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Praying the Psalms of Anger: A Theological and Exegetical Study of Psalm 137 |
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| รหัสดีโอไอ | |
| Creator | Victor Costan Montano |
| Title | Praying the Psalms of Anger: A Theological and Exegetical Study of Psalm 137 |
| Contributor | Franklin Hutabarat |
| Publisher | Phetchaburi Rajabhat University |
| Publication Year | 2569 |
| Journal Title | Interdisciplinary Research Review (IRR) |
| Journal Vol. | 21 |
| Journal No. | 4 |
| Page no. | 57-64 |
| Keyword | Imprecatory Psalms, Psalm 137, Divine Justice, Covenant Theology, Christian Prayer |
| URL Website | https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jtir |
| Website title | Interdisciplinary Research Review (IRR) |
| ISSN | 2697-536X |
| Abstract | Imprecatory psalms remain among the most challenging texts in Scripture because of their appeals for divine judgment against enemies. Psalm 137 is particularly controversial due to its vivid portrayal of exilic suffering and its severe language concerning Babylon. While previous studies such as Simango (2018) and Kopecek (2024) have explored advanced historical and literary dimensions of Psalm 137, they leave insufficient attention to the theological function of imprecatory prayer as a model for understanding divine justice and faithful lament within contemporary Christian interpretation. This study addresses that gap through an exegetical analysis of Psalm 137, by examining again its historical and literary context alongside major scholarly interpretations and its relevance for contemporary Christian faith and practice. Using a historical-theological and exegetical approach, the study finds that imprecatory prayer functions primarily as a covenantal appeal to God's justice rather than a call for personal revenge. The analysis of Psalm 137 reveals three interconnected themes: the anguish of exile, commitment to Zion, and trust in divine justice. The psalm expresses the suffering of the exilic community while entrusting judgment to God in accordance with His covenant faithfulness. Among competing scholarly interpretations, the covenantal approach provides the most coherent explanation of the psalm's theological purpose. The study concludes that Psalm 137 remains relevant for contemporary Christian prayer because it provides a biblical framework for expressing grief, confronting injustice, and seeking God's intervention without resorting to retaliation. By transforming human anger into prayer and placing justice in God's hands, the psalm offers an enduring theological resource for worship, pastoral ministry, and spiritual formation. |
