Literary Genres of Psalms

Royal Psalms

Royal Psalms

• Structural Elements of Royal Psalms:– Oracle: the cultic-prophetic address to the ruler

which may predict good fortune for him– Intercession: priests or prophets intercede for

the king before YHWH– Benedictions: addressed to the ruler as a word

of power with immediate efficacy– Conclusion: ruler makes declaration of loyalty

or takes a vow

Themes of Royal Psalms

• Coronation or Anniversary of Enthronement (Pss 2; 72; 89:1-37; 101; 110; 132)

• Intercession (Pss 20; 61; 144:1-11)

• Marriage (Ps 45)

• Thanksgiving (Ps 18:31-50; 21)

Example of a Royal Psalm: Ps 2

• 1. Why do the peoples murmur

• and the nations plot in vain?

• 2. There is a marshaling of kings of the earth, / and rulers are conspiring,

• [-- against YHWH and his Anointed One].

• 3. “Let us tear their bonds to shreds,

• and cast their cords from us.”

• 4. He who is enthroned in heaven laughs, / the Lord mocks them.

• 5. In good time he addresses them in his anger / and frightens them in his wrath:

• 6. “I myself have solemnly installed my king / on Zion, my holy hill.”

• 7. I will announce YHWH’s enactment:

• He said to me: “You are my son,

• I myself have begotten you today.”

• 8. As of me and I will give you nations as an inheritance / and the ends of the earth as your possession.

• 9. You may smash them with an iron rod, / like pottery dash them to pieces.”

• 10. Now then, you kings, act wisely!

• Be warned, you judges of the earth!

• 11. Serve YHWH with fear

• and trembling kiss his feet!

• 12. Lest he be angry, you perish in your intention, / for his wrath kindles very quickly.

• Happy all who trust in him!

Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Longing for God’s Justice

• Of Solomon.

• 72:1: YHWH, give to the king your judgments,

• And to the king’s son your righteousness!

• 2: May he judge your people with righteousness,

• And your poor ones with justice.

• 7: May righteousness blossom forth in his days,

• And fullness of prosperity – until the moon shines no more!

• 8: Yes, may he rule from sea to sea,

• From the river to the ends of the earth!

• 12: For he rescues the poor person when he calls,

• The wretched person and him who is helpless.

• He is merciful to the weak and the poor person;

• He saves the life of the poor.

• 17: May his name endure forever;

• As long as the sun shines, may his name flourish!

• And in him may all nations bless themselves,

• And may they call themselves blest!