The Emotions of Captivity in Psalm 137 Essay -- expressing anger, lame

The book of psalm contains some of the most beloved pieces of watchword across centuries and cultures of this world. Psalms have been frequently cited is sermons, devotionals, movies, poetry, and songs. Most often, Psalms are attributed to King David of the 10th century BCE. But regardless of the authorship of the different psalms, apiece seem to carry a special place in describing human relationships to God, to country, to friends, to enemies and more. As time has progressed, certain psalms have become favorites because of their encouraging and intoxicate messages, such as the timeless Psalm 23.However, other psalms are neglected in Christian circles because of the awkwardy they present in rendition. Often, these psalms are overlooked because of their themes of apparent anger, resentment, or wrath. These psalms are not as frequently preached on or discussed, despite the fact that many believers would readily plagiarize 2 Tim 316, All Scripture is God-breathed and is use ful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, (NIV). What then must the believer say about these difficult psalms?Psalm 137 is one of a selection of psalms that is frequently difficult to discuss because of its content. The pericope begins with what may appear as a lament like any other in the book, but ends with horrifying imagery of a coveted revenge. How does a believer give the proper respect due to the holy Scriptures among such vitriolic language? This paper will assert that proper interpretation of the following pericope involves careful attention to the historical and cultural background, structure, genre, and language of the written text.By... ...mans, 2000.Mc footn, J. Clinton. The Book of Psalms, The New Interpreters Bible. Nashville, TN Abingdon Press, 1996.Ogden, Graham S. Prophetic Oracles Against Foreign Nations and Psalms of Communal Lament The Relationship of Psalm 137 to Jeremiah 497-22 and Obadiah. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 24 (1982) 87-97.Rodd, Cyril S. Psalms 73-150, Epworth Preachers Commentary. London The Epworth Press, 1964.Savran, George. How Can We Sing a Song to the Lord? The Strategy of Lament in Psalm 137. Zeitschrift fr die Alttestamentliche Wissenschaft 112 (2000) 43-58.Schwartz, Stephen. On the Willows, in GodspellA melodious Based Upon the Gospel According to St. Mathew. New York, NY Arista Records, 1974. Youngblood, Ronald F., F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison. Nelsons New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN Thomas Nelson.