The Formation of Psalms 1–3 and the Arrangement of the Hebrew Psalter

Eric McDonnell offers a detailed analysis of the literary functions of the three psalms that open the Masoretic Psalter, employing diachronic, comparative and literary-theoretical methods. Beginning with a discussion of the preface in the sense articulated by Jacques Derrida and Gérard Genette, the author distinguishes primary, introductory and prefatorial functions that texts may assume at the threshold of larger compositions. On this basis, Ps 1 and 2 appear as a two-part prefatorial paratext shaping the literary and theological orientation of the emerging Psalter, while Ps 3 serves a different function by introducing the general form of the individual lament, reflecting an early preexilic stage of the collection.
A comparative examination of the Gilgamesh Epic, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and Sirach shows how ancient textual collections reuse traditional materials to advance new literary and ideological purposes, a process described as iterative play in conversation with Derrida and Hans-Georg Gadamer. The author then reviews three influential accounts of the literary development of the Masoretic Psalter and presents an alternative reconstruction that builds on the preceding analyses. Eric McDonnell thus highlights the close relation between synchronic readings and diachronic analysis and demonstrates how both perspectives contribute to understanding the shape and shaping of the Masoretic Psalter.

Introduction
PART I: Context and Interpretation
Chapter One: Introducing Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts
1.1 Prefaces and Paratexts
1.2 Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts
1.3 Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts in Shakespeare's First Folio
1.4 Conclusions
Chapter Two: Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts in Comparative Materials
2.1 The Gilgamesh Epic
2.2 The Egyptian Book of the Dead
2.3 Sirach
2.4 Iterative Play: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations
2.5 Conclusions
Chapter Three: A Rhizomatic and Preliminary Account of the Formation of the MT Psalter
3.1 A Rhizomatic Approach to the Textual Growth of the MT Psalter
3.2 Summary and Review of Select Proposals for the Formation of the MT Psalter
3.3 A Preliminary Sketch of the MT Psalter's Development
3.4 Conclusions
PART II: The Beginning of the MT Psalter
Chapter Four: The Literary Function of Ps 3 in the MT Psalter
4.1 Psalm 3 in Translation
4.2 The Sitz im Leben of Psalm 3
4.3 Psalm 3 in the Development of the MT Psalter
4.4 Conclusions
Chapter Five: The Literary Function of Ps 2 in the MT Psalter
5.1 Psalm 2 in Translation
5.2 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 2
5.3 Psalm 2 in the Development of the MT Psalter
5.4 Conclusions
Chapter Six: The Literary Function of Psalm 1 in the MT Psalter
6.1 Psalm 1 in Translation
6.2 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 1
6.3 Psalm 1 in the Development of the MT Psalter
6.4 Conclusions
Chapter Seven: Conclusions