Abstract:
This study combines a description of the communication structures
in Ps 50 with an investigation of the underlying (Pentateuchal) traditions
and their use in the psalm. This psalm, predominantly composed
of prophetic speeches, contains three divine speeches with
different addressees: v. 5 (heaven and earth), vv. 7-15 (the people as
a whole) and vv. 16b-23 (the wicked). A liturgical setting in the context
of a renewal of the covenant seems likely, as textual relationships
(cf. Deut 30-33; Josh 22; 24 inter alia) indicate. Deuteronomic
traditions and texts and Levitical imprinting in particular
form the background of the Psalm. It contains a North-Israelite flavour but might have its setting in Jerusalem (Zion, v. 2). A dating after
the fall of the Northern Kingdom (722 B.C.E.), probably in the
reign of King Hezekiah, can be assumed. This makes it possible to
group Ps 50 with other Asaph psalms. Regarding the other two
“feast-psalms,” it might be later than the Asaphite Ps 81 (probably
from the Northern Kingdom and before 722 B.C.E.), but is evidently
significantly older than Ps 95.
