268 FORMS OF HEBREW POETRY
alphabetic structure of Psalms ix. and x. In
this case it is agreed that we have to do with
parts of an alphabetic poem (or of two); but
opinion remains divided as to the extent of these
parts. In the interests alike of the criticism of
the Psalter, the history of the Hebrew text, and
the interpretation of the particular psalm (or
psalms), it is important to narrow down the
legitimate differences of opinion to the utmost.
In the present Hebrew text, and consequently
in modern versions, Psalms ix. and x. form two
distinct poems. On the other hand, in the
Septuagint, probably also in the later Greek
versions of Aquila, Syrnmachus, and Theodotion,
certainly also in Jerome's version, which was
made direct from the Hebrew, Psalms ix. and x.
formed a single undivided whole). Is the unity
of the poem as presented in the versions accidental
or fictitious? or does the division into two
psalms in the Hebrew text correspond to original
diversity of origin? These questions, which are
of first importance for the interpretation of the
poem (or poems), are intimately connected with
the question of the alphabetic structure.
The unity of the two psalms has been main-
tained chiefly by those who also hold that the
incompleteness of the alphabetic scheme, which
marks the text in its present condition, is mainly
due to textual corruption. This theory has been
1 See Baethgen, Psalmen,^3 p. 22.