Abstract:
Psalm 13 moves from debilitating circumstances registered therein
into resolution in six short verses. This article explores the strategies
that the psalmist employs in achieving such a release to engage with
the reality of victims of war rape in their managing feelings of
abandonment. The article utilises African hermeneutics primarily
interested in meaning derived from the text and beyond the critical
issues to interact with existential challenges. Due to the
psychological nature of the victims of war rape atrocities and the
post-traumatic disorders, cathartic release is envisioned in
recognition that, for some, healing may remain unattainable. After
closely analysing the psalm, the article ends with some
considerations for deriving meaning as sought by the methodological
premise.
