Psalms 49 - Introduction

XLIX.

This psalm, though didactic, does not altogether belie the promise of lyric effort made in Psalms 49:4. Not only is it cast in a lyrical form, with an introduction and two strophes, ended each by a refrain (see Note, Psalms 49:12), but it rises into true poetry both of expression and feeling. Indeed, it is not as a philosophical speculation that the author propounds and discusses his theme, but as a problem of personal interest (Psalms 49:15); hence throughout the composition a strain of passion rather than a flow of thought.

Title. — See titles Psalms 4, 42