Abstract
This essay discusses the motif of awe in the Psalms in terms of Buber’s outline of mystical awe. In a first section, awe as the beginning of wisdom is analysed, followed by a discussion of the experience of Be-er’s 1 (Yahweh’s) goodness. In a third section, attention is given to awe as the quiet waiting on Be-er, followed, in a final part, by an analysis of love as the result of awe.
Highlights
This essay discusses the motif of awe in the Psalms in terms of Buber’s outline of mysti cal awe
“Fear of God” is a fundamental Biblical ex pression which evokes the area of spirituality as a process that begins with the shocking experience that God is and remains an awesome mystery
Piety has to do with a sphere of fear, awe, trembling, respect and meekness, which Buber cha racterises as follows: Firstly, piety originates at that moment that existence be tween birth and death has become incomprehensible and bleak
Summary
“Fear of God” (fear, awe, respect before God) is a fundamental Biblical ex pression which evokes the area of spirituality as a process that begins with the shocking experience that God is and remains an awesome mystery. This fear of God takes shape in a reverent life and is perfected in a reverent love. The awe that is called the beginning of wisdom in the last verse of the psalm, comprises both trembling and fascination It means both to retreat and to remain captivated, to shrink back from and to surrender to Him, to be startled by and to longingly reach out to Him.. We participate through awe, through our fascination, through being speechless and through acknowledging Him — in short, through awe and respect, through being awoken to mystery and through being drawn into a never ending celebration
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