Violent verses of peace? : an exegetical and theological analysis of the imagery of the imprecatory verses in Psalms 59, 69, and 109 / Niku M. Ekom.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ekom, Niku M., 1972- author.

Series:

Österreichische biblische Studien ; 63.

Österreichische biblische Studien, 0948-1664 ; Band 63

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Psalms--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bible.

Blessing and cursing in the Bible.

Violence in the Bible.

Physical Description:

xiii, 271 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Berlin ; New York : Peter Lang, [2025]

Summary:

"The title of this work may seem provocative, as the Psalms containing imprecations have traditionally been labeled 'violent.' To propose a shift from 'violent' to 'peaceful' as their defining characteristic is a significant challenge, one that this study seeks to address. Existing scholarship on the Psalms has predominantly examined the portrayal of the psalmist and his enemies, while the depiction of God in these texts has received little attention. Notably, no comprehensive study has yet explored the divine imagery within the imprecatory verses of the Psalter. Thus, the novelty of this study is that it systematically analyzes the images of God in these Psalms, offering a fresh perspective on the long-standing debate surrounding 'sacred violence' in the Psalms." -- Publisher, page four of cover.

"The book systematically analyzes God's images in the imprecatory Psalms, offering a new approach to the debate on "sacred violence". It argues that these verses do not incite destruction or violence but seek to promote justice and peace"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Imprecations in the Old Testament : an overview ; Curses : what are they? ' ; Types of curses in the Ancient Near east and in the Old Testament ; Harm in a curse ; Functions of imprecations

General outline of imprecatory verses in the Psalms ; Imprecatory verses with images of war ; Imprecatory verses with images of hunting or wildlife ; Imprecatory verses with images of courtroom or judicial procedure

Imprecations with the imagery of war : Ps 59 "Destroy them in your anger, destroy them till they are no more" (Ps 59:14)

Imprecations with the imagery of hunting or wildlife : Ps 69 "May their table before them be a trap, and let their security be a snare" (Ps 69:23)

Imprecations with courtroom imagery : Ps 109 "May my adversaries be clothed with insult and wrap themselves as the robe of shame." (Ps 109:29)

Synthesis : theological analysis, and conclusion ; Divine warrior in the ANE and in the OT ; The Psalmist, God, and the enemy in Ps 59 ; Divine warrior motif in vv. 6, 12-14 and its function in Ps 59 ; The "Lord of animals" in the ANE and in the OT ; Gods as judges in the ANE and in the OT ; God as a warrior, hunter and jugde as precursors for peace ; Psalmic curses and the Covenant..

Notes:

Thesis (doctoral) -- Pontificia Università San Tommaso d'Aquino - Angelicum

Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-263) and indexes.

ISBN:

9783631936191

3631936192

OCLC:

1522761487

Publisher Number:

CIPO000343990