But You are a Man Like My Equal: An Exploration of the Suffering of the Righteous at the Hands of Fellow Community Members

Author(s)

Dan CooperFollow

Date

5-2014

Department

Seminary

Degree

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Chair

Gary Yates

Keywords

Enemies, Lament, Psalms, Suffering, Worship

Disciplines

Biblical Studies | Christianity | Practical Theology

Recommended Citation

Cooper, Dan, "But You are a Man Like My Equal: An Exploration of the Suffering of the Righteous at the Hands of Fellow Community Members" (2014). Masters Theses. 328.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/328

Abstract

This thesis explores book two of the Psalms and how it displays and reacts to the theme of the suffering of the righteous at the hands of fellow community members. It explores the nationality, tactics, and motivations of the enemies in Psalms 52, 53, 55, 62, 64, 69, 70, and 71. It is shown that the Psalmist is often pitted against other Israelites who are even within his religious circle. These enemies who are closest to the psalmist employ certain tactics and are motivated by specific worldviews. The concluding chapter explores the implications for worship and theology that these findings pose.