ABSTRACT
In Chapter 13 various features supporting the coherence of the Psalms of Ascents were identified. Among them was a set of words which occurred with unusually high frequency in this collection. I propose now to consider the thematic implications of these terms, in conjunction with a résumé of the main concerns which inform these Psalms, based on the discussion in Chapter 13. I then undertake an interpretation of the whole sequence in the light of this thematic analysis which will give us clues to the kind of hermeneutical framework which may be proposed as we seek an overall view of the nature, function and socio-historical context of the Psalms of Ascents, in accordance with aspect 3 (and to a lesser extent aspect 5) of my general methodology. I will reserve treatment of the main part of aspect 5, and of aspects 6 and 7 for the final chapter.
