Psalm 89 Speech Act

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Speech Act Analysis

What is Speech Act Analysis?

The Speech Act layer presents the text in terms of what it does, following the findings of Speech Act Theory. It builds on the recognition that there is more to communication than the exchange of propositions. Speech act analysis is particularly important when communicating cross-culturally, and lack of understanding can lead to serious misunderstandings, since the ways languages and cultures perform speech acts varies widely.

For a detailed explanation of our method, see the Speech Act Analysis Creator Guidelines.

Summary Visual

Speaker Verses Macro Speech Acts Addressee
Psalmist
/Ethan 		v. 1 A maskil. By Ethan the Ezrahite.
Superscription
(v. 1)
 God
Psalmist
/Ethan 		v. 2 I will sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty. I will make your reliability known with my mouth for generations to come.
Praise
(vv. 2–3)
 YHWH
v. 3 For I said, Loyalty will be built up forever. The sky—your reliability will be established in it."

I will sing about YHWH’s loyalty forever!

YHWH v. 4 I have made a covenant with my chosen one. I have sworn an oath to David, my servant:
Covenant Commemoration
(vv. 4–5)
 Prophets
v. 5 I will establish your descendants forever, and I will build your throne for generations to come.'" Selah.

I will make David’s dynasty and kingdom last forever.

Psalmist
/Ethan 		v. 6 So let the sky praise your wonders, YHWH! [Let them praise] your reliability, too, in the assembly of holy ones!
Praise
(vv. 6–19)
 YHWH
v. 7 For who in heaven can compare to YHWH? [Who] among the divine beings is like YHWH?

There is no one like you, YHWH!

v. 8 [He is] a god who is terrifying in the council of holy ones, great and fearful above everyone around him.
v. 9 YHWH, God of armies, who is like you? Mighty Yah, [who is like you] with your reliability around you?
v. 10 You rule over the swelling of the sea. When its waves rise up, you control them.
For example

You alone control chaos (vv. 10–11)
You alone created the world (vv. 12–13)
You are a great king (vv. 14–15)

v. 11 You crushed Rahab like those who are slain. With your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
v. 12 The sky is yours; the earth also is yours. The world and all that is in it—you founded them.
v. 13 North and south—you created them. Tabor and Hermon rejoice at your name.
v. 14 You have a strong arm, together with might. Your hand is powerful, your right hand exalted.
v. 15 The base of your throne is righteousness and justice. Loyalty and faithfulness stand in front of your presence.
v. 16 Happy are the people, those who know the signal, YHWH, who go about in the light of your presence!

Your people are privileged to have you as their God!

v. 17 They are always glad because of your name, and exalted because of your righteousness.
v. 18 For you are the strength in which they glory, and our horn will be exalted because of your favor.
v. 19 For our shield belongs to YHWH, and our king belongs to the holy one of Israel.
YHWH v. 20 Long ago, you spoke in a vision to your loyal ones and said, I have granted help to a warrior I have exalted someone chosen from the people.
Covenant Commemoration
(vv. 20–38)
 Prophets
v. 21 I have found David, my servant; I have anointed him with my holy oil;

“I chose David” (vv. 20b–21 — Historical Prologue)

v. 22 My hand will always be with him; my arm will also strengthen him.

“I will exalt him over his enemies” (vv. 22–28 — Covenant Promises I)

v. 23 No enemy will exact tribute from him, and no unjust person will afflict him.
v. 24 But I will crush his adversaries from before him, and strike down those who are hostile to him.
v. 25 And my reliability and my loyalty will be with him, and his horn will be exalted because of my name.
v. 26 And I will put his hand on the sea and his right hand on the currents.
v. 27 He will call out to me, You are my father, my god and the rock who saves me."
v. 28 What's more, I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
v. 29 I will keep my loyalty for him forever, and my covenant will be enduring for him.

“I will make his dynasty and kingdom last forever” (vv. 29–38 — Covenant Promises II)

v. 30 I will establish his descendants forever and his throne as long as the sky endures.
v. 31 If his descendants reject my instruction and do not walk according to my rules;
v. 32 if they dishonor my decrees and do not keep my commands,
v. 33 then I will punish their rebellion with a rod and their iniquity with wounds.
v. 34 But I will not annul my loyalty from being with him, and I will not deal falsely with my reliability.
v. 35 I will not dishonor my covenant or change what has come from my lips.
v. 36 Once and for all I swear an oath by my holiness: I will not lie to David.

“I swear to keep my promises to David” (vv. 36–38 — Oath)

v. 37 His descendants will be forever, and his throne [will be] like the sun before me.
v. 38 Like the moon it will be established forever, and [like] the witness in heaven [it will be] enduring.'" Selah.

“the moon… the witness…” — Invocation of Witness (v. 38b)

Israel v. 39 But you have rejected and refused! You have become furious with your anointed one.
Accusation
(vv. 39–46)
 YHWH
v. 40 You have renounced the covenant with your servant. You have thrown his crown down to the ground as something profane.

But you have rejected and refused! You have put an end to his kingdom.

v. 41 You have breached all of his walls. You have made his strongholds a ruin.
v. 42 All who pass by have plundered him. He has become an object of scorn to his neighbors.
v. 43 You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries. You have caused all of his enemies to rejoice.
v. 44 What's worse, you turn back his sharp sword, and you did not help him up in the battle.
v. 45 You have put an end to his splendor and hurled his throne down to the ground.
v. 46 You have cut short the days of his youth. You have covered him with shame. Selah.
Israel v. 47 How long, YHWH? Will you hide yourself forever? Will your wrath rage like a fire [forever]?
Plea
(vv. 47–53)
 YHWH
v. 48 Remember, Lord, what a lifespan is, for what futility you created all people!

Remember that we don’t have long!

v. 49 What person can live and not see death, can rescue his life from the power of Sheol? Selah.
v. 50 Where are your former acts of loyalty, Lord, which you swore to David in your reliability?
Remember
Remember that we are scorned by the nations!
v. 51 Remember, Lord, how your servants are scorned, how I carry in my bosom all the insults of the peoples!
v. 52 [Remember] that your enemies have scorned, YHWH, that they have scorned the footsteps of your anointed one!
v. 53 Blessed be YHWH forever! Amen and Amen.

Speech Act Analysis Chart

The following chart is scrollable (left/right; up/down).

  Legend

Verse Hebrew CBC Sentence type Illocution (general) Illocution with context Macro speech act Intended perlocution (Think) Intended perlocution (Feel) Intended perlocution (Do)
Verse number and poetic line Hebrew text English translation Declarative, Imperative, or Interrogative

Indirect Speech Act: Mismatch between sentence type and illocution type		 Assertive, Directive, Expressive, Commissive, or Declaratory

Indirect Speech Act: Mismatch between sentence type and illocution type		 More specific illocution type with paraphrased context Illocutionary intent (i.e. communicative purpose) of larger sections of discourse

These align with the "Speech Act Summary" headings		 What the speaker intends for the address to think What the speaker intends for the address to feel What the speaker intends for the address to do



If an emendation or revocalization is preferred, that emendation or revocalization will be marked in the Hebrew text of all the visuals.

Emendations/Revocalizations legend
*Emended text* Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is indicated by blue asterisks on either side of the emendation.
*Revocalized text* Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is indicated by purple asterisks on either side of the revocalization.
Verse Text (Hebrew) Text (CBC) Sentence type Illocution (general) Illocution with context Macro speech act Intended perlocution (Think) Intended perlocution (Feel) Intended perlocution (Do) Speech Act Notes
1 מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל לְאֵיתָ֥ן הָֽאֶזְרָחִֽי׃ A maskil. By Ethan the Ezrahite. Fragment Assertive Giving information about the author and genre of the psalm Giving information about the author and genre of the psalm The reader/listener will form expectations for the psalm based on its genre (maskil) and author (Ethan the Ezrahite)
2 חַֽסְדֵ֣י יְ֭הוָה עוֹלָ֣ם אָשִׁ֑ירָה I will sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty. Declarative Commissive Committing to sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty Committing to unending praise of YHWH's loyalty and reliability Committing to unending praise of YHWH's unending loyalty and reliability
• Celebrating YHWH's unending loyalty to David
 The reader/listener will be convinced that YHWH's loyalty will last forever YHWH will be pleased with his people's praise

