1. Ketubim/Kethuvim (Writings): attained final form in 1st-2nd c. AD One third of Hebrew Bible in verse Ancient Semitic poetry distinguished by use of rhythm and parallelism. Rhythm based on system of stressed syllables following thought-structure of line

2. Usual line structure: couplet consisting of 2 stichs marked by 3 beats to each stich: O sing to the Lord a new song/ Sing to the Lord all the earth (Ps. 96, v. 1) Sometimes 3-4 stichs to a line, and variation in rhythmic patterns; e.g. kinah (lament) meter (3 beats followed by 2): Yet you are holy, enthroned/ on the praises of Israel (Ps. 22, v. 3)

3. Parallelism Synonymous parallelism: O come, let us sing to the Lord/ Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation (Ps. 95, v. 1) Antithetical parallelism: For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous/ But the way of the wicked will perish (Ps. 1, v. 6)

4. Parallelism Synthetic parallelism: Happy are those/ Who do not follow the advice of the wicked/ Or take the path that sinners tread/ Or sit in the seat of the scoffers (Ps. 1, v. 1)

5. Book of Psalms: In 5 books: 1-41; 42-72; 73-89; 90-106; 107-150 Composite work Korahites (Ps. 48) Psalms “of David”

6. Genres of psalms (following Hermann Gunkel): 1. Hymns (praise psalms) 2. Communal laments 3. Individual laments 4. Individual thanksgiving psalms Also others incl. communal thanksgiving psalms, enthronement psalms, pilgrimage psalms, wisdom psalms Approximate categorisation

7. Hymns (praise psalms, e.g. Ps. 96): 1. Summons to worship God (vv. 1-3) 2. Reason (vv. 4-6) 3. Second summons (vv. 7-12) (4. Another reason, v. 13) Common reasons: glory in creation (v. 5), kindness and care, steadfast love, faithfulness, power (v. 6), justice (v. 13), forgiveness

8. Communal laments (e.g. Ps. 74): 1. Description of disaster to attract God’s attention (vv. 4-11) 2. Celebration of God’s power (vv. 12-17) 3. Imperative exhortations (vv. 18-23) Compare Ps. 137

9. Individual laments (e.g. Ps. 22): 1. Complaint about situation, in which God implicated (vv. 1-2) 2. Petition for God’s aid (vv. 11 and 19-21) 3. Reasons God should help (vv. 3-10 and 12-18) 4. Statement of glad resolution (vv. 21-31)

10. Individual thanksgiving psalms (e.g. Ps. 30): 1. Report of unexpected trouble (v. 7) 2. Report of prayer of complaint (vv. 8-10) 3. Affirmation of God’s intervention (v. 11) 4. Promise of praise to God (v. 12)

11. Presentation of God: shepherd/king motif (Ps. 23, 95, 48) Presentation of Jerusalem (Ps. 24) Babylonian exile (Ps. 137)