Psalm 9.22-26 in a Newly Published 4th-Century Papyrus

(photo credit)

The latest issue of Vetus Testamentum has an article by Klaas A. Worp on a new 4th century copy of Psalm 9.22–26 [LXX]; 10.1–5 [ET]. The abstract:

First edition of a Psalm fragment on a Greek papyrus coming from a settlement in the Western desert of Egypt. Discussion of its religious background (Jewish, Manichaean,or Christian?) and of its possible use, as an amulet? Attention is paid to a textual variant.

With regard to provenance, we learn that it was part of the excavations at Dakhleh Oasis at Ismant-al Kharab (= ancient Kellis) in the Western desert of Egypt. In fact, it was found in one particular room:

Room 8 in Area D/8 has produced a significant number of (ca. 30) still unpublished fragmentarily preserved documentary papyri (like e.g., administrative texts, accounts, contracts, name lists, and letters, both private and official). This material provides at least some further idea of the dating of the archaeological context of the present Psalm fragment.

In the same issue, Michael R. Simone has an article on “A ‘Chariot of Fire’ in Amos 7:4: A Text Critical Solution for qōrē’ lārīb bā’ēš.”