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He is like animals that are silenced.

:ןויבאו רישע דחי

Rich and poor together.
:ומדנ תומהבכ לשמנ

Who has been able to do that? Did not Martin Luther King inherit the apocalyptic imagination
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with them, and they shall be his people. And He, God, shall be with them” (Ἰδοὺ ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ θεοῦ

תומכח רבדי יפ

My mouth will speak wisdom

when he claimed, like Moses, to climb the mountain and see the promised land? Are some of his
μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετʼ αὐτῶν, καὶ αὐτοὶ λαοὶ αὐτοῦ ἔσονται, καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ θεὸς
And the meditations of my heart, understanding.
:תונובת יבל תוגהו
The Text with Commentary
dreams now slowly becoming reality? Did not Jesus teach his followers to pray: “Thy kingdom

I will tune my ear to metaphor,
Psalm 49
5
ינזא לשמל הטא
μετʼ αὐτῶν ἔσται). Did the author not imagine the End would be a return to the blessed life of the
come on earth”? And were King and Jesus not brutally murdered? How can we learn that such
יח
I will present my conundrum with music.
רונכב
-

:יתד

Beginning? Was there a more promising future for early Jews than the time when all sickness and
deaths do not diminish hope?
He is like animals that are silenced.
Who has been able to do that? Did not Martin Luther King inherit the apocalyptic imagination

:ומדנ תומהבכ לשמנ

1
3

A conundrum concerning death
evil will cease and God will not need a Temple because, as in Eden, he dwells with his faithful
when he claimed, like Moses, to climb the mountain and see the promised land? Are some of his

Why should I be fearful in times of peril,
ער ימיב אריא המל
6
The Text with Commentary
Early Jewish descriptions of a celestial or promising place of peace and tranquility define
people.
dreams now slowly becoming reality? Did not Jesus teach his followers to pray: “Thy kingdom
2
come on earth”? And were King and Jesus not brutally murdered? How can we learn that such
:ינבוסי יבקע ןוע
When sin entangles my feet?
Psalm 49

Hear this, all peoples.
apocalypses, testaments, and psalms. How can we stimulate others to not only read these accounts

deaths do not diminish hope?
Listen, all who dwell on earth --

but try to feel what the early Jews experienced when they imagined being present to view the
Perceiving a New Creation
3
1
3 A conundrum concerning death
םליח-לע םיחטבה
Ordinary people and those who are privileged,
There
scene? are those who trust in their fortune,
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The early Jewish testaments are filled with apocalyptic expectations and occasionally receive
Early Jewish descriptions of a celestial or promising place of peace and tranquility define

4

Who boast of their great wealth.
וללהתי םרשע ברבו
Rich and poor together.
visions of a new creation. Note the following passage in the Testament of Naphtali:
2
apocalypses, testaments, and psalms. How can we stimulate others to not only read these accounts
4 Hear this, all peoples.
8
But, no man can save even his brother.
My mouth will speak wisdom
שיא הדפי הדפ-אל חא
Let us recall that the apocalypses are defined with such vivid experiences as these:

but try to feel what the early Jews experienced when they imagined being present to view the
Listen, all who dwell on earth --
And the meditations of my heart, understanding.
ורפכ םיהלאל ןתי
אל
He cannot pay God for atonement for him.
-
Command your children that they be in unity with Levi and Judah,
3
scene?
Ordinary people and those who are privileged,
5
9
ושפנ ןוידפ רקיו
Even if the redemption price for him be steep,
I will tune my ear to metaphor,
Then I stood still, looking at that ancient house being transformed … I went on seeing until
for through Judah will salvation arise for Israel,

4
Rich and poor together.
5
םלועל לדחו
I will present my conundrum with music.

He will cease to exist forever.

the Lord of the sheep brought about a new house, greater and loftier than the first one, and
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and in him will Jacob be blessed.
Let us recall that the apocalypses are defined with such vivid experiences as these:
My mouth will speak wisdom

set it up in the first location which had been covered up – all its pillars were new, the
And the meditations of my heart, understanding.
Through his kingly power God will appear …,

10

חצנל דוע-יחיו
Why should I be fearful in times of peril,

Can one live forever?!

6 5
columns new; and the ornaments new as well as greater than those of the first … .
I will tune my ear to metaphor,
Then I stood still, looking at that ancient house being transformed … I went on seeing until

to save the race of Israel,
When sin entangles my feet?
5
6

the Lord of the sheep brought about a new house, greater and loftier than the first one, and
[1 En 90:28-29; Isaac in OTP 1.91]
And not see the grave?!
I will present my conundrum with music.

תחשה הארי אל

and to assemble the righteous from among the nations.
set it up in the first location which had been covered up – all its pillars were new, the

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Indeed, any person will see that wise men die. ותומי םימכח הארי יכ

[TNaph 8:2-3; Kee in OTP 1.813]
6
7 Why should I be fearful in times of peril,
columns new; and the ornaments new as well as greater than those of the first … .
Together, the fool and the ignorant, perish ודבאי רעבו ליסכ דחי

Most readers will comprehend that the New Temple in Jerusalem is being described. The author

There are those who trust in their fortune,

When sin entangles my feet?

[1 En 90:28-29; Isaac in OTP 1.91]
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:םליח םירחאל ובזעו

And leave their wealth to others.
Who boast of their great wealth.
of Revelation shared a similar vision some centuries later. A dream, shared by Jews and Christians
The apocalyptic expectation also flows into Psalms and Odes. The author of the Odes of Solomon

8
But, no man can save even his brother.

in the late first century CE is preserved in Revelation 21:
shares his visit into Paradise:
There are those who trust in their fortune,
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Most readers will comprehend that the New Temple in Jerusalem is being described. The author
12
They think that their houses will last forever,
He cannot pay God for atonement for him.
םלועל ומיתב םברק
Who boast of their great wealth.
of Revelation shared a similar vision some centuries later. A dream, shared by Jews and Christians
9

That their dwelling places will endure for generations, רדו רודל
Even if the redemption price for him be steep,
מ
ש
םתונכ
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed
8
But, no man can save even his brother.
in the late first century CE is preserved in Revelation 21:
And he took me into his Paradise,
away, and the sea was no more. ywhere תומדא ילע םתומשב וארק
He will cease to exist forever.
That their names will be mentioned ever
He cannot pay God for atonement for him.

Wherein is the wealth of the Lord’s pleasure. …

13
But, humans cannot dwell in assets,
ןילי-לב רקיב םדאו
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
9
Even if the redemption price for him be steep,
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed

10

Can one live forever?!
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. :ומדנ תומהבכ לשמנ
They are like animals that are silenced.
away, and the sea was no more.
He will cease to exist forever.

Then I adored the Lord because of his magnificence.
The path of these people is folly for them, ומל לסכ םכרד הז
And not see the grave?!
14
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying:

10
Can one live forever?!
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prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Those who come after them explicitly wish denial.
Indeed, any person will see that wise men die.
“Behold, the home of God is among mortals. לס וצרי םהיפב םהירחאוה

And I said, blessed, O Lord, are they
And not see the grave?!
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying:
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They have been herded to She’ol.
He will dwell with them as their God;
Together, the fool and the ignorant, perish
ותש לואשל ןאצכ

Who are planted in your land,
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“Behold, the home of God is among mortals.
Indeed, any person will see that wise men die.
Death is their shepherd.
And leave their wealth to others.

םערי תומ
they will be his peoples,

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And who have a place in your Paradise;

Together, the fool and the ignorant, perish
He will dwell with them as their God;
The righteous will drive them forth at dawn, רקבל םירשי םב ודריו
and God himself will be with them;
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And leave their wealth to others.

they will be his peoples,
םרוצו
And their Rock will be the terrors of She’ol, לואש תולבל
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
and God himself will be with them;
And who grow in the growth of your trees,
3
This psalm is a meditation on death. It is written in the style of wisdom literature; that is, as a conundrum or puzzle.

and not a temple, for them.

:ול לבזמ
Death will be no more;

he will wipe every tear from their eyes.