The reader/listener will feel confident that YHWH will keep his covenant promises forever

YHWH will continue to perform acts of loyalty

The reader/listener will join the psalmist in celebrating YHWH's unending loyalty

לְדֹ֥ר וָדֹ֓ר ׀ אוֹדִ֖יעַ אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בְּפִֽי׃ I will make your reliability known with my mouth for generations to come. Declarative Commissive Committing to make known YHWH's reliability forever
3 כִּֽי־אָמַ֗רְתִּי For I said, Declarative
• "Declarative"
• "Declarative" 		Assertive
• "Assertive"
• "Assertive" 		Explaining why he is committed to singing about YHWH's loyalty forever
• "Claiming that YHWH's loyalty will be built up forever"
• "Claiming that YHWH's reliability is in the sky and therefore untouchable" 		Explaining why he is committed to singing about YHWH's loyalty forever (grounding his commitment in his conviction)
ע֭וֹלָם חֶ֣סֶד יִבָּנֶ֑ה "Loyalty will be built up forever.
שָׁמַ֓יִם ׀ *תִּכֹּן* אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בָהֶֽם׃ The sky—your reliability will be established in it."
4 כָּרַ֣תִּֽי בְ֭רִית לִבְחִירִ֑י "I have made a covenant with my chosen one. Declarative Assertive Recalling the covenant that he made with David Recalling the covenant that he (YHWH) made with David, with its promises of an unending dynasty and kingdom The reader/listener will remember what YHWH has promised The reader/listener will be hopeful for the future, confident that YHWH will keep his promises
נִ֝שְׁבַּ֗עְתִּי לְדָוִ֥ד עַבְדִּֽי׃ I have sworn an oath to David, my servant: Declarative Assertive Recalling the oath that the swore to David
5 עַד־ע֭וֹלָם אָכִ֣ין זַרְעֶ֑ךָ I will establish your descendants forever, Declarative Commissive Promising that he will establish David's dynasty forever
וּבָנִ֨יתִי לְדֹר־וָד֖וֹר כִּסְאֲךָ֣ סֶֽלָה׃ and I will build your throne for generations to come.'" Selah. Declarative Commissive Promising he will build David's kingdom forever
6 וְי֘וֹד֤וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם פִּלְאֲךָ֣ יְהוָ֑ה So let the sky praise your wonders, YHWH! Imperative Directive Summoning the heavenly beings to praise YHWH for his wonders Summoning the heavenly beings to praise YHWH Praising YHWH for his uniqueness, for the supremacy of his kingdom The reader/listener will remember that there is no one like YHWH and, therefore, there is no one who can stop YHWH from keeping his covenant promises YHWH will be pleased with his people's praise

