who is praying, God’s hiddenness becomes an intolerable burden (cf. chap. 1, §C. No manipulation of any sort whatever can overcome this hiddenness of God. Only Yahweh himself can step forth out of the hiddenness and reestablish communication with the one who is suffering, only he can break his silence and let his face shine. Exegetes have always been fascinated by the remarkable “swings in mood” which can be seen in some psalms. Lament breaks off and praise and thanksgiving ring out. How can this