Divine Justice and the Theological Identity of Israel in Exile: A Historical-Critical Analysis of Psalm 137 A justiça divina e a identidade teológica de Israel no Exílio: Uma Análise Histórico-Crítica do Salmo 137

Abstract

This study analyzes how Ps 137 reflects the profound experience of exile of the Israelite people, emphasizing the intersection between divine justice and theological identity in a context of oppression and despair. The importance of the Ps 137 is contextualized, as it expresses lament and a desire for restoration, revealing the constant struggle of the people to maintain their faith and identity in a hostile and desolate environment. The comparative analysis between the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX) highlights textual variations that can significantly enrich the interpretation of the Ps 137, evidencing the different traditions of transmission and interpretation over the centuries. The critical notes provided in this study offer a detailed view of specific verses, exploring the linguistic and cultural nuances that enrich the understanding of the text. The historical context is fundamental to understanding the implications of the Babylonian exile on the formation of Israel’s national and spiritual identity, reflecting the pains, struggles, and hopes of the people. Literary criticism and form analysis address the construction of the Ps 137, while the conclusion connects the quest for divine justice to the affirmation of Israel's identity. Thus, the Ps 137 not only laments loss and pain but also cries out for redemption and reaffirms faith in a God who is just and present, even in times of crisis and despair.