The reader/listener will be in awe of YHWH's greatness

YHWH will continue to demonstrate his superiority and give his people victory

The reader/listener will praise YHWH

אַף־אֱ֝מֽוּנָתְךָ֗ בִּקְהַ֥ל קְדֹשִֽׁים׃ [Let them praise] your reliability, too, in the assembly of holy ones! Imperative Directive Summoning the heavenly beings to praise YHWH for his reliability
7 כִּ֤י מִ֣י בַ֭שַּׁחַק יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ לַיהוָ֑ה For who in heaven can compare to YHWH? Interrogative Assertive Introducing the reasons why the heavenly beings should praise YHWH: claiming that there is no one in heaven who compares to YHWH Giving reasons why the heavenly beings should praise YHWH
יִדְמֶ֥ה לַ֝יהוָ֗ה בִּבְנֵ֥י אֵלִים׃ [Who] among the divine beings is like YHWH? Interrogative Assertive Claiming that there is no one among the divine beings who is like YHWH
8 אֵ֣ל נַ֭עֲרָץ בְּסוֹד־קְדֹשִׁ֣ים [He is] a god who is terrifying in the council of holy ones, Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH as a god who is terrifying to the other divine beings
רַבָּ֑ה וְ֝נוֹרָ֗א עַל־כָּל־סְבִיבָֽיו׃ great and fearful above everyone around him. Declarative Assertive Descibing YHWH as a good who is great and fearful above all of the divine beings around him
9 יְהוָ֤ה ׀ אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י צְבָא֗וֹת מִֽי־כָֽמ֖וֹךָ YHWH, God of armies, who is like you? Interrogative Assertive Praising YHWH for his uniqueness Praising YHWH for his uniqueness
חֲסִ֥ין ׀ יָ֑הּ Mighty Yah, [who is like you] Interrogative Assertive Praising YHWH for his uniqueness
וֶ֝אֱמֽוּנָתְךָ֗ סְבִיבוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ with your reliability around you? Declarative Assertive Praising YHWH for his reliability
10 אַתָּ֣ה מ֭וֹשֵׁל בְּגֵא֣וּת הַיָּ֑ם You rule over the swelling of the sea. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH rules over the swelling of the sea Praising YHWH for his single-handed control over chaos and for defeating chaos at creation
בְּשׂ֥וֹא גַ֝לָּ֗יו אַתָּ֥ה תְשַׁבְּחֵֽם׃ When its waves rise up, you control them. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH alone controls the waves when they rise
11 אַתָּ֤ה דִכִּ֣אתָ כֶחָלָ֣ל רָ֑הַב You crushed Rahab like those who are slain. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH is the one who crushed Rahab, the sea monster
בִּזְר֥וֹעַ עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃ With your strong arm you scattered your enemies. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH scattered his enemies with his powerful arm
12 לְךָ֣ שָׁ֭מַיִם The sky is yours; Declarative Assertive Claiming that the sky belongs to YHWH alone Praising YHWH as the sole creator and owner of the whole world
אַף־לְךָ֥ אָ֑רֶץ the earth also is yours. Declarative Assertive Claiming that the earth also belongs to YHWH alone
תֵּבֵ֥ל וּ֝מְלֹאָ֗הּ אַתָּ֥ה יְסַדְתָּֽם׃ The world and all that is in it—you founded them. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH is the one who founded the world and everything in it
13 צָפ֣וֹן וְ֭יָמִין אַתָּ֣ה בְרָאתָ֑ם North and south—you created them. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH is the one who created north and south
תָּב֥וֹר וְ֝חֶרְמ֗וֹן בְּשִׁמְךָ֥ יְרַנֵּֽנוּ׃ Tabor and Hermon rejoice at your name. Declarative Assertive Claiming that the mountains Tabor and Hermon rejoice at YHWH's name
14 לְךָ֣ זְ֭רוֹעַ עִם־גְּבוּרָ֑ה You have a strong arm, together with might. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH has a strong arm together with might Praising YHWH for his supreme exhibition of royal attributes
תָּעֹ֥ז יָ֝דְךָ֗ Your hand is powerful, Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH's power
תָּר֥וּם יְמִינֶֽךָ׃ your right hand exalted. Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH's exalted status, his supremacy over enemies
15 צֶ֣דֶק וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט מְכ֣וֹן כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ The base of your throne is righteousness and justice. Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH's kingdom as characterized by righteousness and justice
חֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת יְֽקַדְּמ֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ׃ Loyalty and faithfulness stand in front of your presence. Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH's kingship as characterized by loyalty and faithfulness
16 אַשְׁרֵ֣י הָ֭עָם יוֹדְעֵ֣י תְרוּעָ֑ה Happy are the people, those who know the signal, Fragment Expressive Expressing admiration/congratulations for/to YHWH's people Celebrating those who have the special privilege of being YHWH's people The reader/listener will freel privileged to be counted among YHWH's people
יְ֝הוָ֗ה בְּֽאוֹר־פָּנֶ֥יךָ יְהַלֵּכֽוּן׃ YHWH, who go about in the light of your presence! Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH's people as those who go about in the light of his presence
17 בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ יְגִיל֣וּן כָּל־הַיּ֑וֹם They are always glad because of your name, Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH's people as those who are always glad because of his name
וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ֥ יָרֽוּמוּ׃ and exalted because of your righteousness. Declarative Assertive Describing YHWH's people as those who are exalted in victory because of YHWH's righteousness
18 כִּֽי־תִפְאֶ֣רֶת עֻזָּ֣מוֹ אָ֑תָּה For you are the strength in which they glory, Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH gives his people victory in battle; he is the strength in which they can boast over their enemies Explaining why YHWH's people are worth celebrating; describing the benefits of being YHWH's people
וּ֝בִרְצֹנְךָ֗ תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֵֽנוּ׃ and our horn will be exalted because of your favor. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH's people have victory over their enemies because of YHWH's righteousness
19 כִּ֣י לַֽ֭יהוָה מָֽגִנֵּ֑נוּ For our shield belongs to YHWH, Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH is the one who guarantees his people's protection
וְלִקְד֖וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל מַלְכֵּֽנוּ׃ and our king belongs to the holy one of Israel. Declarative Assertive Claiming that YHWH is the one who guarantees the well-being of his people's king
20 אָ֤ז דִּבַּ֥רְתָּֽ־בְחָ֡זוֹן לַֽחֲסִידֶ֗יךָ Long ago, you spoke in a vision to your loyal ones Declarative Assertive Recalling the time when YHWH spoke in a vision to his prophets Introducing what YHWH said in a vision to his prophets Recalling YHWH's covenant promises to David The reader/listener will remember what YHWH has promised The reader/listener will be hopeful for the future, confident that YHWH will keep his promises The recollection of the Davidic covenant (vv. 20–38) follows the basic pattern of an Ancient Near Eastern treaty, or covenant (cf. Gentry and Wellum 2012, 308). First is a brief historical prologue (vv. 20–21), describing the relationship up to the time of speaking. YHWH has helped David in battle, exalted him, and anointed him as king (cf. 1 Sam 16ff) (cf. the historical prologue at the beginning of the Book of the Covenant in Exodus 20:1; see also Deut 1:6–4:44 as a historical prologue to the covenant). Then, there is a series of covenant promises relating to the supremacy of David's kingdom (vv. 22–28) and the duration of David's kingdom (vv. 29–38). In vv. 22–28, YHWH promises to make David supreme over all of his enemies, and in vv. 29–38, he promises to make his dynasty and kingdom last forever. Finally, this section of the psalm ends by invoking the moon as a "witness" to the covenant (v. 38b, see [1](https://psalms.scriptura.org/w/The_Text_and_Meaning_of_Ps_89:38b)). Similarly, Hittite treaties from the late 2nd millennium BC give a list of witnesses to the treaty, including the sun god and the moon god. The moon god is even called "the Lord/King of the oath."
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר and said, Declarative Assertive Introducing what YHWH said
שִׁוִּ֣יתִי עֵ֭זֶר עַל־גִּבּ֑וֹר "I have granted help to a warrior Declarative Assertive Describing how he has helped David win battles and gain prominence Describing his choice of David as background to his covenant promises
הֲרִימ֖וֹתִי בָח֣וּר מֵעָֽם׃ I have exalted someone chosen from the people. Declarative Assertive Descibing how he has chosen and exalted David
