Lord art the God most mild
Readiest thy grace to shew,
Slow to be angry, and art stil'd
Most mercifull, most true.
O turn to me thy face at length,
And me have mercy on,
Unto thy servant give thy strength,
And save thy hand-maids Son.
Some sign of good to me afford,
And let my foes then see
And be asham'd, because thou Lord
Do'st help and comfort me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deeper Look into Psalm 86 by John Milton: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As a literary masterpiece, John Milton's Psalm 86 has a lot of things to offer to its readers. This poem, with its beautifully crafted verses and captivating imagery, is a remarkable work of art that has stood the test of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, imagery, and literary devices used by Milton in Psalm 86.

Overview of Psalm 86

Psalm 86 is a religious poem, primarily written as a prayer to God. The poem is structured in eighteen verses, each containing four lines. The poem is written in the form of a plea, with the speaker asking God for mercy, guidance, and protection. The poem is also characterized by its use of several literary devices, such as metaphors, hyperboles, and allusions.

Themes in Psalm 86

The overarching theme of Psalm 86 is the speaker's faith and trust in God. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses his belief that God is all-powerful and has the ability to protect and guide him. The speaker also acknowledges his own shortcomings and asks for God's mercy and forgiveness. This theme of faith and trust in God is further emphasized through the use of metaphorical language, such as referring to God as a "rock" and a "refuge."

Another theme that emerges in Psalm 86 is the idea of divine intervention. The speaker acknowledges his own limitations and recognizes that he cannot navigate the challenges of life on his own. He calls on God to intervene and guide him through difficult times. This theme is also evident in the imagery used by Milton, such as when the speaker compares himself to a helpless child in need of his father's protection.

Imagery in Psalm 86

One of the most striking aspects of Psalm 86 is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. The poem is filled with metaphors, similes, and other figurative language that help to bring the speaker's words to life. For example, in the first verse, the speaker refers to himself as a "poor and needy" person. This metaphorical language helps to illustrate the speaker's sense of vulnerability and need for God's protection.

Another example of powerful imagery in Psalm 86 is the use of the metaphor of God as a "rock" and a "refuge." This metaphor helps to convey the speaker's belief that God is steadfast and unchanging, and can be relied upon to protect and guide him. The use of this metaphor is especially effective because it draws on the natural world – rocks and other natural formations – to create an image that is both vivid and relatable.

Literary Devices in Psalm 86

In addition to its use of imagery, Psalm 86 is also notable for its use of other literary devices, such as allusions, hyperboles, and repetition. One example of an allusion in the poem is when the speaker references the "gods" who have risen up against him. This reference to other deities helps to emphasize the speaker's belief that God is the only true and all-powerful deity.

Hyperbole is another literary device used by Milton in Psalm 86. For example, in verse 4, the speaker says, "Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul." This hyperbolic language helps to convey the speaker's deep sense of devotion and commitment to God.

Finally, repetition is also used extensively in Psalm 86. The repeated use of phrases such as "incline your ear" and "teach me your way" helps to emphasize the speaker's urgency and desire for God's guidance and protection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Psalm 86 is a remarkable work of art that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its themes of faith, trust, and divine intervention, the poem speaks to the enduring human desire for spiritual connection and guidance. And through its use of vivid imagery and other literary devices, Psalm 86 is a testament to John Milton's skill as a poet and a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Psalm 86: A Masterpiece of John Milton

John Milton, the renowned English poet, is known for his exceptional literary works, including the epic poem Paradise Lost. However, one of his lesser-known yet equally remarkable works is Psalm 86. This classic poem is a beautiful expression of faith, hope, and devotion to God. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, highlighting its themes, structure, and literary devices.

Themes

The central theme of Psalm 86 is the speaker's plea for God's mercy and protection. The speaker acknowledges his unworthiness and weakness, and he seeks God's help in times of trouble. The poem is a reflection of the speaker's deep faith and trust in God, despite his struggles and challenges.

Another prominent theme in the poem is the speaker's desire for spiritual growth and enlightenment. He asks God to teach him His ways and to guide him in the path of righteousness. The speaker recognizes the importance of living a virtuous life and seeks God's help in achieving this goal.

Structure

Psalm 86 is a structured poem, consisting of three stanzas, each with eight lines. The poem follows a strict rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. The fifth and seventh lines also rhyme, while the sixth and eighth lines rhyme with each other.

The poem's structure reflects the speaker's sense of order and discipline, as well as his reverence for God. The strict rhyme scheme and stanza structure create a sense of harmony and balance, which is reflective of the speaker's desire for spiritual harmony and balance in his life.

Literary Devices

Milton employs several literary devices in Psalm 86 to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe his feelings and emotions, as well as his relationship with God. For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes himself as a "poor and needy" person, which creates a vivid image of his vulnerability and dependence on God.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The speaker repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem to emphasize their importance and significance. For example, the phrase "hear me, O Lord" is repeated several times in the poem, highlighting the speaker's plea for God's attention and mercy.

Milton also uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality in the poem. For example, in the second stanza, the phrase "unite my heart to fear thy name" uses alliteration to create a rhythmic and melodic effect.

Analysis

Now that we have examined the themes, structure, and literary devices used in Psalm 86, let us analyze the poem in more detail.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker acknowledges his weakness and vulnerability, and he seeks God's mercy and protection. The phrase "preserve my soul, for I am holy" is particularly significant, as it highlights the speaker's recognition of his own unworthiness and his dependence on God's grace.

The second stanza of the poem is a prayer for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The speaker asks God to teach him His ways and to guide him in the path of righteousness. The phrase "unite my heart to fear thy name" is particularly powerful, as it expresses the speaker's desire for spiritual harmony and balance in his life.

The third stanza of the poem is a plea for God's protection and deliverance. The speaker acknowledges his enemies and his struggles, but he trusts in God's power and mercy to overcome them. The phrase "be merciful unto me, O Lord" is repeated several times in this stanza, highlighting the speaker's plea for God's mercy and grace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Psalm 86 is a masterpiece of John Milton, a beautiful expression of faith, hope, and devotion to God. The poem's themes of mercy, protection, spiritual growth, and enlightenment are timeless and universal, and its structure and literary devices enhance its meaning and impact. The poem is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking God's guidance and grace in times of trouble and uncertainty.

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