Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil.
The aim of this study is to investigate the idea of "life" after death in the
Old Testament - particularly two wisdom psalms (49 and 73). The
hypothesis used was that "life" after death in the Old Testament, and in
Psalms 49 and 73 in particular. Looking at it this way "life" after death is actually a continuation of the
former (mundane) relationship. "Life" after death according to
Psalms 49 and 73 is therefore not to be understood in the sense of the New
Testament's risen, transfigured body, but rather as a "continued relationship" (Chapter I).
This study warns against a retrospective introduction of New Testament
ideas or dogmas into the Old Testament. Should this happen the New
Testament is made to be normative for the interpretation of the Old
Testament.
In short: because Psalms 49 and 73 do not mention a bodily resurrection,
it does not mean that they have nothing to say about "life" after death. The
viewpoint is therefore that Psalms 49 and 73 must be allowed to speak for
themselves in a contemporary idiom. In order to do this as objectively as
possible these psalms were investigated text immanently, including a
discourse analysis of each psalm (Chapter 2). At least two cardinal aspects
transpired during this research, namely the use of the verb. Using the above as direction indicators the idea of "life" (community) after death - as well as matters related to this. (Chapter 4). It was concluded
that the New Testament credo of immortality, eternal life and a risen,
transfigured body, was the culmination of a long process of development
which went on for centuries. The poets of Psalms 49 and 73 apply two
traditions. The expression nine can be seen as the second cornerstone of Psalms 49
and 73. Research (Chapter 5) shows how nine in these psalms does not
indicate "animals" in general, but should rather be translated here as a
noun, namely "hippopotamus".
In the first-mentioned
deity (god) chaos, evil and divine-hostile powers are embodied. The second
deity (goddess) was the symbol of self-exaltation, pride and fertility (i.e.
the ability to eternalise or sustain oneself regardless of death).