Recounting חידות מני־קדם in Psalm 78: What Are the “Riddles” About?

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of the form and function of Ps 78 by focusing on the reference to “riddles from former times.” It offers a detailed analysis of the structure and composition of Ps 78, and argues that the reference to the “riddles” can only be understood by combined analysis of the literary function and social function of the psalm. When approached from this perspective, the reference to the riddles of the past highlights the distinctive didactic process staged by the psalm.