21 מָ֭צָאתִי דָּוִ֣ד עַבְדִּ֑י I have found David, my servant; Declarative Assertive Describing how, through Samuel the prophet, he found David (in Bethlehem, when he was keeping his father's sheep)
בְּשֶׁ֖מֶן קָדְשִׁ֣י מְשַׁחְתִּֽיו׃ I have anointed him with my holy oil; Declarative Assertive Describing how he anointed David with holy oil through Samuel the prophet
22 אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָ֭דִי תִּכּ֣וֹן עִמּ֑וֹ My hand will always be with him; Declarative Commissive Promising that his hand will always be with David Promising to make David supreme over all of his enemies, over all other kings
אַף־זְרוֹעִ֥י תְאַמְּצֶֽנּוּ׃ my arm will also strengthen him. Declarative Commissive Promising that his arm will strengthen David
23 לֹֽא־יַשִּׁ֣א אוֹיֵ֣ב בּ֑וֹ No enemy will exact tribute from him, Declarative Commissive Promising that no enemy will exact tribute from David
וּבֶן־עַ֝וְלָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽנּוּ׃ and no unjust person will afflict him. Declarative Commissive Promising that no enemy nation will afflict David
24 וְכַתּוֹתִ֣י מִפָּנָ֣יו צָרָ֑יו But I will crush his adversaries from before him, Declarative Commissive Promising to crush David's adversaries
וּמְשַׂנְאָ֥יו אֶגּֽוֹף׃ and strike down those who are hostile to him. Declarative Commissive Promising to strike down those who are hostile to David
25 וֶֽאֶֽמוּנָתִ֣י וְחַסְדִּ֣י עִמּ֑וֹ And my reliability and my loyalty will be with him, Declarative Commissive Pledging covenant loyalty to David
וּ֝בִשְׁמִ֗י תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֽוֹ׃ and his horn will be exalted because of my name. Declarative Commissive Promising victory to David
26 וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י בַיָּ֣ם יָד֑וֹ And I will put his hand on the sea Declarative Commissive Promising to give David control over the sea
וּֽבַנְּהָר֥וֹת יְמִינֽוֹ׃ and his right hand on the currents. Declarative Commissive Promising to give David control over the currents
27 ה֣וּא יִ֭קְרָאֵנִי He will call out to me, Declarative
• "Declarative" 		Commissive
• "Assertive" 		Promising to act towards David as his father, his god, and the rock who saves him
• "Professing trust in YHWH"
אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה אֵ֝לִ֗י וְצ֣וּר יְשׁוּעָתִֽי׃ "You are my father, my god and the rock who saves me."
28 אַף־אָ֭נִי בְּכ֣וֹר אֶתְּנֵ֑הוּ עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן לְמַלְכֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃ What's more, I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. Declarative Commissive Promising to make David supreme over all other earthly kings (like a firstborn son)
29 לְ֭עוֹלָ֗ם אֶשְׁמָור־ל֣וֹ חַסְדִּ֑י I will keep my loyalty for him forever, Declarative Commissive Pledging loyalty to David forever Promising to make David's kingdom and dynasty last forever
וּ֝בְרִיתִ֗י נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת לֽוֹ׃ and my covenant will be enduring for him. Declarative Commissive Promising that his covenant with David will endure forever
30 וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י לָעַ֣ד זַרְע֑וֹ I will establish his descendants forever Declarative Commissive Promising to make David's dynasty continue forever
וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ כִּימֵ֥י שָׁמָֽיִם׃ and his throne as long as the sky endures. Declarative Commissive Promising to make David's kingdom last as long as the sky
31 אִם־יַֽעַזְב֣וּ בָ֭נָיו תּוֹרָתִ֑י If his descendants reject my instruction Declarative Commissive Promising to discipline David's descendants for their rebellion
וּ֝בְמִשְׁפָּטַ֗י לֹ֣א יֵלֵכֽוּן׃ and do not walk according to my rules;
32 אִם־חֻקֹּתַ֥י יְחַלֵּ֑לוּ if they dishonor my decrees
וּ֝מִצְוֺתַ֗י לֹ֣א יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ׃ and do not keep my commands,
33 וּפָקַדְתִּ֣י בְשֵׁ֣בֶט פִּשְׁעָ֑ם then I will punish their rebellion with a rod
וּבִנְגָעִ֥ים עֲוֺנָֽם׃ and their iniquity with wounds. Declarative Commissive Promising to discipline David's descendants for their iniquity
