Between Sheol and Temple

Motif Structure and Function in the I-Psalms

Martin Ravndal Hauge

• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Year: 1995
• ISBN:
  9780567570345
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Studies

As against traditional cultic and sociological interpretations of the 'I' Psalms, this original study stresses the 'I' as a literary figure. Yet on the other hand, the historical interest of the traditional models is retained, here with emphasis on 'original' function and intent. There is a common set of central motifs related to the 'I'-figure, most easily discernible when referring to categories of locality. The 'I' is depicted in a sacred landscape of contrasting localities-'Sheol' and 'Temple' connected by the concept of 'Way'. This motif structure deploys an ideological language in which the 'I' figure is an embodiment of a religious paradigm, that attests a process of actualization and integration. The religiosity of these texts is of a mystical character, pointing to some religious practice of intense personal character aimed at experience of a divine reality. No doubt the social location of such experience was among the elite, but some texts hint at a possible 'democratization' of the religious practice they portray.

Table of contents

• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Abbreviations
• Chapter 1 PSALM 140: INTRODUCTION
• Chapter 2 PSALMS 84 AND 36: THE PARADIGM
• Chapter 3 PSALMS 42–43: THE SACRED JOURNEY
• Chapter 4 PSALMS 27 AND 26: THE I AS ACTUALIZATION OF THE PARADIGM
• Chapter 5 PSALM 5: THE STRUGGLE TO DWELL IN THE TEMPLE
• Chapter 6 PSALM 62: THE CONFESSOR AS TEMPLE DWELLER
• Summary
• Bibliography
• Index of References
• Index of Authors