'An dem Tag, als JHWH ihn rettete aus der Hand aller seiner Feinde und aus der Hand Sauls“ (Ps 18,1)

Abstract

Examining the arrangement of biographical notices in the titles of psalms ascribed to David reveals that these are not placed haphazardly. Their order and correlation conveys a message to the reader of the first two Davidic collections of psalms. There are two main horizons, one reflecting on the conflict between Saul and David (Pss 34; 52-59, followed by Ps 60 with national enemies), another reflecting on the conflict between David and Absalom (Ps 3-7; 63). The headings of Pss 18 (doubling 2 Sam 22) and Ps 51 (in connection with Ps 2 and 72) are of special hermeneutical significance, as they guide the reader’s understanding of such biographical information, signalling relationships between the headings of different psalms als well as back to the narrative of the Book of Samuel (1-2 Sam). In the midst of prayers in which David is struggling with enemies, Ps 18 foregrounds the salvation of JHWH “at the end.” Pss 2; 51 and 72 are interconnected by the common theme of the house of David and the prophetic voice of Nathan adressed twice to king David (2 Sam 7; 12).