Thesis (MA.)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the image of Yahweh as warrior in a selection of Biblical-Hebrew psalms
against the background of similar images in the broader Ancient Near East. In the psalms this
image is closely linked with the emotions and experience of the psalmist. In the situation of conflict
he calls on Yahweh to intervene and to destroy the enemy. It is in such circumstances that this
image of Yahweh gives the necessary comfort.
In order to investigate the image of Yahweh as warrior in the psalms, this study uses the
Comparative Method. This method is based on the assumption that cultures and societies share
certain ideas and characteristics. The specific approach within the Comparative Method is called
the typological comparative approach. This approach focuses on the comparison of phenomena in
cultures that are historically and geographically far removed from each other. This comparison is
based 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. The
selection was made on the basis of the different literary genres within the psalms. As a background
to this investigation a summary of warrior terminology and ideas in the rest of the Ancient Near
East 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 to
the image of Yahweh as warrior in the Hebrew Bible; in Chapter 2 the metaphor as literary device
is discussed; and in Chapter 3 the focus is on the institution of war in the Ancient Near East and
the role of warriors in this regard. From Chapters 4 to 11 the warrior metaphors in the selected
psalms are analysed. With each of the analysed psalms the following method is used: (1) a
translation and text-critical notes; (2) a discussion of the literary genre; (3) an analysis of the poetic
elements; and (4) an analysis of the warrior images.
The psalmist's enemies are also Yahweh's enemies. In the psalms where he is portrayed as
warrior, 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 Yahweh
and 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 psalmist
call to Yahweh to intervene in his situation. He defeats the enemy by making use of different
weapons. The psalmist's enemies are also Yahweh's enemies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die voorstelling van Jahwe as kryger in 'n seleksie Bybels-Hebreeuse
psalms teen die agtergrond van soortgelyke voorstellings in die breër Ou Nabye Oosterse konteks.
In die psalms hang hierdie voorstelling ten nouste saam met die emosies en ervarings van die
digter. Die vyand stig gedurig stryd aan en soek die digter se ondergang. In sy situasie van stryd
en aanvegting roep hy tot Jahwe om in te gryp en die vyand te verslaan. Dit is dan juis hierdie
voorstelling van Jahwe wat in dié omstandighede 'n groot gerusstelling is.
In hierdie studie word daar van die Vergelykende Metode gebruik gemaak. Hierdie metode is
gebaseer op die aanname dat kulture en gemeenskappe sekere opvattings en idees met mekaar
deel. Die spesifieke benadering wat binne die Vergelykende Metode gebruik word, word die
Tipologies-Vergelykende benadering genoem. In hierdie benadering handel dit oor die vergelyking
van verskynsels in kulture wat histories en geografies van mekaar verwyderd is. Hierdie
benadering opereer met die aanname dat sekere kulturele opvattings universeel gedeel word.
Die volgende psalms word in die ondersoek ontleed: 3, 21,46,68, 76, 83, 140, 144. Die seleksie
is gedoen op grond van die belangrikste literêre genres in die psalms. As agtergrond tot die
ondersoek, word 'n kort oorsig gebied van krygerterminologie en opvattings in die res van die Ou
Nabye Ooste. Daarna is die krygerbeeld in die geselekteerde psalms ondersoek.
Die ondersoek het soos volg verloop: in Hoofstuk 1 is daar aandag gegee aan die
navorsingsgeskiedenis met betrekking tot die voorstelling van Jahwe as kryger in die Hebreeuse
Bybel, in Hoofstuk 2 is die literêre verskynsel van die metafoor behandel en in Hoofstuk 3 is daar
gefokus op die Ou Nabye Oosterse instelling van oorlog en die plek van krygers in die verband.
Vanaf Hoofstuk 4-11 is die krygermetafore in die geselekteerde psalms geanaliseer. By elk van die
geanaliseerde psalms word die volgende metode gevolg: (1) 'n vertaling en tekskritiese
aantekeninge; (2) 'n bespreking van die literêre genre; (3) 'n analise van die styl-elemente; en (4)
'n analise van die krygermetafore.
In die psalms waar Jahwe as kryger voorgestel word, tree daar altyd drie hoofkarakters na vore,
naamlik die digter, die vyand en Jahwe. Die vyand word geteken in terme van tipiese
"vyandsbeelde", terwyl Jahwe defensief teenoor die bidder optree en offensief teenoor die
teëstanders. In hierdie studie word ook aangedui dat wanneer Jahwe ingryp, bewerk Hy redding en
herstel Hy ook die digter se eer. Jahwe word geloof vir sy reddingsdade in die verlede. Dit vorm die
basis vir die digter se hulpgeroep tot Jahwe om in te gryp in sy situasie. Hy verslaan die vyand
deur van verskillende wapens gebruik te maak. Die digter se vyande word ook as Jahwe se vyand
gesien.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/51727 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Basson, Alec |
| Contributors | Kruger, P. A., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies . |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | af_ZA |
| Detected Language | Unknown |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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