Being wise betwixt order and mystery : keeping the commandments and fearing the Lord
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology
Abstract
Any attempt to come to grips with ‘the fear of the Lord’ as a key concept for the interpretation of Old Testament wisdom, must appreciate that it is rooted in texts that presuppose an encounter with God that can cause a variety of responses: a feeling of horror or terror; as well as reverent awe that forms the basis of the pious veneration of the Lord in the form of obedience and praise. Although statistical analysis reveals a concentration of occurrences in Deuteronomy (and the so-called Deuteronomistic History), the Psalms and Wisdom literature, it does not presuppose a clear linear development. The theological interpretation of Old Testament wisdom literature must be aware of the ongoing creative tension between order (keeping the commandments) and mystery (fearing the Lord) – as summarized in the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes (12:13).
Description
CITATION: Bosman, H. L. 2012. Being wise betwixt order and mystery : keeping the commandments and fearing the Lord. Scriptura, 111(3):433-439, doi:10.7833/111-0-25.
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
Keywords
God (Christianity), Fear of God, Wisdom literature -- Criticism, interpretation, etc., Bible. Ecclesiastes, XII, 13 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Citation
Bosman, H. L. 2012. Being wise betwixt order and mystery : keeping the commandments and fearing the Lord. Scriptura, 111(3):433-439, doi:10.7833/111-0-25.