It clearly has four parts: the introduction (2-5); the conundrum itself (6); the condemnation of those who think they
And have passed from darkness into light
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3
But God will redeem my soul from She’ol. לואש דימ ישפנ הדפי םיהלא-ךא
This psalm is a meditation on death. It is written in the style of wisdom literature; that is, as a conundrum or puzzle.
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
Death will be no more;
can achieve immortality through wealth with a closing verse of affirmation (7-16); and an address to a third person
[OdesSol 11.16-19; Charlesworth in OTP 2.745]
It clearly has four parts: the introduction (2-5); the conundrum itself (6); the condemnation of those who think they

for the first things have passed away.” [Rev 21:1-4] הלס ינחקי יכ

Indeed, He will take me. Selah.

mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
with the same theme (17-21). The verses on the outer margin are addressed to the general reader. The verses on the
can achieve immortality through wealth with a closing verse of affirmation (7-16); and an address to a third person

first indented margin are an aside. And the verses on the second indented margin are addressed to a specific person;
for the first things have passed away.” [Rev 21:1-4]
with the same theme (17-21). The verses on the outer margin are addressed to the general reader. The verses on the
The guide is the Lord, not a seer as in the apocalypses. He takes the Odist into Paradise so he can
or perhaps to the psalmist’s inner self. Note the revised ascription, the traditional ascriptions being notoriously
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Do not be afraid if you see a man become rich,

שיא רשעי-יכ ארית לא
Is it not remarkable that the author claims to see “a new heaven and a new earth” (οὐρανὸν καινὸν
first indented margin are an aside. And the verses on the second indented margin are addressed to a specific person;
see the blessed ones who have a place in Paradise and are permanently planted like trees.
or perhaps to the
incomprehensible. psalmist’s inner self. Note the revised ascription, the traditional ascriptions being notoriously
Is it not remarkable that the author claims to see “a new heaven and a new earth” (οὐρανὸν καινὸν
-
ותיב דובכ הברי
יכ

Who multiplies the capital of his estate.

καὶ γῆν καινήν). Why is there a need for a new heaven? Has it been polluted by the Nephilim, the
The invocation of heaven and earth as witnesses is widespread in Scripture, as is the invocation of all levels of
4
incomprehensible.

καὶ γῆν καινήν). Why is there a need for a new heaven? Has it been polluted by the Nephilim, the
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For, in his death, he cannot take everything with him, לכה חקי ותומב אל יכ
fallen angels, and the betrayal of Satan who was a superior angel serving previously in heaven
4
The invocation of heaven and earth as witnesses is widespread in Scripture, as is the invocation of all levels of
society. Note, too, the a-b-b-a structure in verse 3 (poor, rich, rich, poor).
fallen angels, and the betrayal of Satan who was a superior angel serving previously in heaven
What good is a heaven or Paradise that is infinitely far away and closed to all, both the living and
-
אל
His fortune does not go down after him.

ודובכ וירחא דרי
5 society. Note, too, the a-b-b-a structure in verse 3 (poor, rich, rich, poor).
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beside God? The exceptional apocalyptic vision describes how “I saw the Holy City, the new
Conundrum (Heb., hida). The invocation of metaphor (Heb., mashal) and music (Heb., kinnor, lit., a lyre) is also
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beside God? The exceptional apocalyptic vision describes how “I saw the Holy City, the new
the “apparently” dead? What good is a Paradise that is inaccessible to all who have lived (cf. LAE).
5
Conundrum (Heb., hida). The invocation of metaphor (Heb., mashal) and music (Heb., kinnor, lit., a lyre) is also
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common in wisdom literature.

For one is praised only during one’s life –

ךרבי וייחב ושפנ-יכ
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband” (τὴν πόλιν
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband” (τὴν πόλιν
6 common in wisdom literature.
According to the author of 2 Baruch, Paradise was only shown to Adam, Abraham, and Moses
This is his conundrum: Why should he be afraid of death? His answer begins in the next verse with a denunciation
יכ ךד

You are praised only when things go well for you.

