Slabbert, M.J. (Martin Johannes)2016-02-192016-02-192015-11-25Slabbert, M.J., 2015, ‘Coping in a harsh reality: The concept of the “enemy” in the composition of Psalms 9 and 10’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 71(3), Art. #3123, 5 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/hts.v71i3.3123.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (Online)10.4102/hts.v71i3.3123http://hdl.handle.net/2263/51466In this paper, Psalms 9 and 10 are read together from a literary, post-exilic perspective, arguing that the construct of the ‘enemy’ in this composition primarily serves to strengthen the position of the righteous. It seems that a variety of strategies are employed in this composition to establish dichotomic-ideological categories. This results in the formation of a polarity between YHWH and the enemy on the one hand and the righteous and the enemy on the other. This seems to have been a technique through which the author or authors of this composition sought to break free from their current social experience in order to create a new, just and fair reality for the righteous.en© 2015. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Psalms 9 and 10YHWHHebrew BibleEnemyRighteousHumanities articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationArticle