subject: The Ethics of the Psalms [print this page] The Ethics of the Psalms The Ethics of the Psalms
The ancient poetry of the biblical psalms tells us abundant regarding several things from ritual to cultist apply to cries of lament and praise, however its approach to ethics is often left out to the next concentrate on even a single, smaller book like Deuteronomy.[1]
When we start a study of ethics within the psalms we cannot very help starting at the terribly initial psalm that contrasts very cogently the austere consequences for righteousness and wickedness. However that's just the start.
Psalm 119, that I've known as a Theological Monster, is in several ways that a teaching psalm connected on to the genre of biblical ethics--yet, truth be told, I've referred to as it a theological monster for a reason; its width, depth and breadth fits therefore several genres.
There are a few helpful categories in investigating the subject of ethics within the psalms.
Psalms as Prayers
Most psalms that are framed as prayers speak to the fairness or unfairness of life circumstances and the role God has in them--these are moral concerns at their heart! These personalised morsels of intense thought speak on to the ethical and moral heart of human nature and attribution.
The Link to the Decalogue
However a smattering... Psalm 81 paraphrases each the introduction to the Ten Commandments and two vital commandments (Ps. eighty one:nine-10). Additionally, the main target on banning of idolatry, as an example, is marked when we bring Psalm twenty four:3-4 into view:
"Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
Who could stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and a pure heart,
Who do not put their trust in an idol,
Or swear by a false god." (TNIV)
The other commandments are alluded to throughout the psalms. Adultery is covered off in Psalm 51. Honouring father and mother are portrayed by honouring the heavenly Father. Murder is usually imaged in the psalms with the enemy never too so much aware. References to lying, theft and others too don't seem to be too troublesome to find.
Virtuous Living - Right Worship i.e. The Lifestyle
Psalm 1, as mentioned previously, sparks a tirade for righteous living over and against the damned wicked; the choice is given, and also the chooser (that's you and I) will read and be warned in several psalms that set concerning to edify us to the issues of life and death around our selections and actions. See additionally, for instance, Psalms seventy three and 112, and poignantly Psalm 37--a personal favourite.
The Judgment of God
God's role as righteous and holy decide is rarely too far away in the psalms. He judges ethically, impartially, and without recourse to further correspondence!
Higher than all that is found in the psalms from the ethical standpoint may be a pointing toward the character of God. As each psalmist identifies with God they see justice problems coming down. Praise psalms see God acting in defence of the ethical. Lament psalms bemoan the lack of timely action because of often grave moral concerns.
