The �book of life� (Psalm 69:29) - a question of life or death?

• Main Author: A Groenewald
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: AOSIS 2003-10-01
• Series: Verbum et Ecclesia
• Online Access: http://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/VE/article/view/313

The image �book of life� is mentioned expressis verbis in Psalm 69:29a. The supplicant appeals to God to erase his enemies� from� the �book of life�. The aim of� this paper� is to elaborate on this image. Quite varied notions can be distinguished in this regard: firstly, the idea of the lists of the citizenry and secondly, the image of the heavenly book. Furthermore, three types of �heavenly books� can be distinguished, namely (1) the book� of� fate; (2)� the� book of works; and (3) the book of life. The conclusion is drawn that �life� here implies �life� under the protection of God which is sustained by his righteousness (69:28). The supplicant�s enemies will be excluded from this privilege when God erases them from the �book of life�. This reference to� life is primarily a reference to ordinary earthly life.