A search for wisdom – an intertextual approach to Psalm 26 and Proverbs

Abstract

Ps 26 is a notoriously difficult psalm to classify in terms of its Gattung. In the past it has been viewed by the majority of scholars as a psalm that had originated in the religious cult of Ancient Israel. Certain features of the psalm indeed encourage this view. It has, consequently, been interpreted against the background of the temple service in Jerusalem. However, the psalm also exhibits a strong sapiental influence, since typical wisdom language permeates the text. This wisdom influence in the psalm has not been fully explored and in view of this, the present study aims to trace its literary connections with Proverbs and other wisdom psalms. The result of the investigation is that there is overwhelming evidence that Ps 26 should be read as a post-exilic literary creation which derives from a particular group of authors and editors and reflects the theological views and ethos found in Proverbs. These authors were concerned with an endeavour to promote a particular form of piety influenced by the wisdom tradition, simultaneously upholding the figure of David as a religious example.