Abstract

BOSMAN, Hendrik. Psalm 114 as reinterpretation of the exodus during and after the exile. Old testam. essays [online]. 2013, vol.26, n.3, pp.559-582. ISSN 2312-3621.

Psalm 114:1 provides a unique description of the exodus as an escape from "a people of strange language / a people of foreign tongue / -- --•" and not from slavery. Attention is given to the skilfully composed hymn-like psalm consisting of four strophes of paired synonymous parallel verses as part of the "Egyptian Hallel." An argument is developed that the reinterpretation of the exodus as a rescue from the cultural oppression experienced by exiles and marginalised or subjugated peoples is the result of a creative combination of theological traditions related to Yhwh as creator and king. In conclusion suggestions are made about the reason for considering the Judean exile in Babylonia and the subservience of Yehud during the Persian Empire as contexts within which this reinterpretation of the exodus made sense.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )