The Shape and Message of Psalms 73-78

Psalms 73-78 have received considerable attention from an editorial-critical standpoint. But a perusal of the literature reveals much work to be done. Previous studies are in disagreement over this sequence's literary structure, the degree and nature of its literary unity, and whether it constitutes both a deliberate and distinct literary unit in the Psalter. This study aims to clarify these aspects of the final form of Psalms 73-78. The thesis advanced is that Psalms 73-78 are a deliberate and distinct literary unit shaped to help the exilic/postexilic community faithfully navigate a disorienting conflict of faith and experience precipitated by God's absence in the temple's destruction.