Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published bySara Reed Modified over 9 years ago
1
Ketubim/Kethuvim (Writings): attained final form in 1st-2nd c. AD One third of Hebrew Bible in verse Ancient Semitic poetry distinguished by use of rhythm and parallelism. Rhythm based on system of stressed syllables following thought-structure of line
2
Usual line structure: couplet consisting of 2 stichs marked by 3 beats to each stich: O sing to the Lord a new song/ Sing to the Lord all the earth (Ps. 96, v. 1) Sometimes 3-4 stichs to a line, and variation in rhythmic patterns; e.g. kinah (lament) meter (3 beats followed by 2): Yet you are holy, enthroned/ on the praises of Israel (Ps. 22, v. 3)
3
Parallelism Synonymous parallelism: O come, let us sing to the Lord/ Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation (Ps. 95, v. 1) Antithetical parallelism: For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous/ But the way of the wicked will perish (Ps. 1, v. 6)
4
Parallelism Synthetic parallelism: Happy are those/ Who do not follow the advice of the wicked/ Or take the path that sinners tread/ Or sit in the seat of the scoffers (Ps. 1, v. 1)
5
Book of Psalms: In 5 books: 1-41; 42-72; 73-89; 90-106; 107-150 Composite work Korahites (Ps. 48) Psalms “of David”
6
Genres of psalms (following Hermann Gunkel): 1. Hymns (praise psalms) 2. Communal laments 3. Individual laments 4. Individual thanksgiving psalms Also others incl. communal thanksgiving psalms, enthronement psalms, pilgrimage psalms, wisdom psalms Approximate categorisation
7
Hymns (praise psalms, e.g. Ps. 96): 1. Summons to worship God (vv. 1-3) 2. Reason (vv. 4-6) 3. Second summons (vv. 7-12) (4. Another reason, v. 13) Common reasons: glory in creation (v. 5), kindness and care, steadfast love, faithfulness, power (v. 6), justice (v. 13), forgiveness
8
Communal laments (e.g. Ps. 74): 1. Description of disaster to attract God’s attention (vv. 4-11) 2. Celebration of God’s power (vv. 12-17) 3. Imperative exhortations (vv. 18-23) Compare Ps. 137
9
Individual laments (e.g. Ps. 22): 1. Complaint about situation, in which God implicated (vv. 1-2) 2. Petition for God’s aid (vv. 11 and 19-21) 3. Reasons God should help (vv. 3-10 and 12-18) 4. Statement of glad resolution (vv. 21-31)
10
Individual thanksgiving psalms (e.g. Ps. 30): 1. Report of unexpected trouble (v. 7) 2. Report of prayer of complaint (vv. 8-10) 3. Affirmation of God’s intervention (v. 11) 4. Promise of praise to God (v. 12)
11
Presentation of God: shepherd/king motif (Ps. 23, 95, 48) Presentation of Jerusalem (Ps. 24) Babylonian exile (Ps. 137)
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.