Abstract
ABSTRACT In the Psalms, the sufferer frequently complains about the suffering he had to endure and asks for deliverance. In some instances, the plea for deliverance includes a cry for vengeance. This contribution examines the issue of suffering and vengeance in the Psalter, giving attention to suffering in the hand of enemies, the terms used, individual and collective suffering, and vengeance. Animosity is a central theme in the Psalter, and through laments, the poet asks for justice. For suffering, the terms used are the noun י and the related verb III ענה. For vengeance, the verbs קם , גמל and שׁלם, as well as related nouns, are used. Psalms 13, 31, 37, 91 and 94 are analysed in relation to individual suffering and vengeance and Pss 58, 79, 137 and 149 in relation to collective suffering and vengeance. Vengeance does feature in the Psalms, but very seldom is vengeance asked for as such. Keywords: Suffering, Vengeance, Deliverance, Psalms, Enemies, Wicked, Righteous, Retribution, Laments, Justice
Highlights
In the Psalms, the sufferer frequently complains about the suffering he had to endure and asks for deliverance
This contribution examines the issue of suffering and vengeance in the Psalter, giving attention to suffering in the hand of enemies, the terms used, individual and collective suffering, and vengeance
Animosity is a central theme in the Psalter, and through laments, the poet asks for justice
Summary
Suffering takes many shapes and has many causes in the Psalter. One can hear the agony of the sufferer that is crying out (Ps 22:2), “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”1 These words are uttered by an individual to whom life has almost become too much –words that would reverberate on the cross centuries later. One can sense the pain of the person who is complaining on behalf of his people (Ps 44:23), “Yet for your sake we face death all day long, we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”. These words are quoted by St. Paul in Romans where he lists the threats faced by believers (Rom 8:36). In Ps 74:19, the poet asks for deliverance from the enemies on behalf of his people, “Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.”. This article will look at the issue of suffering and vengeance in the Psalter, giving attention to suffering at the hand of enemies, to the terms used and to individual and collective suffering and vengeance
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