The role of Psalms 135-137 in the shape and shaping of Book V of the Hebrew Psalter
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Authors
DeClaisse-Walford, Nancy L.
Journal Title
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Publisher
Old Testament Society of South Africa
Abstract
Book V of the Psalter (Pss 107-150) is an interesting collection of
psalms. After the opening Ps 107, celebrating God’s rescue of humanity
from various dangerous situations, psalms attributed to David appear
again after a virtual absence since Book II. These Davidic psalms (Pss
108-110 and 138-145) “frame” a grouping of festival psalms that are
introduced by two brief alphabetic acrostics (Pss 111 and 112).
Seemingly tucked away just after the Songs of Ascents (Pss 120-134),
and before the resumption of psalms of David, lie Psalms 135-137, two
magnificent community hymns followed by a heartfelt community
lament. This essay explores the role of these psalms in the “shape” and
“shaping” of the story of the Psalter. It will conclude that the psalms
offer a highly stylized recitation of Israel’s history that made a world for
the postexilic community, recounting Yahweh’s work in creation,
summarizing the Pentateuchal stories of the ancestors (Pss 135-136)
and providing a snapshot of exilic life in Babylon (Ps 137). Their
assurance of Yahweh’s presence and provisions allow David, in Psalms
138-145, to lead the postexilic people in blessing, praise, and thanks to
the sovereign God.
Description
Keywords
Psalm 135, Psalm 136, Psalm 137, Psalms 135-137, Psalter Book V, Shape of the Psalter, Shaping of the Psalter, Hebrew psalter studies, Shape and shaping of book V, Community hymns, Heartfelt community lament
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Nancy L. deClaissé-Walford, “The Role of Psalms 135-137 in the Shape and Shaping
of Book V of the Hebrew Psalter,” Old Testament Essays 32 no. 2 (2019): 669-686. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2019/v32n2a20.