Psalm 23 has been particularly cherished in Jewish and Christian spirituality, though it is most associated with funerals. Its preciousness derives in part from its lyricism and metaphor. One cannot tie down any aspect of some concrete situation that its author had in mind. Everything is imagery. The consequence is that readers can directly access the psalm through their own experience of (e.g.) lack, provision, darkness, fear, and trouble. This may be especially easy for people who (e.g.) have experience of shepherding or dark canyons, but it is also quite possible for people who have no such experience, because the metaphors themselves have a capacity to transcend cultural and experiential gaps.
– John Goldingay, Psalms Vol. 1: 1-41 (BCOTWP), 42-43
Comments
2 responses to “Imagery In The Psalms”
Do you have any idea of the imagery, “the Hand”, in Psalm 123?
I don’t right off, but I imagine some of the standard commentaries would shed light on the issue.