Center of Creation’s Balance: A Rhetorical Criticism of the Role of Human La’abod in the Ecology of Psalm 104:14-23
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46494/psc.v22i1.608Keywords:
Psalm 104, la’abod, rhetorical criticism, creation balance, ecology, humanAbstract
This study analyzed Psalm 104:14-23 using rhetorical criticism and semantic analysis, focusing on the concept of human la’abod within the context of creation ecology. Psalm 104 depicted a harmonious world in which humans, animals, plants, and the environment operated within a rhythm established and sustained by God. Verses 14-23 occupied a central position in a concentric structure, emphasizing the balance of creation and the role of humans as participants rather than rulers. Semantic analysis of the term la’abod highlighted that human activities cultivating the land, processing agricultural produce, and working did not signify domination over creation but reflected participation in God’s ongoing sustenance. These findings had theological and ecological implications, promoting the transformation of faith awareness into concrete actions to care for the environment while rejecting anthropocentric views. Psalm 104 presented a theological vision that positioned humans within the ecological balance of creation, as a responsibility continuously upheld under God’s providence.
References
Brueggeman, Walter, and William H Bellinger. Psalms. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
C. Allen, Leslie. Word Biblical Commentary: Psalms 101–150. Revised Ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Zondervan, 2002.
Coetzee, Johan H. “Psalm 104 : A Bodily Interpretation of ‘ Yahweh ’ s History ’.” Ote 21, no. 2 (2008): 298–309.
Creach, Jerome F D. “‘ Look at the Birds ’: The Creator ’ s Extravagant Provisions in Psalm 104,” 2011.
Davidson, Richard M. “The creation theme in Psalm 104” 4, no. 4 (2000): 149–88.
Gerstenberger, Erhard S. Psalms, Part 2, and Lamentations Volume XV The Forms Of The Old Testament Literature (FOTL). Diedit oleh Rolf P. Knierim, Gene M. Tucker, dan Marvin A. Sweeney. Cambridge: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2001.
Goldingay, John. Psalms Volume 3 Psalms 90-150. Diedit oleh Tremper Longman III. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Baker Academic, 2008.
Henry, Matthew. Tafsiran Matthew Henry Kitab Mazmur 101-150. Diedit oleh Johnny Johnny Tjia, Barry Barry van der Schoot, dan Stevy Stevy W. Tilaar. Surabaya: Momentum, 2012.
Hiebert, Robert J. V., G. Johannes Botterweck, Helmer Ringgren und Heinz-Josef Fabry. Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament. Journal of Biblical Literature. Vol. 119. Michigan Cambridge, UK: Grand Rapids, 2000. https://doi.org/10.2307/3268510.
Jr, David G Garber. “Frolicking in the Storm Lord ’ s garden : Encountering the Creator and creation in Psalm 104,” 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/00346373251314748.
Kim, Jeehoon Brian. “YHWH as Gardener in the Old Testament with Special Reference to Psalm 104,” no. December (2013): 137.
Ross, Allen P. A Commentary On The Psalms Volume 3 90-150. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Kregel, 2016.
Setiawan, David Eko, Silas Dismas, dan Yoel Mandowen. “Pendekatan Pastoral terhadap Pelestarian Hutan” 2, no. 2 (2021): 96–108. https://doi.org/10.46817/huperetes.v2i2.51.
Viviers, Hennie. “Is Psalm 104 an expression (also) of dark green religion?” HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies 73, no. 3 (2017): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v73i3.3829.
W. Wiersbe, Warren. Be Exultant Praising God for His Mighty Works OT Commentary Psalms 90-150. Diedit oleh dan Susan Vannaman Karen Lee-Thorp, Amy Kiechlin, Jack Campbell. Second Edi. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2009.
W.H., Bellinger Jr. “The Psalms and Creation Theology” 43, no. 4 (2023): 354–61.
Waltner, James H. Believers Church Bible Commentary : Psalms, n.d.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 David Martin Doli Sitorus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
PASCA: Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
