Die voorstelling van Jahwe as kryger in 'n seleksie Bybels-Hebreeuse psalms

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study investigates the image of Yahweh as warrior in a selection of Biblical-Hebrew psalmsagainst the background of similar images in the broader Ancient Near East. In the psalms thisimage is closely linked with the emotions and experience of the psalmist. In the situation of conflicthe calls on Yahweh to intervene and to destroy the enemy. It is in such circumstances that thisimage of Yahweh gives the necessary comfort.In order to investigate the image of Yahweh as warrior in the psalms, this study uses theComparative Method. This method is based on the assumption that cultures and societies sharecertain ideas and characteristics. The specific approach within the Comparative Method is calledthe typological comparative approach. This approach focuses on the comparison of phenomena incultures that are historically and geographically far removed from each other. This comparison isbased on the assumption that certain cultural characteristics are universally shared.In this investigation the following psalms are analysed: 3, 21, 46, 68, 76, 83, 140, 144. Theselection was made on the basis of the different literary genres within the psalms. As a backgroundto this investigation a summary of warrior terminology and ideas in the rest of the Ancient NearEast is presented. Afterwards the warrior image in the selected psalms is investigated.The investigation proceeded as follows: Chapter 1 is devoted to the research history with regard tothe image of Yahweh as warrior in the Hebrew Bible; in Chapter 2 the metaphor as literary deviceis discussed; and in Chapter 3 the focus is on the institution of war in the Ancient Near East andthe role of warriors in this regard. From Chapters 4 to 11 the warrior metaphors in the selectedpsalms are analysed. With each of the analysed psalms the following method is used: (1) atranslation and text-critical notes; (2) a discussion of the literary genre; (3) an analysis of the poeticelements; and (4) an analysis of the warrior images.The psalmist's enemies are also Yahweh's enemies. In the psalms where he is portrayed aswarrior, three characters always come to the fore, namely Yahweh, the psalmist and the enemy.While the enemy is portrayed in terms of typical hostile images, the relationship between Yahwehand the psalmist is defensive, and offensive between Yahweh and the enemy. In this study it is ,also shown that when Yahweh intervenes, he saves and restores the honour of the psalmist.Yahweh is also praised for his acts of salvation in the past. This forms the basis for the psalmistcall to Yahweh to intervene in his situation. He defeats the enemy by making use of differentweapons. The psalmist's enemies are also Yahweh's enemies.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University