Issue 34 Psalms of WarBlog | Psalms of war: bringing emotions and realism
Psalms of war: bringing emotions and realism
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 24.03.23
Last year Anna Vorosheva – a 45-year-old Ukrainian entrepreneur – gave a harrowing account to the Observer of her time inside the notorious Olenivka Russian jail. Now recovering in France, Vorosheva said ‘We are talking about absolute evil.’
In another report an American who volunteered to fight against Russia in Ukraine described the carnage he saw on the front lines – saying the battle for Ukrainians is against ‘pure evil.’
When it comes to war, have you noticed how reporters often reach for religious language? Even the late soccer legend Pelé is quoted as saying the conflict in Ukraine is ‘unjustifiable’ and ‘wicked.’
Where would we be without the psalms? It’s not just the beauty and poetry of the language that they express, but also the depth of experience that they so vividly capture.
In just the first few psalms we read: Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? (2:1) O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! (3:1) How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? (4:2) Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. (5:1) O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger and discipline me in your wrath. (6:1) Arise, O Lord, in your anger: rise up against the rage of my enemies. (7:6) (NIV)
Yet still many people resist such biblical references. The word ‘wicked’ is reduced to the name of a prequel musical to The Wizard of Oz, albeit with fabulous staging and memorable music.
We don’t like the idea that a calm speaking president, or global leader wearing a jacket and tie, can be a force for wickedness. Surely no one can act so badly? In response, the psalms would answer, oh yes they can.
