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Is Shame a Matter of Patronage in the Communal Laments?

George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, One Bear Place, 97126, Waco, TX 76798, USA

Within the Hebrew Bible, the concept of shame in both narrative and prophetic texts has received significant treatment. Typically, connections between gender identity and the shame/honor value complex are highlighted. In the Psalms, however, shame does not necessarily appear to be predicated upon gender identity. This article offers some initial observations regarding shame in the Psalms by suggesting that the shame language in the Psalter is actually predicated upon another feature of ancient societies, the patron—client relationship. Drawing from the work of cultural anthropologists S.N. Eisenstadt and L. Roniger, this study notes the features of patronage present within the language of the Psalter itself and, in particular, Psalms 44, 74, and 79.

Key Words: Psalms • communal laments • shame • cultural anthropology • social scientific criticism • enemy

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