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!