Abstract:
This article attempts to interpret Ps 16 as part of the cluster of
Psalms 15-24, but also as a Torah-wisdom psalm. Hossfeld and
Zenger have argued that Ps 16 was added to this cluster simultaneously
with Pss 19 and 23, but that this happened quite some time
before Ps 1 was composed to serve (together with Ps 2) as the preface
to the whole Psalter. It is proposed here that Ps 16 is a Torahwisdom
composition which exemplifies true blessedness as compliance
with the Torah of YHWH in contentedness with one’s lot in life.
It thus represents the kind of piety also portrayed in other Torahwisdom
psalms such as Pss 1, 19, 23 and 73. It is consequently suggested
that Ps 16 is much closer to Ps 1 in time of origin and
teaching as has been accepted until now. This does have implications
for its interpretation.
