Abstract
Psalm 119 has continually posed challenges to its interpreters owing to the difficulty of relating its unique acrostic structure to its thematic focus. The question of wisdom, especially as expressed in the Ps 119, is one such thematic problem which confronts both the Western and the African reader. This article, taking cognisance of the importance of the structural integrity of the psalm, identifies three dimensions of wisdom in Ps 119 which can be traced to the wider biblical Wisdom corpus. Using the African Biblical Hermeneutical method, it shows that these different dimensions of wisdom are equally found in African proverbs and underline the value of using this method as a vehicle for dialogue between the African and the Western reader of the Bible. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312–3621/2021/v34n1a10
Highlights
Psalm 119 has continually posed challenges to its interpreters owing to the difficulty of relating its unique acrostic structure to its thematic focus
This article, taking cognisance of the importance of the structural integrity of the psalm, identifies three dimensions of wisdom in Ps 119 which can be traced to the wider biblical Wisdom corpus
Using the African Biblical Hermeneutical method, it shows that these different dimensions of wisdom are found in African proverbs and underline the value of using this method as a vehicle for dialogue between the African and the Western reader of the Bible
Summary
In Strophe IXa, the Psalmist acknowledged his error ()שגג, having strayed from Torah (v. 67). The Psalmist pledges to offer a verbal sacrifice ( )נדבות פיpossibly in atonement for the infraction. In Strophe XVa, the Psalmist declares his hatred ( )שנאfor double-dealing and his love for Torah In Strophe XVb the Psalmist loves Torah ()אהב and fears it In this final strophe of Canto IV, the Psalmist calls on YHWH to act 126), in the face of the adversaries who disobey his commands.[19] The structural arrangement of Canto IV may be observed as follows: Strophes XIIab. Stability of Torah revealed in Space and Time ()היום – לעולם The finiteness of all things ()כלה
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