Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


BartleyKathrynRuth2004 cmr.pdf (2.44 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A study of the Hebrew text of Psalm 132

Bartley, Kathryn Ruth
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1399554969

Abstract Details

2004, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.
This paper is an exegetical study of Psalm 132, the most frequently discussed psalm among the Songs of Ascents, Psalms 120-134. Psalm 132 stands out from its collection mainly in terms of its length: it is twice the length of any of the other Songs of Ascents. My intent was to compile past and present scholarship and research on this particular psalm and provide a state of the field survey of the psalm. The title over each psalm of the collection, sir hamma `alot, is typically seen as the key to understanding the Songs of Ascents as a whole, and thus each psalm individually. In this study, I provide a history of interpretation of the collection and a summary of the early interpretation of Psalm 132. While not certain, it seems that Psalm 132 and the remainder of the sire hamma `alot were pilgrimage songs of some sort. This paper then provides a thorough exegetical study of Psalm 132. I mention problematic and anomalous words and phrases, and provide possible solutions. Whenever possible, the Hebrew Bible and other ancient near eastern texts are used to clarify words and concepts in the psalm. A translation is proposed based upon this study. Further attention is devoted to major features of the psalm, such as its poetry, its unity, its relation with 2 Samuel 6-7, its mention of the Davidic Covenant, and its date. Dating the psalm is difficult, as it seems to contain both pre- and post- exilic features. This could be due to the reuse of older liturgy in the current form of Psalm 132. Though this may be the case, the redactor has produced a very poetic and unified final product. The major emphasis in this psalm is the combination of the theme of Yahweh’s eternal choice of Zion and his eternal choice of David. The covenant found in this Psalm differs from descriptions of the Davidic Covenant elsewhere, but this is a result of variations of the covenant at different times or places. In the conclusion of this paper, I summarize the findings of these studies. This paper should provide a good starting point for anyone doing further work on the collection of the sire hamma `alot.
Sam Meier (Advisor)
106 p.
Near Eastern Studies

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bartley, K. R. (2004). A study of the Hebrew text of Psalm 132 [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1399554969

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bartley, Kathryn . A study of the Hebrew text of Psalm 132. 2004. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1399554969.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bartley, Kathryn . "A study of the Hebrew text of Psalm 132." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1399554969

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1399554969
8,553
© 2004, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.