Christopher Smart's 'A Song To David': An Explication

This unique interpretation of Christopher Smart’s masterpiece begins with a biography which offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Christopher Smart, an extraordinary poet who died in an insane asylum all but abandoned by family and friends. Convinced that the current names of the days of the week should be changed to words that represent the true God of the universe, Smart chose seven Greek letters which are references to Christ. Scholars and critics have attempted to explain these letters, but none have apprehended Smart’s purpose which was “to preach the very gospel of Christ.” Herein Strong explains the reason for and meaning of these chosen Greek letters and their relation to the whole.

This unique interpretation of Christopher Smart’s masterpiece begins with a biography which offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Christopher Smart, an extraordinary poet who died in an insane asylum all but abandoned by family and friends. Convinced that the current names of the days of the week should be changed to words that represent the true God of the universe, Smart chose seven Greek letters which are references to Christ. Scholars and critics have attempted to explain these letters, but none have apprehended Smart’s purpose which was “to preach the very gospel of Christ.” Herein Strong explains the reason for and meaning of these chosen Greek letters and their relation to the whole.