Abstract

GROENEWALD, Alphonso. Psalm 51 and the criticism of the cult: Does this reflect a divided religious leadership?. Old testam. essays [online]. 2009, vol.22, n.1, pp.47-62. ISSN 2312-3621.

The aim of this publication will be twofold: Firstly, to view Psalm 51, especially those verses which can be designated as cult-critical. Secondly, to indicate that the prophetic critique is part of a larger prophetic rhetoric to convict of sin, to explain God's plan, and to indicate the hope of salvation. The cult criticism of Psalm 51:18-19, however, is not a repudiation of the cult and cultic practices: the fact that a later redactor added the last two verses (Ps 51:20-21) after verses 18-19, proves this point. Therefore, it would be incorrect to see the prophetic critique of the priesthood as a sign that the priests and the prophets were incompatible, or that the prophets wanted to discredit and discard the temple cult.

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