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The Historical Superscriptions of Davidic Psalms: an Exegetical, Intertextual, and Methodological Analysis

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The Historical Superscriptions of Davidic Psalms: an Exegetical, Intertextual, and Methodological Analysis Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2016 The Historical Superscriptions of Davidic Psalms: An Exegetical, Intertextual, and Methodological Analysis Jerome L. Skinner Andrews University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Biblical Studies Commons Recommended Citation Skinner, Jerome L., "The Historical Superscriptions of Davidic Psalms: An Exegetical, Intertextual, and Methodological Analysis" (2016). Dissertations. 1610. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/1610 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2016 The iH storical Superscriptions of Davidic Psalms: An Exegetical, Intertextual, and Methodological Analysis Dissertation Office Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT THE HISTORICAL SUPERSCRIPTIONS OF DAVIDIC PSALMS: AN EXEGETICAL, INTERTEXTUAL, AND METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS by Jerome L. Skinner Adviser: Jiří Moskala ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: THE HISTORICAL SUPERSCRIPTIONS OF DAVIDIC PSALMS: AN EXEGETICAL, INTERTEXTUAL, AND METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS Name of researcher: Jerome L. Skinner Name and degree of faculty adviser: Jiří Moskala, Ph.D. Date completed: April 2016 The significance of the historical superscriptions (h/ss) that refer to David’s life (Pss 3, 7, 18, 34, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 63, 142) has been a matter of interest over the past century of Psalm Studies. An investigation into the structural and theological role1 of the thirteen Davidic h/ss and their psalms in the Psalter, as well as the role of David expressed in them reveals the nature of their origin, authorship, structural function, and theological import. While their historicity forms a large part of the discussion, at its core is the question of meaning. The literary and theological analysis of the h/ss and their 1 Roderick Smith concluded, “The superscriptions provide an important key which unlocks a world of understanding in the Psalter and of the days of its composition.” Smith, “The Titles in the Psalms,” 52. The illocutionary force has been overlooked in most studies of these h/ss. In a canonical approach consideration for the desired effect must be seen through the trifocal lens of composition, liturgical, and editorial aims. psalms provides the basis for the conclusions about their function and meaning and provides a context through which comparisons are made. Out of its literary setting, the historiographical interests of these psalms are shown to go beyond an apology for David to express the significance of David’s experience as Yahweh’s anointed as detailed in the historical narratives. This dissertation engages the topic of the h/ss in three ways: exegetically, intertextually, and methodologically. This study first analyzes the psalms individually to provide the foundational groundwork for a collective view of authorial indications and subsequent analysis. This is examined through the central themes that emerge from three interrelated features of poetic analysis: (1) structure, (2) imagery, and (3) parallelism. The recent gains in the analysis of biblical poetry have enabled readers to see the epistemic grounds for authorship in its literary features that emerge from the text as part of the exegetical process. This is followed by an analysis of the stylistic and intertextual aspects found in the thirteen h/ss. After determining the intertextual links that emerge from the h/ss, a consideration of how to understand the intertextual links within a larger structural view is examined. These intertextual links are determined by analyzing linguistic connections in light of the structural concerns of the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Chronicles. The stylistic and linguistic features of the h/ss reveal patterns from a comparison of the h/ss and the lexical and thematic parallels between adjacent psalms that engages a broadening focus on psalm groups, collections, and books of the Psalter. and how the features ל Following this is an examination of the structural uses of of the h/ss point to Davidic authorship. The syntactical constructions of the h/ss are surveyed to demonstrate the veracity and originality of Davidic authorship. Also, generic and structural analysis are made to substantiate these claims. The final chapter provides a methodological critique of views on the h/ss and sets forth more fortuitous paths in developing a coherent method that is more comprehensive. In conclusion, the h/ss have been shown to be original in a pre-exilic context, has been לְדָוִד authentic, and are clearly connected to the psalms they introduce. The term shown to refer to David as the author of the psalms and his clear involvement in the writing of the h/ss as author, liturgist, and king. The h/ss have been shown to be intentionally placed, theologically coherent by linking specific chapters in David’s life (his exile by Saul, his kinship during Yahweh’s blessing, and his kingship during Yahweh’s judgment/wrath), and to provide a broader narrative reading strategy for the Psalter as a book. The Davidic covenant has been shown to best reflect the context for reading the final form of the Psalter, as well as strengthening the general consensus that kingship is a central focus of the thematic structuring of the Psalter. The ultimate meaning of the h/ss is aligned with the development of Yahweh’s plan for his covenant people and promises. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary THE HISTORICAL SUPERSCRIPTIONS OF DAVIDIC PSALMS: AN EXEGETICAL, INTERTEXTUAL, AND METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy by Jerome L. Skinner July 2016 ©Copyright by Jerome L. Skinner 2016 All Rights Reserved THE HISTORICAL SUPERSCRIPTIONS OF DAVIDIC PSALMS: AN EXEGETICAL, INTERTEXTUAL, AND METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy by Jerome L. Skinner APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: _____________________________ _____________________________ Faculty Adviser, Director of Ph.D./Th.D. Religion Program Jiri Moskala Thomas Shepherd Professor of Old Testament Exegesis And Theology _____________________________ _____________________________ Richard M. Davidson Dean, SDA Theological Seminary J.N. Andrews Professor of Old Jiri Moskala Testament Interpretation _____________________________ Jacques B. Doukhan Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis _____________________________ _____________________________ Date Approved DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my wife Miriam, who gave immeasurable love and support, to my mother Rosalind, who gave me the best example to follow, to my committee (Drs. Moskala, Davidson, and Doukhan), who taught me to love the Word and listen to the Word, to James Clark who believed in me, and finally to the God of all life and wisdom, who is my all. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... xi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................... xv Chapter INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1 Background to the Problem .................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem ....................................................................... 14 Purpose of the Study .............................................................................. 19 Scope and Delimitations ......................................................................... 20 Methodological Outline .......................................................................... 24 1. POETIC EXEGESIS OF PSALMS WITH HISTORICAL SUPERSCRIPTIONS .................................................................................... 27 Poetic Exegetical Analysis ..................................................................... 27 Structure, Imagery, and Parallelism ................................................ 28 Psalm 3 ............................................................................................ 30 Translation and Textual Remarks ............................................ 30 Heading .................................................................................... 31 Literary Structure ..................................................................... 33 Exegetical Notes ...................................................................... 34 Literary Analysis: Parallelism and Imagery ............................ 36 Verses 2–3 .......................................................................
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