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Document Details : Title: Psalm 133 Subtitle: 'Behold, How Good and How Pleasant' Author(s): BOOIJ, Thijs Journal: Biblica Volume: 83 Issue: 2 Date: 2002 Pages: 258-267 DOI: 10.2143/BIB.83.2.3200308 Abstract : The opening line of Psalm 133 is, literally, about a social practice; the comparisons following it suggest that in fact a gathering of YHWH’s worshippers is meant. The latter is confirmed by the final line. V. 3a has a bridging function in that its last words ('on the mountains of Zion'), although belonging to the imagery of the comparison, are actually direct expression, relating to the statement of v. 1 (‘inversion’). The situation hinted at can hardly be other than the gathering in Jerusalem on the occasion of a religious festival. In view of the subtle structure and inner cohesion of Psalm 133, it is scarcely plausible that its present meaning is due to some form of adaptation. |
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