The Covenant In the Psalms of Celebration, Part 2 (Biblical)

Whereas in the psalms of petition the focus is often on the worshiper and his needs, in the psalms of celebration the emphasis is on the dominion and authority of the Great King, the grantor and guarantor of the covenant. Psalms of Historical Recital Ancient treaties are prefaced by a narrative of the previous relationship between the overlord and his vassal, usually reciting the benefits the great king has conferred on the servant, such as his elevation to a place of authority, the granting of territory, or protection from invasion. Biblical covenants begin with a similar "historical prologue": I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Exod. 20:2) I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. (2 Sam. 7:89) The historical recital forms part of the act of covenant renewal, and may be greatly ext…