Abstract
ABSTRACT Although Ps 23 can be called a psalm of trust, its purpose is to impart comfort in concrete life. In times of sorrow and crisis, this psalm has struck home. The article starts by reading Ps 23 as composition, then turns to the reception history, and finally shows the resonance of this psalm in two contemporary poems. A network of metaphors is built around the shepherd motif. The motif of the shepherd is a central metaphor in this psalm. This motif is also found elsewhere in the OT. The shepherd takes care of his flock. This shepherd is identified as Yahweh. In the structure of Ps 23, v. 4b is the axis, as it is demonstrated by its occurrence precisely in the middle of the psalm. "You are with me." This confession is the heartbeat of the psalm. The second part of v. 4b indicates that the presence of Yahweh is a protective presence. Yahweh is not only the shepherd, but also the host who prepares a table before his guest. Yahweh also anoints the poet's head with oil before the commencement of the meal. The poet's cup overflows. Goodness and love will follow him. All the days of his life, he will experience the presence and protection of Yahweh. In the following part, the reception history of Psalm 23 is elucidated. The echoes of Ps 23 can be heard in two of my poems that were written in Afrikaans and superbly translated into English by the renowned translator, poet and novelist, Leon de Kock. Keywords: Psalm 23, Orientation, Interpretation, Structure, Reception history, Resonance in poetry
Highlights
Ps 23 can be called a psalm of trust, its purpose is to impart comfort in concrete life
The article starts by reading Ps 23 as composition, turns to the reception history, and shows the resonance of this psalm in two contemporary poems
In the structure of Ps 23, v. 4b is the axis, as it is demonstrated by its occurrence precisely in the middle of the psalm
Summary
Ps 23 can be called a psalm of trust,[1] its purpose is to impart comfort in concrete situations of life. 4a).[2] This explains why the psalm has elicited such varying shades of emotion and reflection over the centuries. These range from comfort, nostalgia or alienation, to vexation or possibly even ridicule. Millions of viewers all over the world sat glued to the television They observed the procession of world leaders, the funeral rites, the speeches – and they realised that there would be no new beginning. We begin by looking at Ps 23 as a composition; we turn to the reception history and study the resonance of Ps 23 in two contemporary poems
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
