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Document Details : Title: Accusing YHWH of Fickleness Subtitle: A Study of Psalm 89,47-52 Author(s): VAN WOLDE, Ellen Journal: Biblica Volume: 100 Issue: 4 Date: 2019 Pages: 506-526 DOI: 10.2143/BIB.100.4.3287294 Abstract : In Ps 89,47-52 the psalmist raises his voice in angry protest against YHWH. He accuses him of abandoning his anointed one. Even worse, YHWH’s action of ברא with regard to all human beings seems to be 'futile' or 'based on random grounds' (שוא). This combination of terms is quite unique. By introducing the notion of 'arbitrariness', the psalmist comments on YHWH’s seemingly random selection of a shorter life or a longer life for someone, and thus raises doubts in the mind of his audience. Is the steadfast love that YHWH showed in the past for David and his servants also transient and based on vanity? Upon this explicit and implicit accusation of fickleness YHWH has to react. |
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