20 GreGOrY T.K. WOnG having been anticipated from the beginning to create a double literary closure 13. second, in standard chiasm the turning point is significant mainly as an indicator of climax, after which the dénouement takes place. For a ring, however, Douglas lays out the additional requirement that the middle turning point also show verbal and thematic connections with the beginning and end. In this way, not only is the precise point of inflection well-marked, but the coordination of the middle with the beginning and end also results in a well-integrated composition that demonstrates overall thematic interconnections 14. From these two features, one can argue that a ring is a special form of chiasm distinct from an inclusio or a standard chiastic structure. In the following discussion, therefore, as I try to show that Psalm 73 indeed constitutes a ring, I will do so on the basis of Douglas’ charac- terisations, so that the structure of Psalm 73 will be shown to be more than just chiastic, but an almost perfectly circular ring through intri- cate connections of its beginning, middle, and end. II. Psalm 73 as a ring To show that Psalm 73 indeed constitutes a ring, I will start by examining how the beginning and the end of the psalm are joined together. I will then focus on the connections between the middle turning point and the beginning and end, and on the coordination of parallel panels on either side of the turning point. I will conclude by examining additional features unique to Psalm 73 that further enhance its circularity to create an almost perfect ring. 1. Beginning and End That the beginning and the end of Psalm 73 are closely linked has long been noted. Because the psalm begins with a proclamation of God’s goodness that seems to represent its central message, many have regarded v. 1 as a conclusion previewed in advance 15. In fact, 13 DOuGLAs, Thinking in Circles, 37-38. 14 DOuGLAs, Thinking in Circles, 34, 37. 15 A.B. rhODes, Psalms (LBC; London 1961) 108; J.W. rOGersOn – J.W. MCKAY, Psalms 51–100 (CBC; Cambridge 1977) 120; s.h. BLAnK, “The near- ness of God in Psalm seventy-Three”, Prophetic Thoughts. essays and Addresses (Cincinnati, Oh 1977) 70; J.F. rOss “Psalm 73”, Israelite Wisdom. Theological and Literary essays in honor of samuel Terrien (eds. J.G. GAMMIe et al.) (Mis- soula, MT 1978) 161-175, here 164; J. GOLDInGAY, Psalms. vol. 2. Psalms 42–89