Creating God’s own right-hand man – a cognitive linguistic approach to Psalm 110

Abstract

Applying cognitive linguistics to the text of Psalm 110 is shown to be indispensable for a more comprehensive understanding of this psalm. Studying the poet’s use of the cognitive concepts ‘right hand’ and ‘feet’ as well as his reference to Zion, makes it possible to reconstruct the psalm as a form of ‘body-cosmology’. In this more exegetical structure, Psalm 110 can be described as a liturgical poem which was possibly used during anointing ceremonies whilst inaugurating a king. Here, a mere human is transformed and re-created to be part of ‘that which is above’ and to rule with God over ‘that which is below’. As part of the divine realm the king is created to be an extension of God’s authority on earth.