SPEAKERS

Abstract

This article examines the implications of Psalm 137 for internal exilic communities who, while remaining in their homeland, experience "exile trauma." It begins by discussing how the failed prophetic promise of Zion intensifies exile trauma through the lens of cognitive dissonance theory. The article then proceeds with a parallel reading of Hong Kong’s sociopolitical context, drawing meaningful connections between the two. Employing a psychoanalytic framework, particularly the concepts of desire and Nachträglichkeit (deferred action), the article proposes a theological response to trauma. It explores how the latter portion of Psalm 137 (verses 4-9) reflects the community's reconciliation of beliefs amid dissonance as they process their traumatic experiences. Its argue that (1) the psalm’s portrayal of Zion as an unfulfilled desire, introduced by the prophetic community, creates cognitive dissonance, which becomes central to their experience of exile trauma; and (2) the psalmist's lament and violent imagery reveal a community's struggle to reconcile unfulfilled prophetic promises with their lived reality, ultimately processing their pain through memory, desire, and deferred meaning-making.

Psalm 137, traditionally situated within the Babylonian exile, serves as a profound text for exploring themes of trauma, displacement, and resilience. Contextual interpretations that focus on geographical exile have been adequately discussed. However, one area that remains underexplored is the implication of internal exile within this passage. Many studies have highlighted how communities and individuals can experience an exilic state while physically remaining in their homeland. This interpretation aligns with the diverse community dynamics of the Babylonian exile, showing how those who remained approached the text differently from those who experienced geographical exile. Therefore the imagery of weeping by the rivers of Babylon does not necessarily represent a literal foreign landscape but instead evokes feelings of estrangement and unfamiliarity—even within a familiar or native place, such as Jerusalem. This perspective underscores the psalm’s relevance for readers who experience forms of exile within their own homeland, a dimension often overlooked in traditional readings.

The article also elaborates on how Zion, as a theological construct central to the psalm’s narrative. Prophetic declarations of Zion’s invulnerability contrast sharply with the historical reality of Jerusalem’s destruction, creating cognitive dissonance for the exilic community. This tension finds a striking parallel in Hong Kong, where societal changes clash with political assurances of stability and growth, generating similar psychological discomfort. By drawing these parallels, the article highlights how Psalm 137 offers valuable insights into processing trauma, reconciling dissonance, and sustaining hope in the face of unfulfilled promises, with significant contemporary implications.

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Bio

Ho Sum Tang is a Master of Divinity student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a passion for exploring the intersections of theology, postcolonial theory, and social engagement. His research delves into postcolonial studies, identity formation, Hong Kong studies, social psychological theory, Hebrew Bible research, and Ancient Near Eastern culture. Tang has presented papers on psychology and the Bible at the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) conference and Critical Research on Religion, contributing to critical conversations on faith, colonial legacies, and identity. Since beginning his academic journey a year ago, he has been committed to examining how biblical studies can illuminate pressing social and cultural issues, particularly in the context of Hong Kong and in marginal communities.

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