Psalm 29: A Canaanite Hymn to YHWH in the Psalter [Paperback]

Interpreted as praising the divine powers on the storm, Psalm 29 iscurrently a cornerstone of the thesis of YHWHs storm-god identity andhis closeness to the Canaanite Baal. Here, this view is challenged byconsiderations about YHWHs powers on the storm and a reanalysis ofPsalm 29, including a comparative examination of the three possibleexpressions of the voice of YHWH (storm, volcanism, and metallurgy); awhole-psalm analysis of its structure, content and literarydevelopments; and the meaning of five songs (Psalms 46, 96-98, 114)conditioned by it. This analysis identifies Psalm 29 as a pre-Israelite,Qenite song promoting a metallurgical relationship with YHWH, andpraising him as the Lord of <i>mabbul</i> (=<i>revitalization</i>).Its content unveils the Qenite Yahwism and its enduring influence inIsrael. The conditioned psalms express how this song contributed to theevolution of the Israelite religion, especially the transformation ofYHWH into the Lord of Justice in Psalms 96-98 and the Isaiah theology.