A Contextual and Canonical Reading of Psalm 35

Abstract

This article is a contextual and Canonical reading of Ps 35 in order to grasp its content, context and theological implications. The basic hypothesis of this study is that Ps 35 should not be interpreted in isolation, but that the psalm will be best understood when read in its total context viz., the historical setting, life-setting and canonical setting as well as the literary genre. It is argued that a contextual and canonical reading of Ps 35 can serve as a counterbalance to arbitrary decisions on the interpretation of the psalm. A brief overview of the structure and outline of this psalm is given before probing the literary genre, historical setting, life setting as well as the canonical context. The article concludes by discussing the imprecatory implications and message of Ps 35 to the followers of YHWH.