Intertextuality and the interpretation of Psalm 1

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Authors

Botha, Philippus Jacobus

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Old Testament Society of South Africa

Abstract

The meaning of the word ‘Torah’ in Psalm 1:2 is investigated in the light of the intratextual context of Psalm 1 itself and in the light of intertextual connections of this psalm with Joshua 1, Jeremiah 17, Psalms 52 and 92, Job 8, Ezekiel 47, and 1 Chronicles 22. It is contended that ‘Torah’ in Psalm 1:2 refers to the Mosaic Torah rather than to the Psalter itself. The Torah of Moses is depicted in Psalm 1 as a guide on the road of life to the presence of Yahweh, symbolised by a paradise-like temple garden. The mutual connections of Psalm 1 and 1 Chronicles 22 with Joshua 1 might suggest that Psalm 1 was intended as an introduction to the first three books of the Psalter in the first place.

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Keywords

Psalm 1, Intertextuality, Torah

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Botha, PJ 2005, 'Intertextuality and the interpretation of Psalm 1', Old Testament Essays, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 503-520. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_oldtest.html]