The eighth century dating of Psalm 78 re-argued

This article seeks to end the controversy over the dating of Psalm 78. An eighth century dating is propounded. One means by which the dating of Psalm 78 is proven is by elimination. I begin by an attack on the very popular late dating of the psalm. Then I deal with other proposed datings in turn. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hebrew Union College annual / Jewish Institute of Religion
Main Author: Stern, Philip (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Published: College 1995
In: Hebrew Union College annual / Jewish Institute of Religion
Year: 1995, Volume: 66, Pages: 41-65
IxTheo Classification:HB Old Testament
Further subjects:B Bible. Psalmen 78
Parallel Edition:Electronic
Description
Summary:This article seeks to end the controversy over the dating of Psalm 78. An eighth century dating is propounded. One means by which the dating of Psalm 78 is proven is by elimination. I begin by an attack on the very popular late dating of the psalm. Then I deal with other proposed datings in turn. The core of the argument depends not on deconstructing other arguments for various datings, but on positive arguments for placing Psalm 78 in the eighth century. These arguments are multiple. They include evidence that shows that the psalm is dependent on a variety of eighth century sources, including Amos and Hosea. A literary dependence is shown to exist on Psalm 49, which is demonstrated to be a northern psalm emanating from the eighth century. Another indication is that a peculiarly prophetic mode of making reference to Assyria is reflected in Psalm 78. Specific historical and linguistic data are utilized as well. Extra-biblical evidence also comes into play. In sum, many line of evidence converge on the eighth century, while other datings are flawed. Thus the eighth century dating, which already has proponents, is shown to be the best alternative.
ISSN:0360-9049
Contains:In: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Hebrew Union College annual / Jewish Institute of Religion