RQ-Psalms
.pdf
School
Baylor University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
REL 1310
Subject
Religion
Date
Dec 16, 2024
Pages
2
Uploaded by EarlWorldSeaLion31
Reading Questions – The Psalms According to ECS, what is the key characteristic of Hebrew poetry and what is the term for describing this key? A key characteristic of Hebrew poetry is the use of parallel words lines and sections to communicate in a memorable way. These structures are called parallelism. The following questions are from “Introduction to the Psalms” in AB: In how many “books” are the psalms arranged? 5 books What does the word “psalm” mean, and what does this meaning suggests about the original context of the psalms? The word psalm comes from the greek term of plucking an instrument which suggests that psalms were usually accompanied by an instrument and sung. What is the focus and elements of the following psalm types: •Song of praise (or hymn) Invite people to enter God’s presence and provide reasons why people should praise God. •Prayer for help (or lament) Urge people to confide in God •Song of Thanksgiving acts of thanksgiving •Royal psalm To show and pray for Gods relationship with the king •Wisdom/Torah psalm To offer wisdom and guidance to Gods people What type of psalm is Psalm 13 Prayer for help Psalm 30 Song of thanksgiving Psalm 113 prayer for help
The following questions are from the EBBreadings: Psalms of confession—like Pss. 6; 38; 51—are a subset of lament psalms. The crisis reflected in a confession psalm is a result of the psalmist’s sin, and the cry for help becomes a cry for forgiveness. Compare Psalm 6 with the Babylonian hymn to Marduk (§36). What are the common features found in these texts? Can you identify some differences? Some common features would be the recognition of the higher powers authority and divine and righteous retribution. However some differences seem to be the that the psalmist prays for comfort from God while the Babylonian hymn prays for his guilt to be gone. How would you characterize the request made in the prayer/hymn to Ares (§39)? [By the way, not a question to be answered, but compare Jesus’s comments about “Gentile” prayers in Matthew 6:7-8 with this hymn/prayer]. This is a prayer for strength and a warrior mindset against the troubles of the world.