The Identity of Horn in Ps 148.14 BBR 19

Bulletin for Biblical Research

19.2 (2009) 161183

The Identity of Horn in Psalm 148:14a:An Exegetical Investigation in the MT

and LXX Versions

andrew j. schmutzer and randall x. gauthier

moody bible institute university of stellenbosch

This article compares the MT and LXX versions of Ps 148:14a to understandbetter the identity of horn within the set phrase to raise a horn. The commen-tators are largely divided between literary-metaphorical and historical-literal in-terpretations, leaving the English translations with a confusing array of options.Analysis suggests that to raise a horn conveys elements common to both met-aphorical and literal-historical usage with military signicance. Particularattention is given to the syntactical signicance of vv. 1314 of Ps 148. Analysisconcludes with the Final Doxology (FD) of the Psalter (MT: Pss 14650; LXX14550), where it is argued that the sociopolitical reality of exile and Diasporareturnees complements the militaristic theme of 148:14a, evidenced from the sur-rounding FD

.

The identity of horn in this set phrase describes the judgment ofIsraels enemies while simultaneously proclaiming Israels restored reputation onan international scale.

Key Words: MT, LXX, Final Doxology, collocation, horn, translation, judgment,deliverance, Diaspora,

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