Reading akkadian PRayeRs & Hymns An Introduction

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READING AKKADIAN PRAYERS AND HYMNS: AN INTRODUCTION
18:18; and note Ps 103:20–21 and 148:2, where ויאָ ָב ְצ, “his hosts,” and וי ָכ ָא ְל ַמ,
“his messengers,” are in parallel) or stars (see Job 38:7, where רקֹב ֶ י ֵב ְכוֹכּ, “morning
stars,” and םיהלֹ ִ א ֱ ינֵ ְבּ־ל ָכּ, “all the sons of god,” are in parallel). Yahweh stands
over these lesser divine beings (who are apparently not gods) as their king (Ps
103:19–21).
Yahweh himself was therefore not closely associated with a particular star
as was Gula; rather, he was the creator (Isa 40:26, Neh 9:6) and ruler of the celestial
host (see Ps 89:6–9).
TRANSLATION:
1. O Gula, most exalted lady, merciful mother, who dwells in the pure heavens,
2. I call out to you, my lady, stand nearby and listen to me!
3. I seek you out, I turn to you, as the hem of my god(’s) and goddess(’s garment),
I lay hold of your (garment’s) hem,
4. Because judging a case, handing down the decision,
5. Because restoring and maintaining well-being are within your power,
6. Because you know how to save, to spare, and to rescue.
7. O Gula, sublime lady, merciful mother,
8. Among the myriad stars of the heavens,
9. O lady, to you I turn; my ears are attentive to you.
10. Receive my flour offering, accept my prayer.
11. Let me send you to my angry (personal) god (and) my angry (personal) god-
dess,
12. To the god of my city who is furious and enraged with me.
13. On account of oracles and dreams that are hounding me,
14. I am afraid and constantly anxious.
15. O Gula, most exalted lady, through the word of your august command,
which is supreme in Ekur,
16. And your sure approval, which cannot be altered,
17. May my furious god turn back to me; may my angry goddess turn again to
me with favor.
18. May the god of my city who is furious and enraged with me,
19. Who is in a rage, relent; who is incensed, be soothed.
20. O Gula, most exalted lady, who intercedes on behalf of the powerless,
21. With Marduk, king of the gods, merciful lord,
22. Intercede! Speak a favorable word!
23. May your wide canopy (of protection), your noble forgiveness be with me.
24. Provide a requital of favor and life for me,
25. That I may proclaim your greatness (and) resound your praises!
26. It is the wording of a lifted-hand to Gula.
27. Its ritual: You prepare an assemblage of offerings in front of Gula . . . you
libate first-rate beer. 28. You recite this incantation three times and the supplicant’s
(lit. his) prayer . . . will be heard.