Psalms Psalter Testament
Some scholars believe in a possible unity between Psalm 1&2 for some reasons.
First, both Psalms 1&2 are called as Introductory Psalms which do not have a superscription or name as others Psalms through the first book of the Psalter.
Second, Craige states that there is an inclusion “Blessed”, at the beginning of Psalm1 and the end of Psalm 2, that suggest a kind of unity between both Psalms.
Third, DeClaisse-Warlford says that, “Psalm 1 provides a lens, so to speak through which the rest of the Psalter is to be read and understood. But it is only half the lens; the remainder is found in the following Psalm.”
Consequently, scholars like Craige and deClause-Warlford believed that there is a kind of unity between both Psalm, 1&2.
However, in my opinion, they are different two separate texts for two main reasons. Psalm 1 is classified as a Wisdom Psalm (“Provides instruction in right living and right faith in the tradition of the other wisdom writings of the Old testament.”) In contrast, the mention of the king in Psalm 2 indicates that this is a Royal Psalm. Lastly, in several editions of the Bibles there are some suggested titles or names to be used in both texts, Psalm 1&2. For example, the New American Bible suggests for Psalm 1 “The happiness in God's Law” and “A Psalm for a royal coronation for Psalm 2.” Finally, for these reasons I think that Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 were written under different circumstances and both texts 1&2, reflect a different reality and condition into a specific situation into people of Israel.
Coordination song to the Davidic monarchy…Inauguration of the king
- The General and Specific Historical Situation:
Psalm 1 is defined as a Wisdom Psalm, which means that in the passage are some suggestions about living according to a faithful life in the light of other traditional writings of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. Also this situation reflects the set of rules which God gave to the Israelites in the Exodus and Leviticus. In contrast, Psalm 2 is a Royal Psalm which mention the Israelite kings whose God provided during the period of Jerusalem monarchy (1000-587 B.C.E). However, Schaefer argues, that there is not a precise setting and date for these Psalms. Nevertheless, Psalms 1&2 are dated in the Judean Monarchy period and to be associated with the New Year's festival. Otherwise, DeClaisse-Warlford says that, Psalm 1&2, whose author is unnamed is a part of the first book of the Psalter and may also be ascribed by David. It makes sense in the way that ancient Israel during this conformation had an oral tradition to praise the Lord; probably it was the way to start the collection of the Psalms.
- Literary Analysis: (According to Craige)
- Formal Structure of the Psalm:
Psalm 1:
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
- This Psalm could be divided in two main parts. First part, between vv. 1-3 (True meaning of righteous and the negative side of the true happiness.) The second part, between vv. 4-6 is a description of the wicked. According to Schaefer, v.6 is totally opposite to the beginning.
- Meaning of some words:
Three: A tree is compared by the kingdom.
Chaff: Totally useless part of grain.
The law of the lord: The first five books of the bible, or more probably, divine teaching.
The wicked: Those who by the actions distance themselves from God's life-living presence.
The righteous: Those who follow God's Will.
Psalm 2:
1 Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 "Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us."
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 "I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, "You are my son, today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling
12 kiss his feet, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
- This psalm could be breakout into four main sections. First, vv. 1-3; foreign nations and rulers (Cragie.) Second, vv. 4-6; God announces his kind
(Cragie.) Third, vv. 7-9; the king declares his mandates (Cragie.) Fourth,
vv. 10-12; A warning to the early rules (Cragie.)
- Meaning of some words:
Vain: unproductive efforts
Anointed: in Hebrew it is ‘mashiah' and Greek ‘Christos.'
Cords: redemptory act promised by God.
Them: The reign which the future king will take possession (Israel).
Holy hill: King's installation of the temple
- Poetic devices: These Psalms are rich in literary elements such as: Inclusio and repetitions (Psalm 1 v. 1 And Psalm 2 v.12 ‘Blessed'), simile (Psalm 1 v. 3)'tree', parallelism (Psalm 1 v. 5), metaphors (Psalm 1 v.6) and dramatic pauses.
- Summary Statement:
According to Schaefer, true happiness is the theme of these Psalms. Both, Psalm 1&2 are using the same terms in some of those verses. Craige concludes that these Psalms together could be a part of coronation liturgy. Moreover, J. Clinton McCann quoted by Claissed-Walford says that “The introduction of the first book of the Psalter will be about the ‘happy'/'blessed' life, and it will affirm through that this life derives fundamentally from the conviction that God rules the word.” In my opinion, Psalm 1 tells us about two ways where people can or can not obey God's Law in order to receive happiness in this life and the eternal life too. On the other hand, Psalm 2 has a more messianic meaning in order to prepare people for the coming of the eternal and true king who is Jesus. In other words, I believe that Psalm 1 is more instructive in difference to Psalm 2 that is being more informative.
- Meanings:
- Theological: in Psalm 2, messianic message.
- Moral: in Psalm 1, moral issue between God and Evil. Choosing between two ways and it is up to you stay close or far o way from God.
- Typological: Psalm 2, the kingdom of God and His anointed.
- Analogical: According to Cragie in Psalm 2, “The anticipation of the ultimate rule and triumph of the man born to be a King.”
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