Intertextual Readings of the Psalms in the Dead Sea Scrolls: 4Q160 (Samuel Apocryphon) and Psalm 40

The present study examines the literary character of 4Q160 (Samuel Apocryphon) 3-5 ii 1-4 and its exegetical relationship to Ps 40:2-4 and related biblical passages. Psalm 40 is divided into a past-time narrative that recounts God's munificent aid (vv. 1-11) and a present-time petition to assist in the psalmist's current crisis (vv. 12, 14). The author of 4Q160 composes his own prayer for assistance by drawing upon the model presented by Psalm 40. While the psalmist performs this task in two separate literary units, the author of 4Q160 collapses them into one while still retaining the language and structure of Ps 40:2-4.