Abstract
Shachar is identified primarily as a primary noun that is translated as ‘dawn’ within the Hebrew Bible, yet one must not ignore its mythical dimension. Within the Davidic trilogy Psalms 108–110, Shachar takes on an important function, concerning the unity and the message of the trilogy within Book V (Pss 107–150) of the Book of Psalms. A process of restoration (of honour and identity) and hope is announced within Psalm 108 and started within Psalm 110 for Israel after a time of war and exile. This is demonstrated through the mythical, royal and temporal dimensions of Shachar as two dawns within Psalm 108:3 and Psalm 110:3.
Highlights
The imagery and development of certain words, and themes in Psalms 108-110 contribute to the understanding of these three psalms as a unity within a context of warfare.2. One of these words is ( ׁשחרShachar), translated as ‘dawn’ in Psalms 108:3 and 110:3.3 Within its multiple meanings, Shachar can be understood as a deity that influenced or that was associated with the royal houses of the Davidic line and indicates a new time or period
The question is asked if Shachar in Psalms 108 and 110 demonstrate evidence of one or more of these dimensions and if so how do these dimensions contribute to the interpretation of Psalms 108–110 as a unity? To answer this question, firstly, the mythical dimension of Shachar is evaluated
20.By reading Psalm 110 in connection with the David-triptych, namely Psalms 108–110, one can link the Song of Deborah (Judg 5:2.9) with the words ‘your people are complete willingness’, by doing this, one can refer to the subjugation of the Canaanite kings
Summary
Psalm 108–110, as a Davidic trilogy in Book V (Ps 107–150), reflect this notion of war.1 The imagery and development of certain words (for example that of feet, footstool, garments, head, right hand, sceptre [staff] and washbasin), and themes in Psalms 108-110 contribute to the understanding of these three psalms as a unity within a context of warfare.2 One of these words is ( ׁשחרShachar), translated as ‘dawn’ in Psalms 108:3 and 110:3.3 Within its multiple meanings, Shachar can be understood as a deity (mythical dimension) that influenced or that was associated with the royal houses of the Davidic line (royal dimension) and indicates a new time or period (temporal dimension). This is according to Foley (1980:196), the tradition that can be observed within Psalm 110:3 with Shachar that gives birth to the king.
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