Literary Genres of the Psalms Canticles of Zion Pilgrimage Psalms

Canticles of Zion Shir Tzion (“Song of Zion” cf. Ps 137:3) Pss (46); 48; 76; 84; 87; 122; (132) Form of a Canticle of Zion: –Beginning: confessional static expressions, emphatic headings, almost always in the form of predicate nominatives in sentences that describe God as resident and protector of Zion, or Zion as a fortress splendidly furnished and fortified by God

–Body: static statements factually supported by sentences with verbs in the perfect tense: the Lord and protector of Zion is YHWH, because YHWH has averted the assaults of the nations –Conclusion: Detailed consequences are sometimes given to the hearers in imperative sentences, preceded by jussive forms enjoining people to acknowledge YHWH (Ps 46:8a, 10), to join in the festal procession or in the song of thanksgiving (Ps 48:12ff), or to perform their vows (Ps 76:10f)

Example of a Canticle of Zion: Psalm 122 A pilgrimage song. Of David. 1. I rejoiced when people said to me: “We are making a pilgrimage to the house of YHWH!” 2. (Then) our feet stood In your gates, O Jerusalem!

3. Jerusalem built as a city, Especially firmly walled about! 4. To that place the tribes make their pilgrimage, The tribes of YHWH! It is an ordinance for Israel to praise (there) the name of YHWH.

5. Indeed, at that place there are Thrones for judgment, Thrones for the house of David! 6. Pray for the salvation of Jerusalem: May they be at peace who love you! 7. May salvation reside in your ramparts, Peace in your palaces!

8. For the sake of my brothers and friends I wish salvation for you. 9. For the sake of the house of YHWH I will pray for good things for you!

Musical Example: La musique de la Bible revelee

Pilgrimage Psalms (Pss 120 – 134) Shir ha-ma’aloth = “song of the going-up” –“Songs in a sequence”, “Songs in a series” –Anadiplosis (closing word of a verse or section repeated at the beginning of the section immediately following [Ps 120:2-3, 6-7; 121:1- 2, 3-4, 4-5]) –“Wayfaring songs” of the Jews going back up to Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile

–“Song of the steps” (Levites performing songs on the 15 steps of the Nicanor Gate) –“Pilgrimage / Processional Songs” (final act of the pilgrimage = procession to a shrine)

Example of a Pilgrimage Psalm: Ps 121 A pilgrimage song. 1. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does help come to me? 2. Help comes to me from YHWH, who has made heaven and earth.

3. He does not let your foot waver, your keeper does not sleep! 4. Behold, neither sleeps nor slumbers the keeper of Israel!

5. YHWH is your keeper, YHWH is your shade at your right hand! 6. By day the sun does not strike, nor the moon by night.

7. YHWH protects you against all harm, he protects your life. 8. YHWH protects your going out and coming in from now on and forever.

Musical Example Sol fa mi fa sol la ti do My help comes from the Lord Ti la ti do la ti do re The maker of heaven and earth