Gert T.M. Prinsloo, «The Role of Space in the twl(mh yry#$ (Psalms 120–134)», Vol. 86 (2005) 457-477
This study reads the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134) from the perspective of the
concept of "space" and argues that they form as a single, interrelated unit that tells a
meaningful "story". By applying the principles of "critical spatiality" the spatial
orientation of each poem is analysed. The conclusion is reached that the poems can
be grouped together in five triads of three poems each. By mapping "space" and
relating it to the content of the poems in the context of Book V of the Psalter, the
"story" of these poems can be discerned. It is a meaningful story with a sad beginning
but a happy end. The happy end resides especially in the expectation that YHWH
"ascends" with his people towards the eschathological and Messianic future.
470 Gert T.M. Prinsloo
from Yahweh, estranged and unprotected, lies in the devastating
influence of sin. But because Yahweh does not keep “a record of sinsâ€
(3a) there is hope for the individual petitioner (5ab, 6ab) and indeed
for Israel at large (7abc, 8ab) (55).
Psalm 131 describes the effect of reconciliation with Yahweh (56).
It brings contentment, “like a weaned child with its mother†(2abc).
Yahweh is and remains Israel’s only source of hope (3a) because he
alone can transcend the constraints of time (3b). Significantly the
poem picks up important themes form Psalm 123. There the poet lifted
his eyes to YHWH enthroned in heaven (123,1ab). Here his “eyes are
not haughty†(131,1a)! There he prayed for mercy because he was the
target of contempt and ridicule (123,3-4). Here he does not “dwell
upon great matters, things too wonderful†for him (131,1b) but has
“stilled and quieted†his “innermost being†(131,2a). He has found
complete contentedness in the presence of YHWH.
As in Psalms 123–125 the main focus in Psalms 129–131 is on
abstract space. The experience of oppression (Psalm 129) is nothing
short of residing in the realm of death (Psalm 130). The only escape
lies in the mercy of Yahweh (Psalm 130) who grants a sinner
tranquillity and security (Psalm 131).
Psalm 132 contains a vivid description of the importance of
Jerusalem/Zion both as a concrete, physical space and as a symbol. It
is by far the longest of the Songs of Ascents; it alone suggests that a
climax has been reached. It has many connections with Psalm 122,
emphasising the importance of Jerusalem as a centre for pilgrimage
(6a-7b) containing the symbols of political (12) and religious (13)
authority (57). On the one hand Psalm 132 calls the past to mind (132,1-
10): the psalm commences with an urgent call that Yahweh should
remember David (1ab) and his oath to Yahweh (2ab) namely that he
will not rest (3a-4b) until he has found “a place for Yahweh†(5a), “a
dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob†(5b). The psalmist
urgently prays that YHWH should once again do what he did in the
time of David (8ab) and restore the importance of the city. Only at “his
dwelling place†(7a), at “his footstool†(7b) can his people experience
(55) MITCHELL, Message, 123. Cf. also G.T.M. PRINSLOO, “Psalm 130: Poetic
patterns and social significanceâ€, OTE 15 (2002) 462-464.
(56) MITCHELL, Message, 123 remarks that it is Israel’s experience of forgive-
ness (cf. Ps 130) that leads to a spiritual state of tranquillity and humble content-
ment in Ps 131.
(57) KRAUS, Psalms, 475.