„Unser Gott kommt …!“ (Ps 50,3) : Psalm 50 und sein Setting im Lichte aufgenommener Überlieferungen

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.