:ךל ביטית
יו ו
τὴν ἁγίαν Ἰερουσαλὴμ καινὴν εἶδον καταβαίνουσαν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἡτοιμασμένην
6
This is his conundrum: Why should he be afraid of death? His answer begins in the next verse with a denunciation
τὴν ἁγίαν Ἰερουσαλὴμ καινὴν εἶδον καταβαίνουσαν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἡτοιμασμένην
of those who trust in their wealth to give them immortality. This is in vain because everyone dies and has no benefit
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One reaches the generation of the ancestors
ויתובא רוד-דע אובת
ὡς νύμφην κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς). Members of the covenant facing martyrdoms and
of those who trust in their wealth to give them immortality. This is in vain because everyone dies and has no benefit
ὡς νύμφην κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς). Members of the covenant facing martyrdoms and
from his former wealth. The italics are used to highlight this verse because it is the lynchpin of the psalm. “My feet”
from his former wealth. The italics are used to highlight this verse because it is the lynchpin of the psalm. “My feet”
וארי אל חצנ
-
Who will never again see light.
-

:רוא
דע

(Heb., `akeivai), literally “my ankles.” Alternate reading: “When the sin of those who deceive me encompasses me.”
(Heb., `akeivai), literally “my ankles.” Alternate reading: “When the sin of those who deceive me encompasses me.”

A man of assets – he
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does not understand (that).
ןיבי אלו רקיב םדא
In this alternate reading, the following verses describe those who deceive him.

In this alternate reading, the following verses describe those who deceive him.
16
16
An aside on the inevitability of death: One cannot avoid death and, one cannot avoid leaving one’s wealth to others.
7 7
Recall Ezekiel 28:11-17, and Isaiah 14:12-15, and Job 1:7. Satan was once a cherub and a part of the divine council.
An aside on the inevitability of death: One cannot avoid death and, one cannot avoid leaving one’s wealth to others.
Recall Ezekiel 28:11-17, and Isaiah 14:12-15, and Job 1:7. Satan was once a cherub and a part of the divine council.
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11

1
Is that not clear? Is that dream not uplifting? We do all see “the sinners waxing strong.” How do
we have heard”), for national rage. To be sure, there are many psalms where there is more than
(2Bar 4:2-7). Why? It is because the Lord God took Paradise away from Adam and all his persecutions can yet dream that “behold, the dwelling of God is with humans, and he shall tent
17
we inculcate being partners with the “people of heaven”?
descendants, even Noah (ܒܐܕ ܐܤܝܕܪܦ ܗܢܡ ܗܠ ܬܙܠܓܬܐ.ܟܝܐ 2Bar 4:3). one emotion involved, such as Psalm 147 (“Hallelujah, for it is good to sing unto our God”) where

PSALM 49: A MEDITATION ON DEATH calls to praise God are mixed helter-skelter with the motifs of God of Zion; God as healer; God as
creator; God as a just judge and protector of the weak; God as revealer; and God as the One Who
Our dream literature eventually describes Paradise as open and waiting for us. Recall this poignant Is the Morality in the Apocalypses Focused Only on This Earth?
chooses the Jewish people.
(2Bar 4:2-7). Why? It is because the Lord God took Paradise away from Adam and all his
passage in the Testament of Levi: Some nations rise and fall because of their military might; those nations would include, at least,
1
Is that not clear? Is that dream not uplifting? We do all see “the sinners waxing strong.” How do
we have heard”), for national rage. To be sure, there are many psalms where there is more than
David R. Blumenthal
How does one depict on a printed page the voices, the themes, the structure, and the
17
descendants, even Noah (ܒܐܕ ܐܤܝܕܪܦ ܗܢܡ ܗܠ ܬܙܠܓܬܐ.ܟܝܐ 2Bar 4:3). the early Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Huns, Mongols, and well
one emotion involved, such as Psalm 147 (“Hallelujah, for it is good to sing unto our God”) where

we inculcate being partners with the “people of heaven”?
emotions that may have motivated a psalm? That is the question. Many years of studying,
And he shall open the gates of Paradise, as the more recent Nazis. The ancient “heroes” were renowned because of great warriors like
calls to praise God are mixed helter-skelter with the motifs of God of Zion; God as healer; God as
Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Genghis Khan. These nations and warriors, once powerful,
translating, commenting upon, and teaching psalms have led me to think that the following is the
Is the Morality in the Apocalypses Focused Only on This Earth?
Our dream literature eventually describes Paradise as open and waiting for us. Recall this poignant creator; God as a just judge and protector of the weak; God as revealer; and God as the One Who
Introduction

