This book is a collection of the most important issues regarding the study of Psalms in recent years and proposes trends for near future study. Most of the authors seem to favor a final-form (or canonical) approach of the Psalms, but they take seriously implications of genre classification studies and LXX and Qumran psalms studies. The calibre of authors is amazing and the cumulative work befits them. Below is a more specific breakdown of several chapters read so far.
Howard (ch. 1) surveys recent trends in Psalms studies concentrating on five categories: (1) literary aspects of the texts, both macrostructural and microstructural approaches, (2) the broadening of the study of Hebrew poetry to include linguistics (i.e. parallelism) and literary studies, (3) an expanded range of hermeneutic methodologies, (4) canonical issues, and (5) reconsidered form-criticism. It provides a solid overview of major works and important scholars in the field indicating important advancements and significant contradictions. It presents a charge for future scholars to participate in the avenues that continue to open up while illustrating the endless vibrancy of this beautiful book.
Longman (ch. 2) examines Ancient Near Eastern prayer genres and puts the Psalms in their context. Identification of ANE royal hymns and laments contributes to better understanding of Hebrew context. Petition of Sumerian gods in an effort to affect actions provides good commentary on possible early Hebrew worship mentality. Recognition of shared poetic quality between Psalms and ANE hymns marks great formal similarity between the prayers of different cultures. He has shown well that the Psalms are not unique, at least in form. He is logically able to assert in the conclusion that uniqueness is in the nature of the deity address.
Johnston (ch. 3) considers distress as a theme in Psalms indicating how it transcends all genres, absent only in "hymns." He covers the various uses of distress to express concern with personal and communal suffering, oppressive enemies, and nature and death, while also covering the perceived causes of distress - God, enemies, self. He points out the important element in Psalms of the ability to move on from distress through petition, negative or positive conclusions, or thanks and praise. He has effectively demonstrated widespread presence of distress in Psalms and thus should elevate it as an important field of future study.
Hutchinson (ch. 4) succeeds in demonstrating through ten propositions a close correlation of theology and doxology in the Psalms. These propositions fit into a wide range of fields - vocabulary and grammar usage, poetic emotion, categorization of genre, and use of canon criticism. All of his propositions are worthy of consideration, but he errs beyond self-admitted reductionism when he tries to make the private world of worship the domain of praise because corporate worship is the heart of the Psalter. The preposition that deserves the most future attention concerns displaying the Psalms as an ancient statement of faith, which is brilliant.
Grant (ch. 5) surveys the genre of "royal psalms," the anonymous "I" passages, canonical placement of kingship psalms in the "seams", reinterpretation of kingship Psalms that remain in the Psalter, the positive nature of the Psalms towards the king, and current relevance of kingship psalms in order to show that the kingship background of Psalms is important to understanding the theology of the Psalter. He deduces that democratization and reinterpretation are keys to the continuing kingship in the Psalter by pointing to the reader to the ultimate Davidic king. His evidence supports retention of an importance of the king in the Psalter.
Firth (ch. 8) depicts how the instructional role of the Psalms has come to the forefront in recent scholarship through expressing intentional editing of the shape of canonical Psalms and indicating didactic intentionality of Psalms does not contradict primary teaching of individual psalms. His point that a high percentage of remaining didactic psalms suggests editorial engagement is good. He adeptly locates key teaching strategies in the Psalms as testimony, admonition and observation. His conclusion that all Psalms teach within in the structure and context of the canonical book requires proper attention.
Wenham's (ch. 9) exploration of ethics as taught in the Psalms starts well in reminding the reader of worship as an expression of central beliefs and then connects specific psalms with each commandment of the Decalogue. Wenham does not produce any conclusive proofs for any claims but he has opened an important area of study. He has made worship-as-an-entrance-into-ethics a relevant consideration.
LeFebvre (ch. 11) signifies how Psalm 1 has taken a lead role in the study of Psalms as the "shape" of the Psalter has become at least as important as the genre of individual psalms. He labels it a "torah-meditation psalm" and then redefines "meditation" to a in more traditional OT sense. His essay is excellent and sparks thought that Psalm 119 could be the oral law-song of Deuteronomy 31. This would be a very interesting idea to pursue.
Wilson (ch. 12) fittingly overviews how "shaping" of Psalms gives it purpose. He indicates the structure of the Psalter through a five-book division, two stages, importance of Psalm 1 as introduction and Psalms 146-150 as conclusion, and the strategic placement and subtle distribution of specific Psalms for final form hermeneutics. He finishes his essay comparing the Hebrew Psalter with the LXX and Qumran Psalters, through which the Hebrew Psalter shines, teaching that even though we live in a world of pain, praise is the last word because Yahweh is still king and there is strength within a community of faith.
Swanson (ch. 13) deals with various issues that have arisen from the discovery of the Qumran Psalms - the already established Davidic books, difference in order, separate existence of the ascent Psalms, appearance of non-canonical Psalms, and the absence of much of the last two books. Swanson successful shows that there is a strong likelihood that the Psalter was not fixed at the beginning of the 1st century C.E., but that the first three books were.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$22.49
Usually ships within 2 to 3 days
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the brand
Top reviews from other countries
C. Gillies
Very helpful intro to scholarly issues
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2018
Samuel Moore
Great resource for studying the Psalms
Reviewed in Australia on November 18, 2022
