No abstract

The two contexts of the book of DanielDie Book of Daniel presupposes an exilic date of origin in the sixth century. The real context in which the book originated is the second century BC, during the persecution by Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Jewish fanatics opposing his hellenization policy. In order to fully understand the book, it is necessary to take into account the historical detail of both contexts.

The discussion on methodology in the South African exegetical and hermeneutical debate has not been completed yet. Several contributions during the past six years have kept this debate alive. Nevertheless, the duration of the discussion has brought growth and more understanding for different viewpoints and approaches. The aim of this article is to argue that both literary and historical aspects in the reading of any Old Testament text are important. Although it is not the only text approach, it proposes the literary-historical reading of texts is a comprehensive way to expose and understand Biblical texts

God accepts a broken spirit and a contrite heart -Thoughts on penitence, forgiveness and reconciliation in Psalm 51

Without doubt the final hymn of the Psalter can be described as the climax, or grand finale, of the Israelite faith’s most known hymnbook. In this psalm, sound and action are blended into a picture of ecstatic joy. The whole universe is called upon to magnify Yah(weh), the God of Israel. The text poses various exegetical challenges. In the past, Psalm 150 was traditionally analysed as a single text; but with the advent of the canonical and redactionhistorical approaches to the interpretation of the Book of Psalms, Psalm 150 can be interpreted as part of the final Hallel (Pss 146–150), or Book V (Pss 107–150) of the Psalter. This view opens up new possibilities for reading the psalm in broader contexts and its broader literary context(s) illuminate its theological significance. This article is an attempt at reflecting on the psalm’s context(s), structure, Gattung and dates of origin, tradition-historical relations to the Pentateuch, Psalms and other Old Testament texts. Ultimately some reflections on the psalm’s theological significance will be suggested.