And he shall remove the threatening sword since Adam.
passage in the Testament of Levi: chooses the Jewish people.
best method: give each verse a line; group the verses of each voice on a different margin; and
The problem with reading psalms is that in most editions, in all languages, the verses are

Some nations rise and fall because of their military might; those nations would include, at least,
are in our proverbial review mirrors and lost in the dust behind.
And he shall permit the Holy Ones to eat from the tree of life.

published in one continuous form. The psalm thus appears to the eye as one paragraph. Some the early Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Huns, Mongols, and well
How does one depict on a printed page the voices, the themes, the structure, and the
group the verses of each structural unit (theme) in a paragraph by skipping a line. In addition, one
[TLevi 18:10-11; my new translation]

And he shall open the gates of Paradise,
emotions that may have motivated a psalm? That is the question. Many years of studying,
as the more recent Nazis. The ancient “heroes” were renowned because of great warriors like
should write footnotes with linguistic and stylistic comments and endnotes with reflections and
editors publish psalms with each verse beginning on a new line, but that is just an elongated
The Jews and Christians share a different concept of greatness. They have survived for millennia

And he shall remove the threatening sword since Adam.
Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Genghis Khan. These nations and warriors, once powerful,
advice on how to pray the psalm.
2
paragraph. Occasionally, an editor will realize that some psalms have groups of verses that belong
fundamentally because of morality, human values, and expectations and dreams. Many who read
The author of this pseudepigraphon, as with many Semites, occasionally fails to make it pellucidly

And he shall permit the Holy Ones to eat from the tree of life.

best method: give each verse a line; group the verses of each voice on a different margin; and
are in our proverbial review mirrors and lost in the dust behind.
my words would add, by the continuing presence and unlimited power of the Creator. These rules

together and so the editor will skip a line to signal the change. Even psalms written by a scribe in translating, commenting upon, and teaching psalms have led me to think that the following is the
With this in mind, I would like to dedicate my translation and commentary of Psalm 49 to
clear who is the speaker. Most likely, Levi is the intended speaker. He informs his sons that the
group the verses of each structural unit (theme) in a paragraph by skipping a line. In addition, one
[TLevi 18:10-11; my new translation]

and perspectives are taught notably in families from an early age. The Testaments of the Twelve
a megillah have no visual form connected to the meaning of the text. All these visual presentations Gabi Barkay. My wife and I have known Gabi for over 60 years, as a fellow academic, but mostly
“new priest” whom the Lord shall raise up “shall open” (ἀνοίξει) “the gates of Paradise” (τὰς θύρας

should write footnotes with linguistic and stylistic comments and endnotes with reflections and
The Jews and Christians share a different concept of greatness. They have survived for millennia
of psalms do not tell us who is speaking, or to whom the speaker is talking. Further, these visual as a friend. We have been on tours all over Israel with him. We have sat in on his classes. We have
Patriarchs preserves an early record of this custom:
2
The author of this pseudepigraphon, as with many Semites, occasionally fails to make it pellucidly
advice on how to pray the psalm.
τοῦ παραδείσου). Among a people oppressed consistently by foreign powers this divine promise
fundamentally because of morality, human values, and expectations and dreams. Many who read
presentations do not tell us what the emotion that might have generated the verses is, or how we worked on the sifting project. We have hosted him and his partner, Esther, in America. We have
clear who is the speaker. Most likely, Levi is the intended speaker. He informs his sons that the
my words would add, by the continuing presence and unlimited power of the Creator. These rules

With this in mind, I would like to dedicate my translation and commentary of Psalm 49 to
removes anguish and brings forward everlasting hope. Human perception of weakness and finitude
Teach your children also, in which battles between the Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv schools
know when the psalmist’s feeling changes. “Reciting psalms,” especially in a liturgical context, is sat with him through conferences
“new priest” whom the Lord shall raise up “shall open” (ἀνοίξει) “the gates of Paradise” (τὰς θύρας
Gabi Barkay. My wife and I have known Gabi for over 60 years, as a fellow academic, but mostly
and perspectives are taught notably in families from an early age. The Testaments of the Twelve
is evident throughout history. The Jew feels God’s omniscient loving-kindness. The human cannot
usually done by one person or even a whole community saying the verses out loud without any took place. And we have spent endless hours just talking with him about politics, academic affairs,
τοῦ παραδείσου). Among a people oppressed consistently by foreign powers this divine promise
as a friend. We have been on tours all over Israel with him. We have sat in on his classes. We have
Patriarchs preserves an early record of this custom:
so that they might have understanding throughout all their lives
survive or enjoy life without “hope.”
removes anguish and brings forward everlasting hope. Human perception of weakness and finitude worked on the sifting project. We have hosted him and his partner, Esther, in America. We have
and personal matters.
as they ceaselessly read the Law of God.
attention to the basic questions just raised. Reciting psalms by reading aloud on page so-and-so,

