Bible Question:
I understand that some people group the psalms in different categories. I am interested in the group called the "Laments" --- could someone give me a thorough list of the psalms of complaint? I realize I could just classify them myself, but I thought someone may have already worked through this querry. JRM |
Bible Answer: Greetings JRM! If you are interested in this topic, I would highly recommend the book, "Praise and Lament in the Psalms", by Claus Westermann. It is published by John Knox Press. There are two types of laments - the lament of the people and the lament of the individual. They have a similar structure. The lament of the people could be diagrammed as: a) Address and Introductory petition. b) Lament. c) Confession of Trust. d) Petition (Double Wish) e) Vow of Praise. These laments would include: Ps. 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, and 89. The lament of the individual could be diagrammed as: a) Address and cry for help. b) Lament. c) Confession of Trust. d) Petition. e) Assurance of being heard. f) Double Wish g) Vow of Praise. h) Praise of God - where request has been answered. They include: Ps. 6, 13, 22, 35, 38, 42, 43, 88, 102, and 109. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |