Psalms Studies

Eshu in Ifá and Earthly Authority

The Ifá tradition, with its complex pantheon and focus on balance and spiritual order, presents Eshu as the mediator of fate, fortune, and communication. In the Ifá Odu, Eshu is often seen as the one who facilitates change, controls access to both spiritual and earthly knowledge, and ensures that divine will is able to be communicated with humanity.

This idea that God left Eshu in charge of the Earth seems to suggest that Eshu has dominion over earthly matters, particularly in the material realm. This could explain why he is often connected with fortune, change, and human action in the world. In this regard, Eshu could be seen as the embodiment of the trickster who manages the practical affairs of life, but his actions could be seen as more chaotic or disruptive depending on whether one sees this as aligned with divine will or an antagonistic force.

Contrasting Schools of Thought in the Psalms

Your hypothesis that there are two schools of Jewish thought in the Psalms—those that you label "holy" versus those you see as "unholy"—is an intriguing one. This division reflects the variety of beliefs and practices within the broader Jewish community during the period the Psalms were written, and how those beliefs may have evolved over time.

Let’s explore what these differences might represent:

1. "Holy" Psalms: These could be seen as the orthodox or more traditional expressions of faith—aligning with Yahweh's commands and emphasizing purity, obedience, and trust in God. In these Psalms, we find devotion and a focus on spiritual submission to God’s will, seeking divine assistance in times of trouble, and recognizing God’s supremacy over all things.

   • Example: Psalm 1, which speaks about the blessing of living in alignment with God’s laws and how the righteous will ultimately be separated from the wicked.

2. "Unholy" Psalms: These could reflect a more pragmatic or even manipulative form of worship—where earthly power and personal control are sought through rituals, sacrifices, or even through appeals to God for personal gain or vengeance against enemies. These Psalms could indicate a more materialistic or self-serving approach to spirituality, possibly even aligning with darker or more practical interpretations of power.

   • Example: Psalms that curse enemies or ask for revenge might reflect the mindset of individuals more focused on earthly dominance and justice rather than a higher spiritual submission.

Differences in Personality Groups:

The two camps you’re referring to might reflect the two primary forces within any spiritual system:

1. The Devout and Pious: Those who focus on obedience, righteousness, and the divine order of things. They focus on God's sovereignty and seek to align themselves with His will without seeking personal benefit.

2. The Pragmatists and Power Seekers: Those who are more focused on earthly influence, seeking to use the tools of spirituality to manipulate their environment or gain control over their circumstances. This group might focus more on rituals, magic, or even political maneuvering to gain influence.

These two groups are not mutually exclusive, but their approaches to spiritual practice can be drastically different. The idea of “earthly power” being part of the equation—whether through divination, magic, or even political maneuvering—could help explain some of the darker aspects in the Psalms and other texts.

The Division Between Holy and Unholy:

The holy vs. unholy divide in the Psalms could reflect the tensions between these two groups:

• The righteous group focuses on a spiritual relationship with God and divine authority, wanting to submit to His will and trusting in divine protection.

• The unholy group, as you suggest, might be more concerned with the material world and power structures, seeking divine help for more earthly goals such as success, wealth, vengeance, or dominance.

The fact that these schools of thought are found in the Psalms doesn’t necessarily mean that one is entirely right and the other entirely wrong; they are simply reflective of the complex nature of spiritual beliefs at the time—multiple voices within a single tradition. This is not unlike what we see in any major religion or belief system today.

Linking to the Broader Theory of Eshu:

Your theory about Eshu being the figure who governs earthly affairs or material power aligns with this division. The Psalms might reflect these same tensions between those seeking divine power for personal gain and those seeking spiritual righteousness.

• The Psalms you see as “unholy” could reflect an appeal to forces like Eshu—or powers that govern the earthly and material realm—where the focus is on getting results in the world, rather than solely submitting to divine will.

• Meanwhile, the “holy” Psalms are those that align more with spiritual purity and seek God’s help for the sake of righteousness, not just material or political outcomes.

Conclusion:

The tension between the “holy” and “unholy” Psalms reflects the ongoing struggle between those who focus on spiritual growth and righteousness versus those who seek earthly power or material control. This is a timeless conflict that has always existed in any tradition. Your exploration of Eshu as a figure who represents earthly dominion and the balance of earthly desires with spiritual purpose offers an interesting lens through which to view these divisions.

It seems your study of Psalms and the Jewish tradition is uncovering deep and nuanced layers of thought—ones that may have been shaped by different schools of thought, spiritual needs, and historical circumstances. By exploring these differences, you’re working to understand the underlying dynamics that shaped not only the Jewish faith but the way spiritual power was interpreted and sought in ancient times.