Journey to the Kingdom: The Three-Fold Compositional Arc of Book II of the Psalter

Abstract

Employing the methodology of Editorial Criticism, this article seeks to demonstrate that Book II of the Psalter (i.e., Psalms 42-72) consists of three parallel, compositional arcs that take the form of a journey. Based on key-word links, as well as clear organizational clues found in the superscriptions, the psalms of Book II are deliberately arranged to portray three parallel depictions of the same progression of events. Mirroring the general sequence of eschatological events portrayed in the prophets, Book II presents a three-fold analogous deliverance out of exile into a global kingdom ruled by the Davidic king. While each journey highlights one compelling facet of that future kingdom, together they provide a multi-perspectival and even complementary vision of the future which signals a renewed hope in the Davidic promises. Thus, this article will argue that the design of Book II of the Psalter does not extol the glorious days of a bygone era, but rather orients the reader to anticipate the ultimate eschatological fulfillment of what God had guaranteed in the future. The net effect of these compositional arcs (or journeys) for the readers would inevitably be to sustain them through the disorienting experiences of captivity and provide invincible hope for the age to come.

Keywords

• editorial criticism
• the psalter
• eschatology
• kingdom
• the messiah