Trauma,Remembrance,and Healing: The Meeting of Wisdom and History in Psalm 78

Abstract

The way a text follows, bends, and breaks generic conventions can have a significant impact on the effect the text has on its readers. While wisdom and history generally stand divorced from one another, Psalm 78 unites the two genres. Recognizing patterns reminiscent of Judith Herman's trauma therapy approach in Psalm 78 illuminates the way wisdom and history function together in this psalm. Herman's classic model for trauma recovery involves moving the traumatized through three stages: reestablishing safety and stability, remembering and mourning the trauma, and reconnecting with reality. In Psalm 78, wisdom elements establish a sense of safety while historical review prompts the audience to remember its past trauma and reconnect with reality. This article argues that the linking of wisdom and history within Psalm 78 has the effect of creating a safe environment in which a traumatized community can recover and reorient themselves to the reality of their covenant relationship with God.