Biblical Hebrew Forum

[peter_kirk AT SIL.ORG]

I think this psalm tells us a lot about the perception of Israelite 
history at the time when the psalm was written. It seems to be looking 
at a time when the people of YHWH had dominion over surrounding 
peoples, but those surrounding peoples were seeking to break free 
(v.3), perhaps taking the opportunity of the accession of a new king.

This picture fits well with the period of David and Solomon, at least 
as described in the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. Perhaps the 
specific moment in focus is the accession of Solomon (the "son", not 
just of David but also of YHWH). I am not necessarily claiming that 
the psalm was written at that time, just that it refers to that time.

On what grounds does Jim West suggest the Maccabean era? The psalm 
does not fit that situation as no other peoples were subject to Israel 
at that time. Or is he suggesting a psalm about the time of Solomon 
written in the Maccabean era?

Peter Kirk


______________________________ Reply Separator 
_________________________________
Subject: Re: Datum
Author:  jwest AT Highland.Net at internet
Date:    26/04/1999 18:42


At 04:19 PM 4/26/99 -0800, you wrote: 
>Dear List,
>
>Regarding the history of ancient Palestine, what do folks make of this datum?

[psalm 2 deleted]

I detect here a psalm composed during the Maccabean era.  What this has to 
do with the history of israel is not so clear as what it has to say about 
the nationalism which gave rise to such sentiments.

Best,

Jim

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jim West, ThD
Petros Baptist Church- Pastor
Quartz Hill School of Theology- Adjunct Prof. of Bible

fax- 978-231-5986
email- jwest AT highland.net
web page-  http://web.infoave.net/~jwest