Coming Apart at the Seam: A Text-Critical Consideration of Psalm 72 (original) (raw)
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The present volume, which is the result of a panel at the 2019 SBL International Meeting in Rome, maps current discourses in Psalms research. The past decades have been marked by the paradigm shift from form and genre criticism to different designs of an exegesis that incorporates the environment of the individual psalms. More recently, it has been pointed out that the complex findings of the manuscripts from antiquity to the Middle Ages do not fit the notion of a fixed canonical text that some designs presuppose. The contributions in the present volume combine such basic considerations with individual investigations of groups of psalms. With different methodological and hermeneutical approaches, they open up perspectives on the connections between the origin, composition and reception of the Psalms.
The Shape and Message of Psalms 73-78
The Catholic Biblical Quarterly (CBQ), 2021
Psalms 73-78 have received considerable attention from an editorial-critical standpoint. But a perusal of the literature reveals much work to be done. Previous studies are in disagreement over this sequence's literary structure, the degree and nature of its literary unity, and whether it constitutes both a deliberate and distinct literary unit in the Psalter. This study aims to clarify these aspects of the final form of Psalms 73-78. The thesis advanced is that Psalms 73-78 are a deliberate and distinct literary unit shaped to help the exilic/postexilic community faithfully navigate a dis-orienting conflict of faith and experience precipitated by God's absence in the temple's destruction.
The Hebrew Psalter in its (proto)canonical form contains and develops a dialogue with preceding authoritative literature (Torah and Nebi’im). With Moses and David, anchor points are mentioned with which persons, writings connected with them and theological concepts and functions are connected. The anaphoric nature of the Psalter associated with authorization and theological programmatic proves itself in his overture (Ps 1–3). Right at the beginning it evokes theologically and positionally important key texts (esp. Deut 6; 33; Josh 1; 2 Sam 22). In its last two parts the Psalter itself is then taken up by the Chronicles (e.g. 1 Chr 16). In the «centre» of the Psalter, Ps 78 connects Mosaic and Davidic horizons in a special way, opens the usage of the Torah towards Israel and becomes the starting point for the performances in Book IV (and V) of the Psalter.
English Version of: Wer schrieb und wer las den Psalter? Gebrauch und Trägerkreise der Psalmen im Lichte antiker Quellen, Biblische Zeitschrift 67 (2023) 186-211 Abstract: Who wrote and who read the Psalter? Compilation and use of the Psalms in the light of ancient sources. The question of how the Psalter was used in its formative phase and which groups compiled it is under considerable debate. Two different positions are discussed here, in variation. One is represented by Ulrich Berges, Susan Gillingham and Beat Weber (among others) who claim that the compilers of the Psalter are to be found among the Levites respectively Asafites, according to the Psalms headings and Chronicles. The opposite position is represented by N. Füglister, N. Lohfink, C. Levin, E. Zenger, F.-L. Hossfeld, E. Ballhorn B. Janowski and M. Leuenberger amongst others who assume that the Psalms were transmitted in scholarly circles and used in a private lectio continua of Psalter. Leuenberger for example considers Levitical circles to be improbable as tradent groups since "scriptural interpretation and temple chant are two poles that are far apart". This paper deals with ancient sources that can help to better understand the transmission of psalms and the psalter in its formative phases.
Praise beyond Words' : Psalm 150 as grand finale of the crescendo in the Psalter : original research
Hts Teologiese Studies Theological Studies, 2011
Without doubt the final hymn of the Psalter can be described as the climax, or grand finale, of the Israelite faith's most known hymnbook. In this psalm, sound and action are blended into a picture of ecstatic joy. The whole universe is called upon to magnify Yah(weh), the God of Israel. The text poses various exegetical challenges. In the past, Psalm 150 was traditionally analysed as a single text; but with the advent of the canonical and redactionhistorical approaches to the interpretation of the Book of Psalms, Psalm 150 can be interpreted as part of the final Hallel (Pss 146-150), or Book V (Pss 107-150) of the Psalter. This view opens up new possibilities for reading the psalm in broader contexts and its broader literary context(s) illuminate its theological significance. This article is an attempt at reflecting on the psalm's context(s), structure, Gattung and dates of origin, tradition-historical relations to the Pentateuch, Psalms and other Old Testament texts. Ultimately some reflections on the psalm's theological significance will be suggested. Context in the Psalter Composition and theology of Book V (Pss 107−150) As final text of the Hebrew Psalter, Psalm 150 forms an integral part of Book V (Pss 107−150). Several scholars have contributed to the contemplation on the composition and theological perspectives of Book V (Pss 107−150). 1 But despite a variety of possibilities a few theological
Paratextual Framings of Psalm 72 and the Shaping of Interpretive Possibilities
Acta Theological, 2021
This article focuses on how paratextual reframings of Psalm 72 have transformed the royal ideology in the psalm. After an initial overview of the core psalm (vv. 1-17), its paratexts are addressed one by one. First, it is noted how the doxology in verses 18-19 is added as a theological correction, creating a tension between the psalm proper and the paratext. It is then argued that verses 1 and 20 cast the psalm as David's prayer for Solomon. The effect of these paratextual activities is then traced over time, first in the Hebrew Bible, in Second Temple literature, in the New Testament, as well as in Christian and Jewish expositions. The article indicates various ways in which the tensions are resolved and how these interactions, in turn, generate new paratexts.