Toni’s Title
God Is a Father to the Oppressed
ESV Title
God Shall Scatter His Enemies
Literary Type
This is psalm is almost impossible to classify; Zion liturgy?
Covenant Renewal Liturgy
In their early history, before the time of David, the Israelites probably had a special time in the autumn of each year to renew their conditional covenant with God, the Mosaic covenant. “If you will obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession…” (Exodus 19:5) The saving deeds of God in Israel’s history were proclaimed and the people were asked to reaffirm their allegiance to God.
Examples: Psalms 50 and 81
Songs of Zion
Several psalms express the view that God chose Zion as the earthly center of the divine rule. Mount Zion was the site of the Jerusalem temple. It was the place where God chose to be present in the midst of the people. So it became a sanctuary to which the people made pilgrimages. To the psalmists, Zon was the center of historical meaning that God had disclosed to Israel and, through Israel, to the whole world. The psalmists glorify Zion at that location. Zion came to represent the meeting place of heaven and earth and a foreshadowing of eternal life.
Examples: Psalms 46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 121, 122
NT Prayer Guide
Col. 3:1-14
Superscription
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song.