Abstract:
The image “book of life” is mentioned expressis verbis in Psalm 69:29a.
The supplicant appeals to God to erase his enemies from the “book of
life”. The aim of this paper is to elaborate on this image. Quite varied
notions can be distinguished in this regard: firstly, the idea of the lists of
the citizenry and secondly, the image of the heavenly book. Furthermore,
three types of “heavenly books” can be distinguished, namely (1) the
book of fate; (2) the book of works; and (3) the book of life. The
conclusion is drawn that “life” here implies “life” under the protection
of God which is sustained by his righteousness (69:28). The supplicant’s
enemies will be excluded from this privilege when God erases them from
the “book of life”. This reference to life is primarily a reference to
ordinary earthly life.
