The Psalms

Abstract

Through prayer and poetry, the psalmists seek to situate themselves simultaneously in the world and in relation to God. The language of praise is grounded in recognition of divine generosity; God is both the subject and source of praise. The first-person psalms openly express vulnerability, awareness of a social world that is complex and often dangerous. Although the book bears the title Tehilim, “Praisings,” the first half is dominated by lament psalms. Genuine lament is a learned skill involving exacting theological work. The psalms offer emergency language to deal with fear and loss, anger toward enemies and the tension between faith and despair.