Like Trees Transplanted: Context and Interpretation and the Beginning of the MT Psalter Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the literary functions of the three psalms that begin the sequence of psalms in the Masoretic (MT) Psalter. I argue that Pss 1 and 2 function as paratexts in the literary context of the MT Psalter. Specifically, they form a two-part prefatorial text. Psalm 3, in contrast, functions as an introduction to the general form of the individual lament.

Though these conclusions are synchronic, the methods employed in this project are diachronic, comparative, and literary-theoretical. In chapter 1, I discuss the significance of the preface as a peculiar literary form in dialogue with the seminal works of Jacques Derrida and Gérard Genette. I distinguish between the primary, introductory, and prefatory functions a text may perform at the beginning of a larger work. In chapter 2, I apply these literary-theoretical insights to the study of three textual collections in close geographical and chronological propinquity to the MT Psalter. The comparative analyses leads into an analysis of the scribal reuse of traditional texts in service of new literary and ideological agendas. I describe this phenomenon as iterative play. In chapter 3, I review three notable accounts of the development of the MT Psalter before offering my own account.

In chapters 4–6, I turn to the three psalms at the beginning of the MT Psalter in detail. I argue that Ps 3 was the initial psalm in an early preexilic psalter placed in its prominent position because of its generic form. Psalm 2 replaced Ps 3 as the first psalm in a later, expanded edition as a preface that comments on the nature of the authorizing figure who looms over the psalms. Finally, Ps 1 was later added as a text that supplements rather than replaces Ps 2 as the preface to a still-growing body of psalms. Psalm 1 shifts the focus of the collection away from royal concerns toward

torah meditation and righteous living.

This project contributes to discourse around the shape and shaping of the MT Psalter and demonstrates the dependence of synchronic readings of biblical texts on diachronic analysis. 

Table of Contents

0. Preface: The Beginning of the MT Psalter and the Shape and Shaping Approach 1

0.1 The Current Impasse Concerning Pss 1–3 in Shape and Shaping Approaches 2

0.2 Outline of the Project 9

0.3 Conclusions 15

PART I: Context and Interpretation 17

1. Introducing Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts 18

1.1 Prefaces and Paratexts 20

1.2 Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts 27

1.3 Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts in Shakespeare’s First Folio 31

1.4 Conclusions 40

2. Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts in Comparative Materials 42

2.1 The Gilgamesh Epic 45

2.1.1 The OB Recension of the Gilgamesh Epic 47

2.1.2 The SB Recension of the Gilgamesh Epic 50

2.1.3 The Gilgamesh Epic: Conclusions 56

2.2 The Egyptian Book of the Dead 58

2.2.1 The Book of the Dead of Gatseshen 62

2.2.2 The Egyptian Book of the Dead: Conclusions 67

2.3 Sirach 68

2.3.1 The Grandson’s Preface in GI 72

2.3.2 The Introduction to Wisdom in Sirach 75

2.3.3 Sirach: Conclusions 77

2.4 Iterative Play: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations 78

2.5 Conclusions 87

3. A Rhizomatic and Preliminary Account of the Formation of the MT Psalter 89

3.1 A Rhizomatic Approach to the Textual Growth of the MT Psalter 91

3.1.1 The Rhizome and the Arbor 91

3.1.2 Iterative Play Among the Psalms in the Hebrew Bible 95

3.1.3 Iterative Play Among the Psalms at Qumran 97

3.1.4 Iterative Play Among Psalters Prior to 1525 CE 101

3.1.5 Conclusions 107

3.2 Summary and Review of Select Proposals for the Formation of the MT Psalter 108

3.2.1 Flint’s Two-Stage Proposal 109

3.2.1.1 Flint’s Two Stage Model: Conclusions 114

3.2.2 Zenger and Hossfeld’s Multi-Stage Model 116

3.2.2.1 Hossfeld and Zenger’s Model: Conclusions 127

3.2.3 Davage’s Four-Stage Proposal 129

3.2.3.1 Davage’s Four-Stage Model: Conclusions 136

3.3 A Preliminary Sketch of the MT Psalter’s Development 141

3.3.1 A Preliminary Sketch of the MT Psalter’s Development: Conclusions 151

3.4 Conclusions 155

PART II: The Beginning of the MT Psalter 156

4. The Literary Function of Ps 3 in the MT Psalter 157

4.1 Psalm 3 in Translation 159

4.2 The Sitz im Leben of Psalm 3 161

4.2.1 Temple Incubation 162

4.2.2 Legal Terminology 165

4.2.3 Military Imagery 168

4.2.4 The Individual Lament Formula 170

4.2.5 The Sitz im Leben of Psalm 3: Conclusions 174

4.3 Psalm 3 in the Development of the MT Psalter 175

4.3.1 Psalm 3 in David I 175

4.3.2 Psalm 3 in the Messianic Psalter 178

4.3.3 Psalm 3 in the Torah Psalter, Penta-Psalter, and Sefer Tehillim 183

4.4 Conclusions 184

5. The Literary Function of Ps 2 in the MT Psalter 186

5.1 Psalm 2 in Translation 187

5.2 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 2 190

5.2.1 The Form and Structure of Psalm 2 191

5.2.2 The Date and Development of Ps 2 195

5.2.3 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 2: Conclusions 203

5.3 Psalm 2 in the Development of the MT Psalter 205

5.3.1 Psalm 2 in the Messianic Psalter 205

5.3.2 Psalm 2 in the Torah Psalter 217

5.3.3 Psalm 2 in the Penta-Psalter 221

5.3.4 Psalm 2 in the Sefer Tehillim and the MT Psalter 223

5.4 Conclusions 225

6. The Literary Function of Psalm 1 in the MT Psalter 227

6.1 Psalm 1 in Translation 229

6.2 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 1 230

6.2.1 The Form and Structure of Psalm 1 230

6.2.2 The Thematic Content of Psalm 1 235

6.2.2.1 The אשׁרי-Formula 235

6.2.2.2 The Identity of the תורת יהוה 237

6.2.2.3 Intertextual References 240

6.2.3 The Date and Development of Psalm 1 252

6.2.4 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 1: Conclusions 254

6.3 Psalm 1 in the Development of the MT Psalter 255

6.3.1 Psalm 1 in the Torah Psalter 255

6.3.2 Psalm 1 in the Penta-Psalter 267

6.3.3 Psalm 1 in the Sefer Tehillim and the MT Psalter 269

6.4 Conclusions 271

7. Conclusions 273

Bibliography 277

About this Dissertation

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Religion
Subfield / Discipline	Hebrew Bible
Degree	Ph.D.
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Religion, Biblical Studies Literature, Comparative
Stichwort	Literary Theory Psalms
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Joel LeMon, Emory University
Committee Members	Joel Kemp, Emory University Brent Strawn, Duke University Roger Nam, Emory University

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