PSALM 63: A STUDY OF ITS IMAGERY AND THEOLOGY
IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PSALTER

Abstract

This thesis presents an analysis of Psalm 63, its imagery and theology in the context of the Psalter. Psalm 63 is one of the most captivating poems in the Hebrew Bible. The longing for the presence of God is a dominant theme of this psalm, which the psalmist visualises by the extensive usage of figurative language. The study undertakes an analysis of the difficult and complex metaphors and images contained in the poetical language of Psalm 63.
Part One addresses issues about the nature of poetry, its definition, elements, and the role which imagery played in the ancient Near East, biblical and modern poetry. It includes an analysis of the nature of metaphor.
Part Two constitutes the central part of this study, as it focuses on the examination of the figurative language and theology in Psalm 63. The author analyses the imagery of the initial verse and shows the theological meaning of this verse in the context of the whole psalm. This is followed by an analysis of other metaphors and images found throughout the psalm, and is presented with associated theological interpretations.
In Part Three, other biblical texts containing metaphorical language similar to that found in Psalm 63 are analysed. The role and significance of the imagery and theology of Psalm 63 in the context of the Psalter and other books of the Hebrew Bible, are addressed in Part Three.
The main aim of the study is an attempt to address and provide a new and original contribution to the theology of Psalm 63 and to the development and understanding of imagery in Hebrew poetry.