Biblical Perspectives, Vol. 26 No. 1-2, 2018.
Original scientific paper
Inspiration and Imprecatory Psalms
Angel M. Rodriguez
; Institut za istraživanje Biblije, u Silver Springu, u Marylandu, SAD
Abstract
The phrasing of the Divine revelation in terms of imprecations raises the question of why this form of expression was employed. Some have suggested that the psalmist was influenced by similar imprecations found in Babylonian hymns and prayers. But the subject of the influence of Babylonian literature on the Psalter is a
very debated one, and scholars are now very careful when arguing for possible parallels or influences.
The best background for the OT imprecatory passages is probably the covenant curses used by God Himself when instituting His covenant with Israel. This provides the legal background found in the imprecations. Some scholars have suggested that there was in Israel a practice of pronouncing curses before the Lord when one was involved in a legal case in order to demonstrate one’s innocence. If this is true, we could argue that in the imprecatory passages we find an example of divine condescension. God is using a common legal practice in Israel to reveal to His people His attitude toward evil and the persistent sinner, His power to save, and the ultimate triumph of His loving justice.
Keywords
inspiration; imprecatory psalms; curses; hate; lex talionis; vengeance
Hrčak ID:
324569
URI
Publication date:
14.11.2018.
Visits: 0 *