Articulating the Elusive Presence: Testifying for God from the Psalmists

Articulating the Elusive Presence: Testifying for God from the Psalmists

Yew Ming CHAN

Scriptures have recorded the history of ancient Israel, highlighting their blessings from God and struggles as they adapt to the new environment and ever-changing historical, religious and socio-economic conditions. Concomitantly, these records include the testimonies of the people of God articulating their views of God being present with them. In order to ensure their descendants would understand the valuable experiences of God, the Law, the prophets and others, for example, the Psalmists, have preserved these testimonies. However, the ever-changing and challenging conditions have shaped a wide variety of testimonies that cover from praise to lament. Consequently, a fundamental question must be raised on how the people of God understood the divine presence or absence. This paper shall explore, via the function the Psalter, the articulation of this elusive presence. Numerous experiences of adjustment, prosperity, exile and stability change the communion between God and Israel, and the faithful's view of God. From the psalmists' testimonies, our analysis shall show a readjustment from the importance of liturgies to the witness' humanity . In essence, a fresh reckoning emerged; suggesting the people of God understood this elusive presence is beyond the physical boundary of ancient Israel, a refocus on moral ethics is necessary to meet the requirement of God for worship, and finally, their testimonies are endorsement of a faithful God and his wonderful deeds.