Like a Bridegroom

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,

and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

[For the whole psalm, click “Psalm 19” above.]

 

Anthropomorphism: the attribution of human characteristics to a god, animal, or object.

 

It’s frowned upon, this attributing human characteristics to non-human entities. It’s considered naive at best, woefully ignorant and dangerous at worst. This is something children do because they don’t know any better.

But poets do the same, as do holy women and men. Metaphorically, perhaps, but they do it. And our lives our better for it because we find ourselves in relationship with beings and things we would never be otherwise.

The sun rising like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, finding joy in the daily run across the sky. The cosmology might be a bit off, but the gist of it is true: there is nothing in this entire creation that isn’t connected in one way or another.

It’s better to see in the arc of the sun a living spirit than to look upon this creation as nothing but a collection of objects without purpose or soul.

 

2 thoughts on “Like a Bridegroom

  1. Bill Albritton

    Thank you–I love these poetic images. There is a time to be analytical and critical, no doubt, and there is a time to let the “right brain” roam freely and make imaginative connections. I like it when I let this happen.

    Reply
    1. Johnna Post author

      One of my favorite things about the psalms are the images; they free us up to engage and enjoy the world in new and wonderfilled ways. Thanks, Bill! peace, Johnna

      Reply

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