Page 7 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

is strength, defense, and salvation (v. 2). He is majestic in power (v. 6). He has burning anger (v. 7). He is
holy, unlike any other gods (v. 11). His unfailing love leads the people he has redeemed (v. 13). The
power of his arm is great and will bring his people to the place where God dwells (v. 16, 17).

Other terms are helpful to know. Writers use different language to describe basic parts of a poem. A line
is the basic unit of poetry. Each half-line is a colon. Bicolon is two half-lines. Related lines grouped
together becomes a strophe. Two or more strophes closely related in a longer poem is a stanza.

We should also take note of some figures of speech that make poetry more vivid, lively.

Simile: a comparison using the words “like” or “as” –
They sank to the depths like a stone. V. 5
The surging waters stood up like a wall. V. 8
Metaphor: a comparison without using the words “like” or “as” –.
The LORD is my song/defense. V. 2
Your right hand, LORD, shattered the enemy. V. 6
Anthropomorphism: giving human characteristics God
By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. V. 8
You stretched out your right hand. V. 12
Personification: attributing a personal nature to an object or concept –
The deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea. V. 8
The earth swallows your enemies. V. 12

Hopefully, as we think about these and other figures of speech, we are also picking out parallel lines that
build up images. Note the following and ask how the second in each case builds on the first, making for
greater intensity.

Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.
The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea. V. 4

By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.
The surging waters stood up like a wall;
The deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea. V. 8

Who among the gods is like you, LORD?
Who is like you – majestic in holiness,
Awesome in glory, working wonders? V. 11

The chiefs of Edom will be terrified,
The leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling,
The people of Canaan will melt away; v. 15

You will bring them in and plant them
On the mountain of your inheritance –
The place, LORD, you made for your dwelling,
The sanctuary, Lord, your hands established. V. 17

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