Smith DTh Thesis (final).pdf - South African Theological Seminary

Chapter 3: MethodologyTherefore, any evidence of a common historical setting will beweighed.• Structural links. In and of themselves, structural similarities are unlikelyto be the primary basis for juxtaposing two psalms, but they can play acontributing role (see §3.3.6).• Functional links. By “functional links”, I have in mind the possibility thattwo psalms were used in the same life-setting by ancient Israelites. Iftwo psalms fulfilled similar functions, this might account for them beingkept together in the Psalter.• Thematic links. Common themes are closely related to sharedterminology. These two factors are interrelated and work together toprovide a possible rationale for arranging psalms. I explore any motifscommon to both psalms.3.5.3 Assess the primary basis of concatenationOnce all the evidence of possible links between two psalms has been noted, Iattempt to weigh the evidence in order to discern what factor(s) provided theprimary reason(s) that the editors juxtaposed these psalms. There is noguarantee the evidence will permit a clear, definitive conclusion. I make every82