Imprecation in Psalm 137:7-9 : an exegetical-theological study

Abstract

Readers are often disturbed by the repulsiveness of Ps 137. The need to resolve the issue and ascertain the meaning of the imprecatory prayer in Ps 137 provides a rationale for its investigation. Chapter 1 presents the introductory matters of the paper. The focus of chapter 2 is to study the backqround of imprecatory concepts in the OT. The aim is to understand the role of imprecatory passages and in what context they function. The results of the analysis reveal consistent traits shared in common by lmprecatory prayers. Chapter 3 is the heart of the paper. It presents the exegetical-theological study of Ps 137:7-9. It shows that those features found to be common in the study of the background are also present in Ps 137. A study of the passage demonstrates that the prayer is in no way an account of brutality or vindictiveness. The psalmist's rejoicing over the doom of his enemies is impelled not by a desire for revenge but by a longing for God's righteous judgment and interventlon. The presence of several terminological allusions, linguistic, and covenantal motifs in Ps 137 provides the context for explaining it. These components emerge from God's righteous actions against the wicked. Thus, the divine perspective of judgment, justice, and righteousness is the focus of Ps 137. Vengeance against enemies is an integral part of God's promise to Israel along with the promised blessings. The prayers of the psalmist issued from a rightful claim on the holy and just Being who promises to avenge His people. The psalmist cannot be denounced for claiming this promise. Imprecation then is a called to God to take action and intervene. In God's action, His righteous judgment, justice, and faithfulness are upheld, His honor magnified, and wickedness checked. Chapter four provides the summary and conclusion of the work.