Psalm of Praise for the Rescue of the Throat: Concatenation and Lectio Continua of Pss 33-34-35 (Oesterreichische Biblische Studien, 54)

After doing the thorough exegesis of Ps 33 (a hymn), Ps 34 (a thanksgiving - wisdom poetry), and Ps 35 (a general lament), this study establishes that Pss 33-35 is a "Psalm-Triad" in the first book of the psalms. The research project shows the purposeful organization of the Psalter and proves that the Psalter is ultimately the Book of Praises. Cover Series Information Copyright Information Dedication Acknowledgements Table of Contents Sigla and Abbreviations 1 General Introduction:: Concatenation of Pss 33, 34, and 35 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Research Project: Can Pss 33–35 Be Considered a “Psalm-Triad”? 1.3 Delimitation of Pss 33–35 as a Unit Distinct from Pss 32 and 36 1.4 Objective and Scope of the Study 1.5 Methodological Considerations 1.6 Possible Pitfalls and Dangers Engendered in Such a Study 1.7 Delineation of the Study 2 Psalm 33:: Righteous Rejoice and Hope in the Creation and Governance of the Lord 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1 The Subject Matter 2.1.2 Alphabetical Psalm 2.1.3 Anthological Psalm 2.1.4 Form Criticism 2.1.5 Dating 2.1.6 Purpose and Thrust 2.2 Translation and Notes 2.2.1 Translation 2.2.2 Text-Critical and Other Notes 2.3 Structure of the Psalm 2.4 Exegesis of the Psalm 2.4.1 Superscription: ... (Orphan Psalm) 2.4.2 A : Introduction (vv. 1–3) 2.4.3 Main Part 2.4.3.1 B: Link: The Theme: Cosmic Order (vv. 4–5) 2.4.3.2 Section I: Creation (vv. 6–12) 2.4.3.2.1 Unit 1: C: Word303: The Lord as the Creator (vv. 6–9) 2.4.3.2.2 Unit 2: D: Counsel: The Lord as the Planner (vv. 10–12) 2.4.3.2.2.1 D1: Negative Counsel: Frustrated Plans of Nations and Peoples (v. 10) 2.4.3.2.2.2 D2: Positive Counsel: Lord’s Eternal Plans and Chosen People (vv. 11– 12) 2.4.3.3 Section II: Governance (vv. 13–19) 2.4.3.3.1 Unit 3: C’: Seeing: The Lord as the Discerning Seer (vv. 13–15) 2.4.3.3.2 Unit 4: D’: Eye: The Lord as the Saviour (vv. 16–19) 2.4.3.3.2.1 D1’: Negative Salvation: Wisdom Sayings (vv. 16–17) 2.4.3.3.2.2 D2’: Link: Positive Salvation: Loyal Love (vv. 18–19) 2.4.4 Conclusion (vv. 20–22) 2.5 Summary Observations 3 Psalm 34:: Humble and Grateful Righteous’ Instruction Regarding the Salvation Experienced in the Lord 3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 The Subject Matter 3.1.2 The Agents in the Psalm 3.1.2.1 The Lord 3.1.2.2 The Psalmist 3.1.2.3 The Two Parties: Good and Evil 3.1.3 Acrostic Psalm and the Alphabetical Order 3.1.3.1 Extra פ-verse (v. 23) 3.1.3.2 Missing ו-verse and the Extra פ-verse (v. 23) 3.1.4 Form Criticism 3.1.5 Dating 3.1.6 Purpose and Thrust 3.2 Translation and Notes 3.2.1 Translation 3.2.2 Text-Critical and Other Notes 3.3 Structure of the Psalm 3.4 Exegesis of the Psalm 3.4.1 Historical and Exegetical Superscription (v. 1) 3.4.2 A: Introduction: Call to Praise (vv. 2–4) 3.4.3 Main Part 3.4.3.1 B: Narrative of Salvation (vv. 5–8) 3.4.3.1.1 B1: Testimonies of Salvation (vv. 5–7) 3.4.3.1.2 B2: Presence of the Lord (v. 8) 3.4.3.2 C: Call to Experience and Fear the Lord (vv. 9–11) 3.4.3.3 D: Call to Learn the Faith (v. 12) 3.4.3.4 C’: Teaching about Good and Ethical Life (vv. 13–15) 3.4.3.5 B’: Teaching on Salvation (vv. 16–22) 3.4.3.5.1 B2’: Presence of the Lord (vv. 16–17) 3.4.3.5.2 B1’: Statements of Salvation (vv. 18–20) 3.4.3.5.3 B3’: Assurance of Salvation (vv. 21–22) 3.4.4 E: Summary Saying (v. 23) 3.5 Summary Observations 4 Psalm 35:: The Poor Righteous Appeals to the Lord to Fight for His Protection and Victory 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 The Subject Matter 4.1.2 The Agents in the Psalm 4.1.2.1 The Lord 4.1.2.2 The Psalmist 4.1.2.3 The Enemies 4.1.2.4 The Quiet in the Land 4.1.3 Psychological Interpretation, Direct Speech, and Jussives 4.1.4 Form Criticism 4.1.5 Problem of Imprecation in the Psalms of Lament 4.1.6 Dating 4.1.7 Purpose and Thrust 4.2 Translation and Notes 4.2.1 Translation 4.2.2 Text-Critical Notes 4.3 Structure of the Psalm 4.4 Exegesis of the Psalm 4.4.1 Superscription (v. 1a) 4.4.2 A: Urgent Need of an Intervention (vv. 1–10) 4.4.2.1 A1: Call to Intervene (vv. 1–3) 4.4.2.2 A2: Defeat to the Enemies and Victory to the Lord (vv. 4–10) 4.4.3 B: Ingratitude (vv. 11–16) 4.4.3.1 B1: Repaying Evil for Good (vv. 11–12) 4.4.3.2 B2: Aggression for Compassion (vv. 13–16) 4.4.4 C: Seeing, Speaking, and Community (vv. 17–22) 4.4.4.1 C1: Call to Protect Life (vv. 17–18) 4.4.4.2 C2: Enemies’ Actions against the Peaceful Order (vv. 19–22) 4.4.5 D: Desired Outcome of the Intervention (vv. 23–28) 4.4.5.1 D1: Call to Act According to Righteousness (vv. 23–24a) 4.4.5.2 D2: Re-establishment of Righteousness (vv. 24b–28) 4.5 Summary Observations 5 Psalm of Praise for the Rescue of the Throat:: Concatenation and Lectio Continua of Pss 33–34–35 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Concatenation of Pss 33 and 34 5.2.1 Structural and Thematic Connections 5.2.2 Lexical Connections 5.2.2.1 Praise of the Lord 5.2.2.2 Trust and Hope, Poor and Piety 5.2.2.3 Communitarian and Universal Aspects 5.2.2.4 Enemy and Rescue1411, Death and Life 5.2.2.5 Cosmic Order, Conflict between Good and Evil 5.2.2.6 Body Parts and Their Functions 5.3 Concatenation of Pss 34 and 35 5.3.1 Structural and Thematic Connections 5.3.2 Lexical Connections 5.3.2.1 Praise of the Lord Challenged and Re-established 5.3.2.2 Trust and Hope, Poor and Piety 5.3.2.3 Communitarian Aspects 5.3.2.4 Enemy and Rescue, Death and Life 5.3.2.5 Cosmic Order, Conflict between Good and Evil 5.3.2.6 Body Parts and Their Functions 5.4 Connections between Pss 33 and 35 5.4.1 Structural and Thematic Connections 5.4.2 Lexical Connections 5.4.2.1 Praise of the Lord 5.4.2.2 Trust and Hope in the Lord Challenged and Re-established 5.4.2.3 Communitarian Aspects 5.4.2.4 Death and Life, Enemy and Rescue 5.4.2.5 Cosmic Order, Conflict between Good and Evil 5.4.2.6 Body Parts and Their Functions 5.5 Concatenation of Pss 33, 34, and 35 5.5.1 Structural and Thematic Connections 5.5.2 Lexical Connections between Pss 33, 34, and 35 5.5.2.1 Praise and Anti-praise 5.5.2.2 Death and Life, Enemy and Rescue 5.5.2.3 Cosmic Order, Conflict between Good and Evil 5.5.2.4 Body Parts and Their Functions 5.5.3 Narrative Story of Pss 33, 34, and 35 5.6 Summary Observations 6 General Conclusion:: Pss 33–35: A “Psalm-Triad” 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Pss 33–35: A “Psalm-Triad” in the First Book of the Psalter 6.2.1 Purposeful Organization of the Psalter 6.2.2 Distinctive Stamp of Wisdom Editing in This Psalm-Triad 6.2.3 Psalter, the Book of Praises 6.3 Possible Topics Related to Pss 33–35 for Further Exploration 6.4 Conclusion Bibliography Index of Biblical References Index of Selected Hebrew Words Index of Authors Series index "«Psalmenexegese und Psalterexegese» has become the new trend in the exegesis of the psalms. In its broad scope, this trend includes a method of combining a detailed exegesis of the selected individual psalms with the research to discover the rationale for their particular placement in the book of the Psalter. Following this method and doing the synchronic analysis, this research work first carries out the in-depth exegesis of Pss 33, 34, and 35. Then it applies the principles of concatenation and lectio continua to the results derived from the exegesis. This study establishes that there are sufficient thematic, structural, and lexical connections between these psalms to call them a «Psalm-Triad». This triad narrates a lucid story of THLH in the context of the first book of the Psalter." --Back cover «Psalmenexegese und Psalterexegese» has become the new trend in the exegesis of the psalms. In its broad scope, this trend includes a method of combining a detailed exegesis of the selected individual psalms with the research to discover the rationale for their particular placement in the book of the Psalter. Following this method and doing the synchronic analysis, this research work first carries out the in-depth exegesis of Pss 33, 34, and 35. Then it applies the principles of concatenation and lectio continua to the results derived from the exegesis. This study establishes that there are sufficient thematic, structural, and lexical connections between these psalms to call them a «Psalm-Triad». This triad narrates a lucid story of תהלה in the context of the first book of the Psalter.