Weathering the Psalms by Wiggins Steve A.;

Author:Wiggins, Steve A.; [Wiggins, Steve A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781630877316
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Published: 2015-01-09T08:00:00+00:00

As noted in chapter two, this psalm is notoriously difficult. Nearly every word offers the translator some dilemma. The various interpretations have been endlessly discussed, but instead of rehashing them here, the reader is referred to the summaries in Miller and LePeau.273 In keeping with the general aim of this study, I will not be attempting to assign a genre or interpretation to the whole, but rather will attempt to determine the role the weather plays in it.

In its final form this psalm is a hymn. It involves a theophany in which meteorological language is present, although in an unusual way.274 Rain, as may be noted in the previous passages explored, does not always find mention in theophanic descriptions.

In addition to its use of rare vocabulary, Ps 68 is made difficult by its uncertain context for these verses. The previous verse (8 [7]) is often considered part of this pericope.275 It sets the stage as God’s march in the unspecified wilderness. The psalm also employs at least three words that have been associated with rain in some way: נטפו ,גשׁם, and תניף. Of these, only the first is well-attested and understood, and, in fact, many of the difficulties in these verses revolve around the supposed meteorological terms.276 In offering a tentative translation, I have relied heavily on context, as several words offer unresolved lexical difficulties. It should not be overlooked that vv. 8–9 [7–8] closely resemble Judg 5:4–5 in the Song of Deborah.277 In Judg 5, these two verses form a separate unit, which is not necessarily related to the remainder of the Song, other than by their being placed in that precise location. These verses are not identical with this passage, but they are close enough to provide helpful comparison.

Adding to the confusion concerning this pericope is the frequent assertion that it refers to the exodus and wilderness wandering traditions.278 This is largely based on the connection of this verse with Judg 5:4–5.279 This connection is even pressed to provide a manna interpretation of the abundant rain of v. 10 [9].280 This connection with the wilderness and exodus traditions should not, however, receive undue emphasis. The wilderness mentioned in v. 8[7], ישׁינון, may have undertones of the wanderings, but it may be a generic term as well.281 This is an important point because the interpretation of the weather terminology depends, in part, on whether or not this is a historical motif. Another option is to see this as a theophanic account of Yahweh’s approach from the south,282 without necessarily referring to Sinai. As long as this uncertainty remains, it is prudent not to build up a wilderness wandering scenario further than this pericope will support one.

What is the function of the rain in this passage? There appear to be at least two main applications of pluvial terminology here: initially, in v. 9 [8], the rain falls at the appearance of God, making it function as an indicator of theophany in a way similar to the lightning and thunder explored in chapter two as well as in Ps 77:18 [17].

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