Psalm 78/Participant Analysis/Distribution Notes
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
Notes:
- YHWH is present throughout, though significantly absent in both vv. 9 and 57, which show many lexical and poetic parallels, as also the final verse of the psalm.
- As discussed in the notes accompanying the text table, there is overlap between the psalmist and his generation, as well as overlap between the first and third person plural references of this group (see vv. 1-5).
- Though imperfectly, the introduction of national enemies takes over the presence of the ancestors as the primary antagonist (especially throughout vv. 42-53), such that largely only one enemy participant set is in view at any one time.
- David does not arrive until v. 70, but plays such a crucial role in the participant relations (as well as the implication for Judah), that his addition as a separate participant has been warranted here.[1]
- ↑ Indeed, one scholar has recently claimed that, "The psalm is an invitation to participate in the group that he [David] is leading" (Cook 2024, 14).