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Biblical Studies

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

1998

Psalms

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The Function Of The Questions "How Long?" And "Why?" Addressed To God In The Lament Psalms, Robert Shreckhise Apr 1998

The Function Of The Questions "How Long?" And "Why?" Addressed To God In The Lament Psalms, Robert Shreckhise

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The issue under consideration in this paper is the meaning and purpose of the questions How long? and Why? addressed directly to God in the lament psalms. The psalms which contain these questions are a subset of the larger body of psalms classified as laments or prayers for help. These particular question-psalms are comprised of nine individual laments, five community laments, one each of a kingly lament and an individual lament in behalf of the community. Of over one hundred and fifty questions in the entire Psalter, these psalms contain the majority of the questions addressed directly to God. The …