Abstract

The paper offers a theological study on the attitude of caDDîq toward Yahweh on the grounds of selected psalms (Pss 15; 19B; 24; 73; 101; 119) from The Book of Psalms. Keeping of commandments is the notae of caDDîq, the mark of the one who is allowed to enter the Yahweh’s sanctuary. In the ceremony of the «liturgy of the gate» the Israelites are interrogated about their righteousness (Pss 15 and 24), because only the righteous have privilege to sojourn in the holy place and to look forward to His saving intervention in their time of need. In relation to his neighbor, the righteous displays his commitment which is the vital part of the Old Testament view on righteousness. As the representative of Yahweh, in his life the king demonstrates features of a righteous person (Ps 101). Like God himself, the king expels from his life area the wicked and upholds the correct administration of «liturgy of the gate» in the state sanctuary. It is desirable to him to be surrounded by the righteous that He esteems and that He champions respect for their dignity and for their rights. The righteous have nothing in common with the way of thinking, talking, and living of the wicked (Pss 1; 119). The Torah of Yahweh is his biggest love and his object of continual reflection. Psalm 119 enunciates fervidness of those who find constant delight in His Torah. Although the righteous sometimes can express indignation and be angry at prosperity of the wicked, yet in Yahweh he can find the answer to the most pivotal questions (Ps 73). To trust in Yahweh, to commit his way to divine guidance, to look forward to Him, and to nurture intimate community with Him, all of these provide the righteous with inner balance, are opening his eyes on grandeur of Yahweh’s presence, and are leading him to overcoming the most difficult crises of his faith. The wicked build their houses with cards, which will be demolished by an unexpected blast of God’s wrath. Instead of their suffering the righteous experience in Yahweh nearness of His presence and certainty of being taken into glory in the future.