Psalm 151
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Psalm 151 is known from various ancient sources, but although it is accepted as Canonical by some churches, others relegate it as apocryphal. Is there any specific reason for this?
Rod
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Which Churches accept it as canonical? What is the content of the psalm?
I know that the Psalms are numbered differently between the Vulgate and most modern-day translations (RSV, NIV, NAB, KJV, NKJV, etc.), but I can't remember if this resulted in 151 psalms in the vulgate, or not.
"You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." St. Augustine of Hippo
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psalm_151
Psalm 151 is the name given to a short psalm which is found in most copies of the Septuagint (Greek language translation of the Bible) but not in the Masoretic Hebrew 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." [1]) indicates that it is supernumerary, and no number is affixed to it.
For many years scholars believed Psalm 151 might have been an original 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 A.D., contains two short Hebrew psalms which scholars now agree served as the basis for Psalm 151. (Also cf. Abegg, pp. 585-586). One of these Hebrew psalms, 151a, is reflected in verses 1-5 of the Greek psalm 151, while verses 6 onward are derived from Hebrew 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.
The title of the psalm indicates 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.
The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts Psalm 151 as canonical. [2] 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 NRSV.
"You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." St. Augustine of Hippo
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Thanks for the information. What I am looking at here is why this short Psalm seems to have been rejected. I am familiar with the various Councils that set what was to be Canonical, as well as understand why most Gnostic and other “lost” texts were not included and will not be added in to the Holy Writ now. But this short Psalm does not seem to fit in with my understanding of these things.
Do you have any deeper knowledge on this particular part of our edited scriptures?
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Not really. In general, the Church was willing to accept Septuagint translations and books, but perhaps some other information regarding Psalm 151 led the Council fathers to question its authenticity.
"You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." St. Augustine of Hippo
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Ah, but it was found in the Dead Sea Scrolls included with the other Psalms, pretty clear evidence that Jews around the time of Jesus considered it canonical (as best as they could - canon wasn't clear cut like it is today).
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Chris,
Yep, pretty tricky subject, that.
"You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." St. Augustine of Hippo
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quote:
Originally posted by Rod
Thanks for the information. What I am looking at here is why this short Psalm seems to have been rejected. I am familiar with the various Councils that set what was to be Canonical, as well as understand why most Gnostic and other “lost” texts were not included and will not be added in to the Holy Writ now. But this short Psalm does not seem to fit in with my understanding of these things.
Do you have any deeper knowledge on this particular part of our edited scriptures?
No, but according to Catholic Encyclopedia, it is because it is unnumbered (exothen tou arithmou) and "probably a Machabean addition to the canon". If it had been authentic, presumably it would have been included among the earlier Psalms and not stuck on at the end.
Edited by Diana Holberg on 08/27/2006 18:19:02
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thank you for your thoughts. Perhaps Chris Weimer could expand on his comments for me. I see that I will have to look at my copy of the DSC again.
Rod
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