is evident throughout history. The Jew feels God’s omniscient loving-kindness. The human cannot
Teach your children also,

[TLevi 13:1-2; Kee in OTP 1.792-93]
or by reading responsively on page so-and-so, or just running through the text as part of a larger
Anyone who has walked with Gabi anywhere recognizes the question, “Do you see that
According to the author of the Testament of Abraham, Paradise is open again and the Holy Ones sat with him through conferences in which battles between the Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv schools
survive or enjoy life without “hope.”
took place. And we have spent endless hours just talking with him about politics, academic affairs,
so that they might have understanding throughout all their lives
liturgy tells us nothing about the voices, the content, or the structure of the psalm.
building there?” and has then listened to an extended historical talk about it and its place in Jewish
are assembled there. Note TAb 20; the speaker is “the undefiled voice of the God and Father”: and personal matters.

as they ceaselessly read the Law of God.

We all assume good parents want their “children” to “have understanding throughout all their
and Zionist history. And who can forget the tour of the tomboli (royal burial mounds) outside
The first task in understanding (and then praying) a psalm is to determine the various voices
According to the author of the Testament of Abraham, Paradise is open again and the Holy Ones [TLevi 13:1-2; Kee in OTP 1.792-93]
Anyone who has walked with Gabi anywhere recognizes the question, “Do you see that
in the psalm. Sometimes, the psalmist is talking to God, but sometimes, he is talking to his Jerusalem?! Or the tour of David’s City which culminated with standing in front of what are,
lives.” Pausing to comprehend each word, I ponder why the author added “all.” Was he thinking
are assembled there. Note TAb 20; the speaker is “the undefiled voice of the God and Father”: building there?” and has then listened to an extended historical talk about it and its place in Jewish
Take, then, my friend Abraham into Paradise, where there are the tents of my righteous
audience, including ourselves; or, in an aside, to himself. Sometimes, the pronouns he uses give almost surely, the graves of Kings David and Solomon, plundered by many and obliterated by the
about the past, present, and future? The work is an apocalyptic testament so maybe the future

We all assume good parents want their “children” to “have understanding throughout all their
and Zionist history. And who can forget the tour of the tomboli (royal burial mounds) outside
ones and (where) the mansions of my holy ones, Isaac and Jacob, are in his bosom, where
us a clue about which voice he is using; sometimes, he is ambiguous. Similarly, the psalmist is not Romans?! Or, standing in the holy of holies at the altar to God (not an altar to a pagan god) in
sharpened his vision. Recall again his prophecy of a blessed future shared later:
Jerusalem?! Or the tour of David’s City which culminated with standing in front of what are,
Take, then, my friend Abraham into Paradise, where there are the tents of my righteous
lives.” Pausing to comprehend each word, I ponder why the author added “all.” Was he thinking
there is no toil, no grief, no moaning, but peace and exultation and endless life.
the only voice in many of these texts. Sometimes, the psalmist speaks. At other times, God or the Arad?! Or being with him at Ketef Hinnom and hearing the story of the discovery of the amulet
almost surely, the graves of Kings David and Solomon, plundered by many and obliterated by the
ones and (where) the mansions of my holy ones, Isaac and Jacob, are in his bosom, where
about the past, present, and future? The work is an apocalyptic testament so maybe the future
bystander or, perhaps, a chorus, is the speaker. Determining the person(s) being addressed and the with the early version of the priestly blessing, the amulet that may have been the predecessor of
[TAb 20:14; E.P. Sanders in OTP 1.895]
And he will open the gates of Paradise,
there is no toil, no grief, no moaning, but peace and exultation and endless life.
sharpened his vision. Recall again his prophecy of a blessed future shared later:
voice(s) that are speaking in any psalm is, therefore, often the first task. Romans?! Or, standing in the holy of holies at the altar to God (not an altar to a pagan god) in
[TAb 20:14; E.P. Sanders in OTP 1.895]
And he will remove the threatening sword since Adam.
the tefillin (phylacteries)?!
Arad?! Or being with him at Ketef Hinnom and hearing the story of the discovery of the amulet
The author provides a clear description of the holy ones, here the patriarchs, who do not toil, grieve, with the early version of the priestly blessing, the amulet that may have been the predecessor of

