THE PROBLEM OF PSALM LXXXVII

Author: Emerton, J.A.

Source: Vetus Testamentum, Volume 50, Number 2, 2000 , pp. 183-199(17)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

It is better to try to make sense of the present order of the Hebrew text of Psalm lxxxvii than to rearrange it conjecturally. The psalm is commonly thought to say of some people, whether Jews or gentiles, that they were born in Zion, whereas they were really born elsewhere, but such a theory is implausible. Four alternative theories are examined, but none of them is found satisfactory. It is suggested that this psalm in honour of Zion speaks of the distinction of having been born in Zion rather than in any other place, no matter how important it may be. The distinction lies in the fact that Zion has been established by Yahweh and is his own city.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853300506305

Publication date: 2000-04-01