34 וְ֭חַסְדִּי לֹֽא־אָפִ֣יר מֵֽעִמּ֑וֹ But I will not annul my loyalty from being with him, Declarative Commissive Promising that his loyalty will remain with David, even through the discipline process
וְלֹֽא־אֲ֝שַׁקֵּ֗ר בֶּאֱמוּנָתִֽי׃ and I will not deal falsely with my reliability. Declarative Commissive Promising to stay true to his covenant promises, even in spite of the faithlessness of David's descendants
35 לֹא־אֲחַלֵּ֥ל בְּרִיתִ֑י I will not dishonor my covenant Declarative Commissive Promising to never dishonor his covenant with David
וּמוֹצָ֥א שְׂ֝פָתַ֗י לֹ֣א אֲשַׁנֶּֽה׃ or change what has come from my lips. Declarative Commissive Promising to never change his promises to David
36 אַ֭חַת נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי בְקָדְשִׁ֑י Once and for all I swear an oath by my holiness: Declarative Declaratory Swearing an oath to David Sealing his covenant promises with an oath
אִֽם־לְדָוִ֥ד אֲכַזֵּֽב׃ I will not lie to David. Declarative Declaratory Invoking a curse on himself should his oath to David prove false
37 זַ֭רְעוֹ לְעוֹלָ֣ם יִהְיֶ֑ה His descendants will be forever, Declarative Commissive Promising to make David's dynasty last forever
וְכִסְא֖וֹ כַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ נֶגְדִּֽי׃ and his throne [will be] like the sun before me. Declarative Commissive Promising to make David's kingdom last forever (as long as the sun)
38 כְּ֭יָרֵחַ יִכּ֣וֹן עוֹלָ֑ם Like the moon it will be established forever, Declarative Commissive Promising to establish David's kingdom forever
וְעֵ֥ד בַּ֝שַּׁ֗חַק נֶאֱמָ֥ן סֶֽלָה׃ and [like] the witness in heaven [it will be] enduring.'" Selah. Declarative Commissive Promising to establish David's kingdom like the moon; Invoking the moon as a witness to the covenant
39 וְאַתָּ֣ה זָ֭נַחְתָּ But you have rejected Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of rejecting his anointed one Accusing YHWH of rejecting his anointed one and refusing to keep his covenant promises Lamenting the apparent end of YHWH's loyalty to David The reader/listener will conclude that YHWH has rejected his anointed one The reader/listener will feel surprised, disappointed, and betrayed at YHWH's apparent infidelity YHWH will be moved to vindicate himself and keep his covenant promises
וַתִּמְאָ֑ס and refused! Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of refusing to keep his promises
הִ֝תְעַבַּ֗רְתָּ עִם־מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃ You have become furious with your anointed one. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of having become furious with his anointed one
40 נֵ֭אַרְתָּה בְּרִ֣ית עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ You have renounced the covenant with your servant. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of renouncing his covenant with his servant
חִלַּ֖לְתָּ לָאָ֣רֶץ נִזְרֽוֹ׃ You have thrown his crown down to the ground as something profane. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of throwing the king's crown as though it were something profane
41 פָּרַ֥צְתָּ כָל־גְּדֵרֹתָ֑יו You have breached all of his walls. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of tearing down the king's walls
שַׂ֖מְתָּ מִבְצָרָ֣יו מְחִתָּה׃ You have made his strongholds a ruin. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of making the king's strongholds a ruin
42 שַׁ֭סֻּהוּ כָּל־עֹ֣בְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ All who pass by have plundered him. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of stripping away all protection from the king's land, such that passersby can plunder him at will
הָיָ֥ה חֶ֝רְפָּ֗ה לִשְׁכֵנָֽיו׃ He has become an object of scorn to his neighbors. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of letting his king become an object of scorn to his neighbors
43 הֲ֭רִימוֹתָ יְמִ֣ין צָרָ֑יו You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of exalting the king's enemies
הִ֝שְׂמַ֗חְתָּ כָּל־אוֹיְבָֽיו׃ You have caused all of his enemies to rejoice. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of causing the king's enemies to rejoice in victory over him
44 אַף־תָּ֭שִׁיב צ֣וּר חַרְבּ֑וֹ What's worse, you turn back his sharp sword, Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of fighting against the king
