* Parallelism: This is the most prominent feature of Hebrew poetry. It involves the repetition of similar ideas or phrases in different ways, often using synonymous, antithetical, or synthetic parallelism.
* Synonymous parallelism: Repeats the same idea with different words, often emphasizing the idea.
* Antithetical parallelism: Contrasts two opposing ideas, often highlighting the tension or complexity.
* Synthetic parallelism: Combines two ideas, building upon the previous one.
* Imagery: Hebrew poetry is rich in vivid imagery, using metaphors, similes, and other figurative language to paint a picture in the reader's mind.
* Rhythm and Meter: Hebrew poetry often uses a consistent rhythm and meter, but the patterns are not as strict as in English poetry. Some poems also utilize chiasmus, a literary device where clauses or phrases are repeated in reverse order.
* Sound Devices: While not as prominent as rhyme, Hebrew poetry can also use assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) and consonance (repetition of consonant sounds) for effect.
Here's an example from Psalm 23:
> The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
> He makes me lie down in green pastures;
> He leads me beside quiet waters.
> He restores my soul.
> He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
This verse uses synonymous parallelism (e.g., "He makes me lie down" and "He leads me beside") to emphasize the shepherd's care. It also uses imagery with "green pastures" and "quiet waters" to convey a sense of peace and abundance.
In conclusion, Hebrew poetry uses parallelism, imagery, rhythm, and other literary devices instead of rhyme to create its poetic effect. This unique structure and beauty have been praised for centuries and continue to inspire readers today.