Lament and Hope: The Function and Utilization of the Metaphors in Psalm 80

Abstract

In previous studies of Psalms, “metaphors” have often been seen as just ‘poetic ornaments’ rather than as essential elements for conveying messages. However, this study delves into the roles and functions of metaphors within a Psalm to emphasize its dominant theological message. Psalm 80 uses three metaphors—the shepherd, planter, and father—to express its message. These metaphors serve three main purposes. First, they intensify the Psalmist’s sense of lament by deviating from familiar expectations associated with these metaphors, such as ‘leading’, ‘caring for’, and ‘feeding’. Second, they highlight the paradox of lament and hope, as the shepherd and planter metaphors, used for lament, also convey hope for salvation and restoration. Third, the Psalmist intentionally uses these metaphors to articulate the development of Yahweh’s actions and his own self-awareness. An example of this intentional usage could be seen in the use of the father metaphor in 4th and 5th stanza. The functions and roles of these three-metaphors reveal the main theological message of Ps 80 by clarifying the identity of the speaker community as ‘son’.