And he will open the gates of Paradise,
Gabi’s combination of great learning, on many levels, has daz
And he will permit the Holy Ones to eat from the tree of life. zled us over and over again.
At other times, the first task is to determine the themes and structure of the psalm. In some

or moan, but enjoy peace, exultation, and endless life. All the fears of humans are replaced by the tefillin (phylacteries)?! 18
The author provides a clear description of the holy ones, here the patriarchs, who do not toil, grieve,
And he will remove the threatening sword since Adam.
My wife likes to tell Gabi that he should have his brain transferred to a computer to preserve all
psalms, the structure is clear as, for example, in Psalm 19 (“The heavens declare the glory of God”)
[TLevi 18:10-11; my new translation]
exultation and life without end. It is clear that he knows. Our lives, indeed our connection to Israel and Zionism, have been deeply influenced
or moan, but enjoy peace, exultation, and endless life. All the fears of humans are replaced by
Gabi’s combination of great learning, on many levels, has dazzled us over and over again.

And he will permit the Holy Ones to eat from the tree of life.
in which the first section deals with God in nature; the second with God in revelation; and the third
exultation and life without end. It is clear My wife likes to tell Gabi that he should have his brain transferred to a computer to preserve all
18
[TLevi 18:10-11; my new translation]
with God in relationship to humans. Or, Psalm 145 (“I will raise You up, my God, the king”),
What a spectacular promise: “a new priest” will arise and “open the gates of Paradise.” Then,
by Gabi. We are grateful to him for his friendship and his willingness to share what he knows with
Do the Apocalyptists Urge us to Live Elsewhere? that he knows. Our lives, indeed our connection to Israel and Zionism, have been deeply influenced
which is an acrostic, the structure of which is the alphabet. But in most psalms, the structure is us. It is an honor to dedicate this essay to him.
amazingly, “the Holy Ones” will “eat from the tree of life.” Jews and Christians survived because
Do the Apocalyptists Urge us to Live Elsewhere?
What a spectacular promise: “a new priest” will arise and “open the gates of Paradise.” Then,
Those who have not comprehended the apocalypses err by claiming the dreamy apocalyptists by Gabi. We are grateful to him for his friendship and his willingness to share what he knows with
hard to discern because the voices and the themes overlap, and change often. Determining the

they believed – and lived – that expectation.
us. It is an honor to dedicate this essay to him.
Those who have not comprehended the apocalypses err by claiming the dreamy apocalyptists
amazingly, “the Holy Ones” will “eat from the tree of life.” Jews and Christians survived because
mislead us, because we must not live as if the far-off-world is our only abode. Let us not forget
themes and their relationship to one another (the structure) is, then, the second task.
mislead us, because we must not live as if the far-off-world is our only abode. Let us not forget

they believed – and lived – that expectation.
that almost always, the apocalyptic seer returns to earth to instruct and fill the faithful with hope. Just the Text
The rapidly changing voices and themes mean that the first and second tasks are not always
Psalm 49

Just the Text
that almost always, the apocalyptic seer returns to earth to instruct and fill the faithful with hope.
Recall 1 Enoch 104: 1 A conundrum concerning death
“first”, and then “second.” Rather, the determination of voice, theme, and structure must evolve
What Significant Advances Have Been Made in the Study of Ancient Apocalypses?
Recall 1 Enoch 104:
Psalm 49
together. 1 I remember the first PhD seminar I taught at Duke University in the early 1970s on the Old
What Significant Advances Have Been Made in the Study of Ancient Apocalypses?
A conundrum concerning death
Now fear not, righteous ones, when you see the sinners waxing strong and
The next task in understanding (and then praying) a psalm is to determine the emotion that might 2 I remember the first PhD seminar I taught at Duke University in the early 1970s on the Old
Now fear not, righteous ones, when you see the sinners waxing strong and
Hear this, all peoples.

