Psalm of communal lament
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (March 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
The psalms of communal lament are a group of Pslam Forms from the Hebrew Bible, classified by their focus on laments expressing deep sorrow for the travails of a nation and as a group asking for God's blessing. Psalms of communal laments were more commonly found in printed Psalters following major natural disasters.
[edit] Structure
The motifs of the communal lament psalm are very similar to the individual lament, but includes a corporate form of language and a focus on motivating God to bless the nation and smite its enemies.
A Communal Lament essentially consists of five possible parts:
- The Address and Introductory Petition
- The Lament Proper
- National Confession of Trust
- The Petition Proper and Motivation
- Vow of Praise
[edit] List of Psalms of Communal Lament
Using the Hebrew numbering system, the following are traditionally categorized as psalms of communal lament:
- Psalm 42
- Psalm 60
- Psalm 74
- Psalm 79
- Psalm 80
- Psalm 85
[edit] Purpose
The reading and reflection on these psalms are intended to express empathy for people suffering as a result of great loss.
