474 Gert T.M. Prinsloo THE SPATIAL STORY LINE OF PSALMS 120–134 “µymv” µymv acn dry ˆwyx ˚cm µyrh y tyb ˆwyxArh tyb ˆwyx µwqm ˆwmrj y tyb rdq µlvwry µlvwry ry[ twgkvm yrrh ˆwyx r[v hfwgm ˆwyx bvwm ˆwyx ˆwyx µlvwry “lwav” “lwav” 3. The ideology of space in Psalms 120–134 The discussion above traced the spatial story line of Psalms 120–134. It has largely been a “mapping” of physical (“firstspace”) and imagined (“secondspace”) space in these poems. Aspects of “thirdspace” still need attention. What ideology is discernable in the description of space in the twl[mh yryv? Who is speaking to whom? When are they speaking? There are no clearcut answers, but there are a number of important hints when the poems are regarded as a unity in the context of Book V of the Psalter. The self-presentation of the poet (s) is the first hint. Almost every poem in the collection speaks of hardship, enmity, and suffering. The poet is “in distress” (120,1), at the mercy of “lying lips” and a “deceitful tongue” (120,2), amongst “those who hate peace” (120,6). He is in peril (121), endures the “contempt” (123,3) of the “proud” and “arrogant” (123,4). He fully identifies with the calamities experienced by Israel (124) and prays for her protection (125). He remembers her salvation with joy (126) and expects blessing from Zion (128). He experiences suffering together with his people (129) and prays for her forgiveness (130). He finds peace in the arms of YHWH (131), knowing that blessing can come only from one source, the political and religious authority bestowed upon Jerusalem and the Davidic (Messianic) dynasty (132). He expects blessing only when “brothers live together in unity” (133) and finds fulfilment in the temple (134). He identifies with those who are “peace-loving” (120,7), rejoices in a pilgrimage to the “house of YHWH” (122,1) and regards himself as a