Post on 01-Apr-2015
The Color of PsalmsLearning Language and Poetry with Technology
January 25th – Bibletech 2008
By Bob MacDonald (drmacdonald.blogspot.com)
Using the GX Performance Framework from Anthony Macauley Associates,
Victoria BC, Canada (gx.ca)
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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The Beginning
Shape and Sound
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Why do this?
• The Appeal – the Letter to the Hebrews
• The Process – getting started with the Hebrew language
• A 6-year time frame
• Reread the NT with a different perspective
• Automated support for learning, translation and analysis
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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The Doors of Psalm 1
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Structural aspects
• Parallels – rhyming ideas
• Chiasm – reversal of order
• Repetition – creating rings
• Alliteration – similar sounds
• Repeated grammatical forms
• Unique word forms
• Central words and phrases
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Rhyming ideas and
chiasm
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Such parallels
• Can be seen in both psalms 1 and 2 • and in almost if not all other instances of Hebrew
poetry.• Some parallels extend into ring structures…• Ask yourself, what is surrounded by the circles?• Redundancy helps us see, hear, and clarify
meaning…• Larger structures are also evident.
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Resolving readings
with structure
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Letting recurrence help with translation
The paired LORD and his anointed at the beginning of the psalm is matched by the installation of the king on the holy hill of Zion in the middle. I think we should expect the same pairing at the end as well. Perhaps the poet wanted BR to rhyme with HR - it's all very alliterative. The kings and the peoples
a laughter (verse 4)• b wrath (verse 5)
– c I have installed my king on my holy hill ְד�ִׁש��י-ַה�רָק HaR-QADSHi (verse 6)• d verses 7-9: declaration of the anointed and invitation to rule
– c' Serve the LORD in fear (verse 11) naSHQU-baR � �ִׁש���ָקּו ַב�ר-ַנ (verse 12)• b' wrath (verse 12)a' a little (verse 12)
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Repetition – creating rings
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Repeated grammatical forms
Look for and count the italics in the image: create in me, renew within me, do not cast me, return to me, support me, deliver me.
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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What is surrounded by the circles?
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Explicit Shape of the Psalter
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Larger structures
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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The Ending
?
Is this the ending?
Is there a corresponding large circle?
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
Page 16The Greater Beginning
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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The Ending
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
Page 18Psalm 90, A Prayer of Moses
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Sounds shared with the
next psalm
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Unique word
forms in Psalm 90
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Psalm Profile
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
Page 22Technology
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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What the GX Performance Framework can help you do
• Sustain an extended learning period
• Portray complex ideas
• Support a thought process
• Suggest lines of inquiry
• Express an idea visually on the Web
• Support predefined and ad hoc datasets
• Publish, print, brief
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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More Information
• http://drmacdonald.blogspot.com
• http://gx.ca
• Help – dialogue, ideas, presentations, papers, criticism,
• Interest in the product (250) 995-3071
bobmacdonald at gx.ca
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Example
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Inserting an object
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Pick the source
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Arrange / save / execute
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Recurrence
Shape and Substance in the Psalter using the GX Performance Framework
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Counts
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Next Psalm
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Scores
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Rare forms in Psalm 42
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Thinking about data