%0 Journal Article %T BEING WISE BETWIXT ORDER AND MYSTERY: KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS AND FEARING THE LORD %A Hendrik L. Bosman %J Scriptura %D 2013 %I Stellenbosch University %R 10.7833/111-1-25 %X Any attempt to come to grips with ¡®the fear of the Lord¡¯ as a key concept for the interpretation of Old Testament wisdom, must appreciate that it is rooted in texts that presuppose an encounter with God that can cause a variety of responses: a feeling of horror or terror; as well as reverent awe that forms the basis of the pious veneration of the Lord in the form of obedience and praise. Although statistical analysis reveals a concentration of occurrences in Deuteronomy (and the so-called Deuteronomistic History), the Psalms and Wisdom literature, it does not presuppose a clear linear development. The theological interpretation of Old Testament wisdom literature must be aware of the ongoing creative tension between order (keeping the commandments) and mystery (fearing the Lord) ¨C as summarized in the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes (12:13). doi: 10.7833/111-1-25 %K Divine Mystery %K Fear of God %K Old Testament Wisdom %K Ecclesiastes 12:13 %U http://scriptura.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/25