"From Exile to Zion" - ethical perspectives from the twin Psalms 127 and 128

Abstract

In the past psalms were often read and interpreted as single texts. With the redactional-historical approach to psalm interpretation psalm texts are more regularly interpreted within the smaller collections where they are situated? The theological relationship between a single psalm and the larger collection becomes evident when such a text (or texts) is (are) read against the background of the collection's theological programme or intention. To illustrate this relationship the twin Psalms 127 and 128 are eclectically selected from the Sîrē Hama'alôt psalms (120-134) in Book V (107-150) of the Psalter. These wisdom-related-psalms are examined for their Torah ethical thinking as envisaged in Psalm 1. With the theological programme "From exile to Zion" of the Sîrē Hama'alôt collection (120-134) these twin psalms contribute to the ethical reflection of the Yahweh-faith in Book V.