Abstract
This paper traces and analyses the various possibilities to interpret the images of the rivers and majestic waters in Ps 93:3-4. The metaphorical description of the waters allows the readers to see a fascinating spectacle of nature but also a threatening natural force. Over centuries, interpreters have creatively explored these possibilities for their readings. To retrace the wide range of possible interpretations of Ps 93:3-4 two contexts are revealing, namely the occurrences of water images in the psalter and the history of interpretation of Ps 93:3-4. The insights these contexts offer are then used to determine the points of reference for such readings in the text, and to reconstruct the different perspectives of the readers and their interpretations. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2019/v32n2a7
Highlights
This paper traces and analyses the various possibilities to interpret the images of the rivers and majestic waters in Ps 93:3-4
The metaphorical description of the waters allows the readers to see a fascinating spectacle of nature and a threatening natural force
The psalm leaves no doubt that YHWH is king and surpasses these waters, the question in which way the waters act towards God has been the subject of controversial debate
Summary
The waters mentioned in Ps 93:3-4 are described as mighty and majestic entities. the psalm leaves no doubt that YHWH is king and surpasses these waters, the question in which way the waters act towards God has been the subject of controversial debate. The ambivalent presentation of the waters in Ps 93 artfully balances the attitude and actions associated with these waters, they might be dangerously rising up against YHWH, or they might raise their loud voice in praise. Their powerful movements could point to a threat, or serve to highlight YHWH’s supremacy. To gain insight into the ambivalence of these images in Ps 93, I will provide the text and translation of the psalm. I will focus on the text of Ps 93:3-4, analyse the images and retrace the possible interpretations
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