Awe and respect in the Psalms

 

 

K. Waaijman

Prof. Titus Brandsma Institute for Spirituality, Nijmegen, and Research Fellow, Department of New Testament, Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

 

 

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ABSTRACT

This essay discusses the motif of awe in the Psalms in terms of Buber's outline of mystical awe. In a first section, awe as the beginning of wisdom is analysed, followed by a discussion of the experience of Be-er's¹ (Yahweh's) goodness. In a third section, attention is given to awe as the quiet waiting on Be-er, followed, in a final part, by an analysis of love as the result of awe.

Keywords: Spirituality, Psalms, Awe, Respect

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Trefwoorde: Spiritualiteit, Psalms, Eerbied, Respek

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1 For an explanation of this translation of Yahweh and its background, cf. Waaijman (1984 and 2002:431 -5). The term, which has its setting in lay spirituality, was a petition for (God's) protective presence. It expresses the pious feeling that Yahweh, or, "Be-er", is with human beings as companion whilst they make life's journey (cf. Waaijman 2002:431).