Abstract
The problem this research addresses is: How are people to deal with the dilemma of facing suffering in life with a body that offers restrictions both within itself and without? Can meaning be brought to the seemingly hopeless situation people find themselves in, that is, in the frailty of their lives/bodies? These and other questions arise when worshippers of God see themselves within the limited boundaries that their bodies hold for them physically, emotionally, socially and religiously. To ask these questions is to come to terms with the issue of pain and suffering of the human race in the face of a loving and caring God. Psalm 39, with its confessions of a suffering person, properly illustrates the point.
Psalm 39 is analyzed by means of a socio-rhetorical approach with the emphasis on the inner, the social and cultural and the sacred textures of the text.
The worshipper is characterized as a ‘holy person’ with a special relationship with Yahweh. He is also seen to have serious questions before God about life in general in the light of the severe distress/pain he experiences. He calls out for change within himself and his society. His experiences, attitude and behaviour may generically be applied to our lives today.
God’s characterization has revealed that He initiates change as He deals with the root cause of the worshipper’s distress, his sin. The symbolization of God is significant in that, to a large extent, God is symbolized in this psalm in such a way as to fit the immediate needs of the worshipper.
The struggle/tension that exists between the worshipper and God is a reality for us today and is a bodily issue. Often we are faced with similar difficult situations. God seems to be standing aloof while we experience severe distress that appear to originate from Him or that He allows.
The answer offered by Psalm 39 is that balance in life can be found in understanding the frailty of life/the body, and experiencing the hope of salvation from Yahweh as a reality of life.
Prof. J.H. Coetzee