:םימעה-לכ תאז-ועמש
Testament Pseudepigrapha. More than 50 books had to be placed on reserve so the students could
flourishing, do not be partners with them, but keep far away from those who
have generated such a psalm. There are times when that emotion is gratitude, such as Psalm 100 2 Testament Pseudepigrapha. More than 50 books had to be placed on reserve so the students could
flourishing, do not be partners with them, but keep far away from those who
:םימעה-לכ תאז-ועמש

Hear this, all peoples.

Listen, all who dwell on earth –

לכ וניזאה
-
:דלח יבשי
read translations of the works; there was no definition of this genre and no published collection
lean onto their own injustice; for you are to be partners with the good-hearted
(“A psalm of thanksgiving”), or Psalm 113 (“Hallelujah, sing praise, oh servants of the Lord”). 3 Listen, all who dwell on earth – :דלח יבשי - לכ וניזאה
lean onto their own injustice; for you are to be partners with the good-hearted
read translations of the works; there was no definition of this genre and no published collection
Ordinary people and those who are privileged, שיא-ינב-םג םדא ינב-םג
except, perhaps, Johann Albert Fabricius’ collection in Latin, Codex pseudepigraphus Veteris
people of heaven. [1En 104:6; Isaac in OTP 1.85] 3 except, perhaps, Johann Albert Fabricius’ collection in Latin, Codex pseudepigraphus Veteris
Ordinary people and those who are privileged, שיא-ינב-םג םדא ינב-םג
people of heaven. [1En 104:6; Isaac in OTP 1.85]
There are others where the emotion is danger, such as Psalm 30 (“I will raise you up, my
Testamenti in 1713 and Jacques-Paul Migne’s French collection in Dictionnaire des apocryphes
Testamenti in 1713 and Jacques-Paul Migne’s French collection in Dictionnaire des apocryphes
God, for You have saved me”), or Psalm 121 (“I lift up my eyes to the mountains from whence
in 1856. R.H. Charles’ monumental volumes in 1913, The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the

If you doubt this, pick the person you are angriest at, take verses 6-19 of Psalm 109, and recite them out loud with
1
comes my help”). Psalms 38-39 (“Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger”) provide examples of in 1856. R.H. Charles’ monumental volumes in 1913, The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the
Old Testament were out-of-print and widely considered an abridged version of the ill-defined
1
If you doubt this, pick the person you are angriest at, take verses 6-19 of Psalm 109, and recite them out loud with
Old Testament were out-of-print and widely considered an abridged version of the ill-defined
outright despair, and there are yet others when it is anger, sometimes even rage, such as Psalm 109 him in mind. If that person is female, change the pronouns. And, if you are still doubtful, put a vision of the holocaust
him in mind. If that person is female, change the pronouns. And, if you are still doubtful, put a vision of the holocaust

in your mind and recite verses 19-27 of Psalm 44 out loud, being sure to raise your voice for verses 24-27.

(“Oh God of my praise, do not
be silent”) for personal rage, and Psalm 44 (“Oh God, with our ears in your mind and recite verses 19-27 of Psalm 44 out loud, being sure to raise your voice for verses 24-27.
17

I hope, with the help of the Almighty, to publish a book of selected Psalms in this manner before my time in this
For the Syriac text, see S. Dedering, “Apocalypse of Baruch,” Vetus Testamentum Syriace (Leiden: Brill, 1973) p.
I hope, with the help of the Almighty, to publish a book of selected Psalms in this manner before my time in this
2 2
17 For the Syriac text, see S. Dedering, “Apocalypse of Baruch,” Vetus Testamentum Syriace (Leiden: Brill, 1973) p. 18 I endeavor to reserve “shall” for God’s actions.
[2].
18
world is over.
I endeavor to reserve “shall” for God’s actions.
world is over.
[2].
28 13