Abstract:
Superscripts in the Psalter have been disregarded as later editorial additions to the text.
However true, superscripts provided insight into the editorial rationale behind the Psalter.
Despite almost complete absence in Book IV, David’s presence resurfaced in Book V, through
davidic superscripts. The last bearers of the davidic superscript, Psalms 138–145, posed the
question: How does the reference to David in the headings aided our interpretation of these
psalms? A redaction-historical approach to the interpretation of Psalms 138–145 illustrated
how davidic superscripts aided to demonstrate David’s exemplification as priest-king who
displayed an attitude of dependence on YHWH’s protection. This article reflects on the final
davidic Psalter through considering the redactional rationale of contributing Psalms 138-145
to David. Reflections on David’s theological significance in Book V of the Psalter is suggested.
This study resulted in the implication that David as king now submitted to a greater King than
himself.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND /OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: This article challenged a form-critical
approach to psalms signifying that any study of a psalm must be context-comprehensive. By
applying a redactional critical method to the final davidic Psalter, this study emphasised the
theological significance of the use of superscripts. This study called for the entire editorial
process that resulted in the Psalter (as we have it today) to be considered when studying
psalms, also highlighting the need for psalms to be studied in their editorial contexts.
