288 FORMS OF HEBREW POETRY
worth maintaining if my argument that even
in the present text the alphabetic structure can
be clearly traced back to x. 7 is sound; and
they fall completely to the ground if my further
argument that the original initial survives in
its original position in x. 3 is also admitted.
Baethgen's theory may be considered at
greater length, for it is based on weighty exegetical
considerations. I will cite his remarks somewhat
fully. After indicating the reasons for consider-
ing that Psalms ix. and x. were originally con-
nected, he continues: "The reason for the
division adopted by the Massoretes lies in the
difference of subject; but the conclusion of
Psalm x. refers to the same circumstances that
form the subject of Psalm ix.; moreover the
alphabetic scheme does not reach its close till
the end of Psalm x. Psalm ix. is a song of
thanksgiving and triumph over the defeat of
heathen foes.... With x. 1 ff. there begin
bitter complaints about the absence (Ausbleiben)
of divine help. But the oppressors are not the
same as in Psalm ix.; they are not heathen,
but godless Israelites.... Corresponding to this
remarkable change from triumph to bitter com-
plaint and to the entirely different historic
background which is presupposed is a break
in the alphabetic arrangement." Baethgen then
points out, as I have already done, how the
alphabetic scheme survives down to the strophe