I will incline my ear to a proverb;This phrase suggests a posture of attentiveness and willingness to learn. In biblical times, proverbs were short, wise sayings that conveyed moral or practical truths. The act of inclining one's ear indicates a deliberate effort to understand and internalize wisdom. Proverbs are a significant part of Hebrew literature, with the Book of Proverbs being a prime example. This phrase may also imply a connection to the wisdom tradition in Israel, where listening and learning were highly valued. The use of "proverb" here can be seen as a call to seek deeper understanding, much like Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom and authored many proverbs.
I will express my riddle with the harp:
The use of "riddle" suggests a deeper, more enigmatic truth that requires contemplation and insight to unravel. In ancient cultures, riddles were often used to convey complex ideas in a memorable way. The harp, a stringed instrument commonly used in Israelite worship and royal courts, indicates that this expression is not just intellectual but also artistic and spiritual. The harp's inclusion suggests that the message is meant to be meditative and reflective, engaging both the mind and the heart. This phrase can be seen as a precursor to the parables of Jesus, who often used stories and riddles to convey spiritual truths. The combination of music and wisdom here underscores the holistic approach to understanding God's truths, engaging both the intellect and the emotions.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Sons of KorahThe authors of
Psalm 49, a group of Levitical singers and musicians in the temple, known for their wisdom and musical contributions to the Psalms.
2.
IsraelThe primary audience of the Psalms, representing God's chosen people who are called to live according to His wisdom and commandments.
3.
The PsalmistThe individual voice within the Sons of Korah who is expressing wisdom through music and poetry.
4.
The HarpA musical instrument used in ancient Israelite worship, symbolizing the blending of music and wisdom in the expression of divine truths.
5.
Proverb and RiddleLiterary forms used in Hebrew wisdom literature to convey deeper spiritual truths and insights.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of WisdomAs believers, we are called to actively seek and listen to wisdom, much like the Psalmist inclines his ear to a proverb.
The Role of Music in WorshipMusic is a powerful tool for expressing and understanding spiritual truths, as demonstrated by the Psalmist's use of the harp.
Understanding Through RiddlesSpiritual truths are often conveyed in ways that require deep reflection and discernment, encouraging us to seek God's wisdom in understanding them.
The Importance of ReflectionTaking time to meditate on God's word and its deeper meanings is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.
Wisdom as a Communal ExperienceThe sharing of wisdom through proverbs and music highlights the communal aspect of learning and growing in faith together.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 49:4?
2.How can we apply the wisdom of Psalm 49:4 in daily decisions?
3.What does "incline my ear to a proverb" mean for personal Bible study?
4.How does Psalm 49:4 connect with Proverbs on wisdom and understanding?
5.In what ways can we "solve my riddle" through prayer and reflection?
6.How can music, as in Psalm 49:4, enhance our worship and learning?
7.What does Psalm 49:4 mean by "I will incline my ear to a proverb"?
8.How does Psalm 49:4 relate to the concept of divine wisdom?
9.Why is the use of a "riddle" significant in Psalm 49:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 49?
11.What does a worship leader do?
12.Proverbs 29:15 supports the 'rod and reproof'; does this promote corporal punishment and conflict with modern ethics or child-development studies?
13.What archaeological evidence, if any, supports the psalmist's depiction of worship in Psalm 43:4?
14.What musical terms are mentioned in the Bible?What Does Psalm 49:4 Mean
I will incline my ear• The psalmist begins with a posture of humble attentiveness. He is ready to listen, not speak first.
•Proverbs 2:2 invites the same stance: “turn your ear to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding.”
•Psalm 78:1 echoes, “O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.”
• By literally bending the ear toward God’s voice, we acknowledge that true wisdom originates outside ourselves.
to a proverb• A “proverb” is a concise statement of divine wisdom, meant for practical, everyday application.
•Proverbs 1:6 notes that such sayings help us “understand proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.”
•Ecclesiastes 12:9 shows Solomon carefully crafting “many proverbs” to pass on truth.
• The psalmist’s use of a proverb signals that what follows is more than poetic; it is instruction to be acted upon immediately.
I will express my riddle• “Riddle” points to a deeper, layered truth—something to be pondered, then lived out once grasped.
•Psalm 78:2 foretells Jesus’ teaching style: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from of old.”
•Matthew 13:35 confirms that Christ fulfilled this: He revealed mysteries kept secret since the foundation of the world.
• The psalmist is confident that, with God’s help, he can unfold a mystery so listeners gain clarity, not confusion.
with the harp• Truth is paired with music, showing that doctrine and devotion belong together.
•Psalm 33:2 commands, “Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp.”
•1 Chronicles 15:16 describes Levites appointed “to raise sounds of joy with musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals.”
•Colossians 3:16 tells believers to teach and admonish “with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.”
• Music engages the heart, helping truth penetrate more deeply and be remembered.
summaryPsalm 49:4 shows a teacher who first listens intently to God, then shares concise wisdom, unveils deeper mysteries, and wraps it all in worshipful music. The verse invites us to mirror that pattern: listen, learn, ponder, and proclaim truth in ways that stir both mind and heart.
(4)
I will incline mine ear.--The psalmist first
listens,that he may himself catch the inspiration which is to reach others through his song. It was an obvious metaphor in a nation to whom God's voice was audible, as it was to Wordsworth, for whom nature had an audible voice:
"The stars of midnight shall be dear
To her; and she shalllend her ear
In many a secret place,
Where rivulets dance their wayward round,
And beauty, born of murmuring sound,
Shall pass into her face."
Parable.--Heb.m?shal,root idea,similitude.It is the term used of Balaam's prophecies, and of the eloquent speeches of Job. Hence hereproverb-song(Ewald), since the psalmist intends his composition for musical accompaniment.
Dark saying.--Either from a root meaning totie,and so "a knotty point;" or tosharpen,and so asharp, incisivesaying. The LXX. and Vulgate have "problem," "proposition."
To open the riddle is not tosolveit, but topropoundit, as we say to "open a discourse." (Comp. St. Paul's phrase, "opening and alleging.") The full phrase is probably found inProverbs 31:26, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom.'" . . .
Verse 4. -
I will incline mine ear to aparable. The psalmist is "like a minstrel who has to play a piece of music put into his hands. The strain is none of his own devising; and as he proceeds, each note awakes in him a mysterious echo, which he would fain catch and retain in memory" (Kay). A "
parable" in the Old Testament means any enigmatical or dark saying, into which much metaphor or imagery is introduced, so that it is only
φωνᾶν συνετοῖσι.
I will open my dark saying upon the harp;i.e. with a harp accompaniment. Music was a help to inspired persons in the delivery of messages which they were commissioned to deliver (see
1 Samuel 10:5;
2 Kings 3:15).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
I will inclineאַטֶּ֣ה(’aṭ·ṭeh)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendmy earאָזְנִ֑י(’ā·zə·nî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 241:Broadness, the earto a proverb;לְמָשָׁ֣ל(lə·mā·šāl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4912:A pithy maxim, a simileI will expressאֶפְתַּ֥ח(’ep̄·taḥ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6605:To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carvemy riddleחִידָתִֽי׃(ḥî·ḏā·ṯî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2420:A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or questionwith the harp:בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר(bə·ḵin·nō·wr)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3658:A harp
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 49:4 I will incline my ear to (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
