The Inner Voice Screaming Like a Doe: Ps 42-43

What is it about?

This paper focuses on the role of the Nefesch – usually translated as soul – in Psalm 42-43, a psalm of lament in the Hebrew bible. In this text the Nefesch is a kind of inner voice that guides the praying person to action. It is compared to a doe that screams fearfully. By showing how the praying person struggles with their Nefesch’s fear and finally gives in to its impulses, this psalm becomes a model of perceiving one’s instincts, listening to one’s needs, and following one’s inner voice.

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Photo by Diana Parkhouse on Unsplash

Photo by Diana Parkhouse on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Usually, the crying of the Nefesch in the Psalm is considered negative. But this Psalm can be understood as an important example of how the Hebrew Bible can also value self-reflection positively. In this prayer of lament, the gaze inwards leads to a gaze towards God.