The Canonical Shape of Psalms 1-14

Philip Sumpter

doi:10.17159/2312-3621/2019/v32n2a14

Abstract

This article seeks to demonstrate the logic of the arrangement of Psalms 1-14. It does so inductively by working through each psalm in sequence in order to identify semantic patterns indicating intentional canonical shaping. It will be argued that Pss 1-2 establish the primary concern of the editors, namely the shape of the divine economy of salvation. The following psalms function to elucidate, develop, and further contextualise the reader’s understanding of that economy. A hermeneutical key is provided by the surprising transition from Ps 2 to 3. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2019/v32n2a14

Highlights

This article seeks to demonstrate the logic of the arrangement of Psalms 1-14
My article here links up with some important observations he made together with Beat Weber concerning the peculiar relationship between Pss 2 and 3 in their canonical context. These two psalms are related in terms of prophecy and prayer, with the prophecy of Ps 2 challenged in various ways by the contrary circumstances contained in Ps 3 and its superscription
We will shortly see how this two-fold theme relates to the psalms that follow; for we must make a number of other observations that will be of hermeneutical significance for the canonical shape of Pss 1-14

Summary

A INTRODUCTION

It is an honour to dedicate this article to Phil Botha, a scholar whose contribution to psalms research spans their many aspects – diachronic, synchronic, prosodic and theological. My article here links up with some important observations he made together with Beat Weber concerning the peculiar relationship between Pss 2 and 3 in their canonical context. As they put it, these two psalms are related in terms of prophecy and prayer, with the prophecy of Ps 2 challenged in various ways by the contrary circumstances contained in Ps 3 and its superscription.. “Canonical Shape of Psalms 1-14,” OTE 32/2 (2019): 514-543 515 them in terms of their full theological reality. It was the function of the canonical shaping of the Psalter to render the psalms within that reality.

Psalms 1-2

The Transition to Psalm 3

Psalms 3-7

Psalm 8

Psalms 9-14

C SUMMARY