וְלֹ֥א הֲ֝קֵימֹת֗וֹ בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃ and you did not help him up in the battle. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of not helping up the king in battle
45 הִשְׁבַּ֥תָּ מִטְּהָר֑וֹ You have put an end to his splendor Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of putting the king's splendor to an end
וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ לָאָ֥רֶץ מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃ and hurled his throne down to the ground. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of hurling the king's throne down to the ground, of putting an end to his kingdom
46 הִ֭קְצַרְתָּ יְמֵ֣י עֲלוּמָ֑יו You have cut short the days of his youth. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of cutting short the days of the king's youth
הֶֽעֱטִ֨יתָ עָלָ֖יו בּוּשָׁ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃ You have covered him with shame. Selah. Declarative Assertive Accusing YHWH of covering the king with shame
47 עַד־מָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה How long, YHWH? Interrogative Expressive Expressing emotional pain and the inability to bear the present circumstances much longer Expressing emotional pain and the inability to bear the present circumstances much longer Pleading with YHWH to have pity YHWH will remember how frail his human creatures are and how much scorn his people are suffering YHWH will feel pity on his people YHWH will rescue and vindicate his people
תִּסָּתֵ֣ר לָנֶ֑צַח Will you hide yourself forever? Interrogative Expressive Expressing the feeling that YHWH has been hiding himself for a long time
תִּבְעַ֖ר כְּמוֹ־אֵ֣שׁ חֲמָתֶֽךָ׃ Will your wrath rage like a fire [forever]? Interrogative Expressive Expressing the feeling that YHWH's anger might continue forever
48 זְכָר־*אֲדֹנָי* מֶה־חָ֑לֶד Remember, Lord, what a lifespan is, Imperative Directive Pleading with YHWH to remember what a human lifespan is Pleading with YHWH to hurry and have mercy on his people before they die
עַל־מַה־שָּׁ֝֗וְא בָּרָ֥אתָ כָל־בְּנֵי־אָדָֽם׃ for what futility you created all people! Imperative Directive Pleading with YHWH to remember how futile human existence is
49 מִ֤י גֶ֣בֶר יִֽ֭חְיֶה What person can live Interrogative Assertive Reminding YHWH that no one lives forever
וְלֹ֣א יִרְאֶה־מָּ֑וֶת and not see death, Interrogative Assertive Reminding YHWH that everybody dies
יְמַלֵּ֨ט נַפְשׁ֖וֹ מִיַּד־שְׁא֣וֹל סֶֽלָה׃ can rescue his life from the power of Sheol? Selah. Interrogative Assertive Reminding YHWH that no one can keep himself from dying or bring himself back from the dead
50 אַיֵּ֤ה ׀ חֲסָדֶ֖יךָ הָרִאשֹׁנִ֥ים ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י Where are your former acts of loyalty, Lord, Interrogative Expressive Expressing the feeling that YHWH's acts of loyalty are nowhere to be found Expressing the feeling that YHWH's acts of loyalty are nowhere to be found, that YHWH's oath to David has come to nothing
נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתָּ לְ֝דָוִ֗ד בֶּאֱמוּנָתֶֽךָ׃ which you swore to David in your reliability?
51 זְכֹ֣ר אֲ֭דֹנָי חֶרְפַּ֣ת עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ Remember, Lord, how your servants are scorned, Imperative Directive Pleading with YHWH to remember how his servants are scorned Pleading with YHWH to have mercy on his poor servants, who are scorned by the nations
שְׂאֵתִ֥י בְ֝חֵיקִ֗י כָּל־*רִבֵי מֵעַמִּֽים*׃ how I carry in my bosom all the insults of the peoples! Imperative Directive Pleading with YHWH to remember how his people suffer insults from all nations
52 אֲשֶׁ֤ר חֵרְפ֖וּ אוֹיְבֶ֥יךָ ׀ יְהוָ֑ה [Remember] that your enemies have scorned, YHWH, Imperative Directive Pleading with YHWH to remember how his enemies scorn
אֲשֶׁ֥ר חֵ֝רְפ֗וּ עִקְּב֥וֹת מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃ that they have scorned the footsteps of your anointed one! Imperative Directive Pleading with YHWH to remember how his enemies scorn his anointed one
53 בָּר֖וּךְ יְהוָ֥ה לְ֝עוֹלָ֗ם אָ֘מֵ֥ן ׀ וְאָמֵֽן׃ Blessed be YHWH forever! Amen and Amen. Imperative Expressive Blessing YHWH Blessing YHWH, even in the midst of doubt and difficulty The reader/listener will bless YHWH even in midst of doubt and difficulty