Psalm 151
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Psalm 151 is the name given to a short psalm which is found in most copies of the Septuagint [1] but not in the Masoretic text. The title given to this psalm in the Septuagint (This Psalm is ascribed to David and is outside the number. When he slew Goliath in single combat.) [2] indicates that it is supernumerary, and no number is affixed to it.
The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts Psalm 151 as canonical.[3] Roman Catholics, Protestants, and most Jews consider it apocryphal. However, it is found in an appendix in some Catholic Bibles, such as certain editions of the Latin Vulgate, as well as in some ecumenical translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version.
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[edit] Composition
For many years scholars believed that Psalm 151 might have been an original Greek-language composition by the compilers of the Septuagint. However, evidence of the Hebrew origin of Psalm 151 has been found at Qumran. Scroll 11QPs(a), dating from the first century AD, contains two short Hebrew psalms which scholars now agree served as the basis for Psalm 151.[4] [5] One of these Hebrew psalms, known as "Psalm 151a", is reflected in verses 1–5 of the Greek Psalm 151, while verses 6 onward are derived from the other Hebrew psalm, known as "Psalm 151b". The composer has brought the two Hebrew psalms together in a manner that significantly changes their meaning and structure, but the influence of the Hebrew originals is still readily apparent.
[edit] Synopsis
The title of the psalm claims that it was written by King David after his battle with Goliath. The text expresses how David was the least of his brothers, and yet God chose him to be anointed king. It goes on to commemorate how David killed Goliath with the Philistine's own sword.
[edit] Cultural influence
At the beginning of his first address to his Council of State, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia recited this psalm in total.[6]
[edit] Notes
- ^ An Introduction to the Old Testament in Greek, Henry Barclay Swete, Cambridge University Press, 1914, page 252.
- ^ Athanasian Grail Psalter
- ^ NET Bible notes on Psalm 151
- ^ NET Bible notes on Psalm 151
- ^ Abegg, Martin Jr., Peter Flint, Eugene Ulrich, The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible (1999, HarperCollins) ISBN 0-06-060064-0, pp. 585-586
- ^ Harold Marcus, Haile Selassie I: The Formative Years (Lawrenceville: Red Sea Press, 1996), p. 96
[edit] External links
- Psalm 151 NRSV
- Psalm 151 Text in English
- Psalm 151 Another English version
- Psalm 151 English text from St Takla Coptic Church
- Psalm 151 Arabic text, also from St Takla
- Psalm 151 Text in French, + Psalm 154 and 155
