Psalm 139 - a redactional perspective

Abstract

In spite of the beauty of Psalm 139, it is notorious for its extreme exegetical divide. Research to date has put exceptional focus on Psalm 139 and its unity and/or division. This study, attempts to come to a clearer insight into Psalm 139. To accomplish this, a twofold approach is taken. First, we let the text speak for itself by exploring the textual and poetic features. These results will then be put in the wider context of the Psalter, specifically Book V of the Psalter. The placement of Psalm 139 within the context of the theology of Book V of the Psalter is seriously considered and attention is drawn to the relationship that Psalm 139 has with other texts in its immediate context.