Psalm 49
| Psalm 49 | |
|---|---|
← Psalm 48 Psalm 50 → | |
| Book | Book of Psalms |
| Hebrew Bible part | Ketuvim |
| Order in the Hebrew part | 1 |
| Category | Sifrei Emet |
| Christian Bible part | Old Testament |
| Order in the Christian part | 19 |
Psalm 49 is the 49th psalm from the Book of Psalms. The psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah and is closely connected with the "Wisdom" or religious philosophy of ancient Israel.[1] In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 48.
Commentary[]
In Jewish tradition the psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah after recognizing their father's greed for wealth as the root of his downfall, and to teach that the purpose of one's life on earth is to enhance his or her spiritual development and to prepare for the world to come.[2]
Alexander Kirkpatrick, in the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges commentary, notes that this Psalm addresses “all peoples” with a theme of common interest to all humanity: is not wealth, after all, the master-force in the world? Must not the poor tremble before its power and pay court to its splendour? In reply, "the Psalmist expresses his own faith that righteousness will be finally triumphant".[1]
Uses[]
Judaism[]
- Psalm 49 is recited on the day of .[3]
- It is also recited following Shacharit and Maariv in a house of mourning.[2]
- Verse 6 is found in the Foundation of Repentance, recited on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.[4]
Book of Common Prayer[]
In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the evening of the ninth day of the month.[5]
References[]
- ^ a b Kirkpatrick, A. F. (1906), Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges on Psalm 49, accessed 24 October 2020
- ^ a b The Complete Artscroll Siddur (Ashkenaz), p. 174, ISBN 0-89906-650-X; The Complete Artscroll Siddur (Sefard), p. 192, ISBN 0-89906-657-7
- ^ The Artscroll Tehillim, page 329
- ^ The Complete Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah, page 9
- ^ Church of England, Book of Common Prayer: The Psalter as printed by John Baskerville in 1762, pp. 196ff
External links[]
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