Deuteronomistic Theology in Psalms 44, 74, 80, and 89: Examined from the Lens of Trauma

Abstract

In the past two decades, biblical scholars have been divided regarding the presence of Deuteronomistic theology in Psalms 44, 74, 80, and 89. Given the traumatic background of these psalms, this article reexamines this issue through the lens of trauma studies and argues for two points. First, Psalms 44, 74, 80, and 89 do not reject Deuteronomistic theology as some scholars have claimed because, viewed from the perspective of trauma studies, the accusations of God in these psalms do not indicate attribution of responsibility but demonstrate trauma victims’ negative cognition and emotion associated with the traumatic event. Second, the concept of posttraumatic growth (PTG) helps clarify two crucial elements of Deuteronomistic theology concerning divine retribution and divine promise; Psalms 44 and 74 assume the first element, whereas Psalms 80 and 89 presuppose the second.  Accordingly, this article consists of four main sections. In the first section, I briefly explain the reason for reading these four psalms together from the lens of trauma studies. Next, I clarify two elements of Deuteronomistic theology from the perspective of PTG. In the third section, I argue against the view that accusations of God in Psalms 44,74, 80, 89 indicate an attribution of responsibility to God. Lastly, I demonstrate how the two elements of Deuteronomistic related to PTG are presented in these four psalms to different degrees.