Structure and Allusion in the Apostrophe to Zion (11QPsa)

The Apostrophe to Zion (11QPsa 22:1-15) is a Second Temple song structured as an alphabetic acrostic. A tripartite structure at alphabetic units ... with each part enclosed by inclusio has also been observed. In this paper it is proposed that the song also displays a seven part concentric structure, comprising A/A1--an opening and closing invocation to praise at units ...; an outer circle B/B1 units ... in which a vision of the glorious future of Zion is recalled; an inner circle C/C1 units ... in which past saving events are recalled and reflected upon in terms of the wisdom doctrine of retribution, and finally, a central section D at unit ... in which the hope of Zion is reaffirmed. Within this concentric structure the poet balances two biblical allusions to Isa 66:10-11 and Dan 9:24 in such a way that they enter into dialogue one with the other. In this the poet shares what appears to be a common Second Temple interpretive strategy of viewing earlier scriptural texts in the light of later ones