49:1–4 Unlike most psalms, this one explicitly labels its genre as a proverb and a riddle, though sung with the harp. The reason for the latter designation becomes evident in the question of verses 5–6. The psalm stems from Israel’s wisdom tradition—comparable especially to Ecclesiastes—and its purpose is didactic. This proverb is not just for Israelites but for all you peoples, all who live in this world—irrespective of social station (both low and high) and economic status (rich and poor alike). For the rich and poor, however, this psalm bears different messages. For the former it conveys a warning, for the latter a hope. The reason the psalm commands such universal attention is because it contains words of wisdom and understanding. For some readers this claim smacks of arrogance. But t…