What Psalm is Paraphrased in Plymouth Plantaion?

The query "what psalm is paraphrased in plymouth plantaion" points to a specific literary and historical reference in early American colonial writing. It concerns William Bradford'sOf Plymouth Plantation, a key historical account of the Pilgrims' settlement. In this text, Bradford incorporates a paraphrase of verses from Psalm 107 to frame the Pilgrims' perilous sea voyage. This element draws interest from students of American literature, historians of Puritanism, and those exploring the intersection of biblical influence and colonial narratives. Understanding this paraphrase reveals how 17th-century settlers interpreted their hardships through Scripture, underscoring themes of divine providence and endurance central to Puritan theology.

What Psalm Is Paraphrased in Plymouth Plantation?

The psalm paraphrased inOf Plymouth Plantationis Psalm 107, particularly verses 23 through 30. Bradford uses this passage to describe the Mayflower's stormy crossing of the Atlantic in 1620. He directly adapts the biblical language to mirror the Pilgrims' experiences, presenting their trials as fulfillment of scriptural patterns.

Psalm 107 recounts God's deliverance of people in various distresses, including seafarers facing tempests. Bradford's version begins: "They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy by the great waters; They see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." This adaptation continues through the storm's terror and resolution, emphasizing God's role in calming the waves. The paraphrase appears in Book 1, Chapter 9, after detailing the ship's near-wreckage and the crew's despair.

This choice reflects the Puritans' typological reading of the Bible, where Old Testament events prefigure their own lives. It provides a scriptural lens for interpreting the voyage's dangers, transforming personal peril into divine narrative.

Where Does the Paraphrase Appear in the Text?

The paraphrase occurs in the account of the Mayflower's voyage, specifically during the description of a severe storm in late 1620. Bradford recounts how massive waves threatened to sink the vessel, causing leaks and structural damage. Amid this chaos, he invokes Psalm 107 to convey the passengers' fear and ultimate reliance on faith.

Bradford writes the paraphrase in poetic form, closely tracking the King James Version while tailoring it to the immediate context. For instance, the biblical "their soul is melted because of trouble" becomes a vivid depiction of the Pilgrims' emotional state. The section ends with the psalm's triumphant note: "Then they are glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven." This mirrors the ship's safe arrival off Cape Cod.

Positioned at a narrative climax, the paraphrase serves as a theological pivot, shifting from despair to deliverance. Readers encounter it roughly midway through Book 1, enhancing the chronicle's rhetorical power.

Why Did Bradford Include This Paraphrase?

Bradford incorporated the Psalm 107 paraphrase to affirm divine providence guiding the Pilgrims' migration. As a Puritan leader, he viewed history through a biblical framework, using Scripture to validate their separation from England and settlement in America. The psalm's imagery of sailors saved from storms directly paralleled the Mayflower's ordeal, reinforcing the venture's legitimacy.

This technique aligns with Puritan literary conventions, where authors embedded Bible verses to lend authority. By paraphrasing rather than quoting verbatim, Bradford made the text more immediate and relatable, bridging ancient prophecy with contemporary events. It also comforted readers by assuring that God's "wonders in the deep" extended to their generation.

Historically, such allusions strengthened communal identity. The paraphrase reminded the Plymouth colony of their covenant with God, much like the Mayflower Compact formalized their civil bonds.

What Are the Key Themes in the Paraphrase?

Central themes include human frailty against nature's fury, divine sovereignty over chaos, and redemption through faith. Psalm 107:23-30 depicts seafarers who "mount up to the heaven, and descend again to the deep," echoing the Mayflower's pitching in gales. Bradford amplifies terror with details like splintering beams, tying it to the psalm's "soul melteth."

Another theme is gratitude: post-deliverance, the saved "praise the Lord for his goodness." Bradford extends this to the Pilgrims' landing, portraying America as their "desired haven." This typology underscores election—God's chosen enduring trials for a holy purpose.

Examples abound: the psalm's "he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind" prefigures Bradford's account of sudden squalls, while the calming "maketh the storm a calm" anticipates landfall. These parallels highlight resilience and scriptural literacy in colonial writing.

How Does the Paraphrase Reflect Puritan Beliefs?

The paraphrase exemplifies Puritan providentialism, the belief that God orchestrates events for redemptive ends. Bradford, as governor, used it to edify his audience, showing biblical precedents for their sufferings. It counters deist views of random nature, insisting on purposeful intervention.

Puritans practiced plain style in prose, and the paraphrase adheres to this by simplifying poetic biblical language for clarity. Yet it retains rhythmic cadence, aiding memorization and oral recitation in a largely illiterate society.

In broader context, it connects to sermons and journals, where Psalms framed daily life. Misunderstandings arise when readers overlook this; the passage is not mere decoration but integral to interpreting history as sacred drama.

Common Misunderstandings About the Paraphrase

A frequent error is assuming the paraphrase quotes another psalm, like Psalm 23 or 100, due to shared maritime motifs. Psalm 107 specifically matches the voyage narrative. Another misconception views it as original poetry; it closely follows the King James text.

Some overlook its theological function, reading it secularly as adventure tale. Bradford intended it as exegesis, applying Scripture to validate separatism. Typographical errors in searches, such as "plymouth plantaion," lead to confusion but point to the same reference.

Clarifying these ensures accurate appreciation ofOf Plymouth Plantationas historiography infused with faith.

Related Concepts in Puritan Literature

Typology, the interpretive method linking Old Testament types to New World antitypes, underpins the paraphrase. Similar uses appear in John Winthrop'sA Model of Christian Charity, drawing on biblical exodus motifs.

Plain style emphasizes directness, contrasting ornate rhetoric. Psalms' ubiquity in Puritan writing stems from metrical psalters used in worship, fostering familiarity. These elements contextualize Bradford's technique within colonial intellectual traditions.

Understanding them reveals how religious texts shaped American identity from inception.

Conclusion

The paraphrase of Psalm 107 inOf Plymouth Plantationanswers "what psalm is paraphrased in plymouth plantaion" by highlighting verses 23-30, used to narrate the Pilgrims' storm-tossed journey. It encapsulates Puritan reliance on Scripture for meaning amid adversity, blending history, theology, and literature. Key insights include its thematic depth, rhetorical purpose, and reflection of providential beliefs. This device not only structures Bradford's account but also illustrates enduring biblical influence in early American texts, offering analytical depth for literary study.

People Also Ask

Is Psalm 107 the only biblical reference in Plymouth Plantation?No, Bradford weaves numerous Scriptures throughout, but Psalm 107 stands out for its extended paraphrase during the voyage climax. Others, like Deuteronomy passages, frame covenant themes.

What version of the Bible did Bradford use?Primarily the King James Version (1611), evident in phrasing like "wonders in the deep." Puritans favored it for accuracy and poetic resonance.

How accessible is the original Plymouth Plantation text?Surviving in manuscript until 1856, it was first published then. Modern editions provide the paraphrase clearly, aiding analysis of its historical role.