The social setting and strategy of Psalm 34

Abstract

This paper endeavours to use the social setting of Psalm 34 as a key to its interpretation. The literary, social, and ideological dimensions of the text are analysed in order to determine its textual strategy, intent and meaning. It is concluded that Psalm 34 was composed in post-exilic times with the intent of encouraging the community of the faithful to keep faith in the power and will of Yahweh to save them from humiliation and to cope with the adverse circumstances they had to face.