If you want a good place to practice looking for word patterns, the book of psalms is a good place to start. I’ve been reading through Psalms and have been amazed how much David uses word patterns. Sometimes, there are two or three contrasting patterns. Psalms 21 is a good explain of this.
O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength.
How great is his joy in the victories you give!2 You have granted him the desire of his heart
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
3 You welcomed him with rich blessings
and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him— length of days, for ever and ever.
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.6 Surely you have granted him eternal blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
As you can see, David is very thankful for the blessings God has given him. Why?
7 For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Now David spends a little time to contrast. What happens to thoughts who don’t trust in the Lord? Look for the words patterns.
8Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
your right hand will seize your foes.
9 At the time of your appearing
you will make them like a fiery furnace.
In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,
and his fire will consume them.10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from mankind.11 Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;12 for you will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.
As you can see, there is a big contract between the how God responds to the ‘those who plot evil’ and ‘those who trust in the Lord.’ To the righteous, God blesses and gives. To the wick, he takes away and destroys.
As for most of David’s palms, he ends the psalm like he began it; with praise.
13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might.
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