The Psalms
Published on 15. March 2024
Book
Hardback
200 pages
978-0-19-091686-2 (ISBN)
Description
Within the library of the world's classics, the book of Psalms occupies a unique place. Few books were composed over a longer period of time and have exercised more cultural and religious influence than the Psalms, the longest and most complex collection in the Hebrew Bible. Nearly 1,000 years in the making with dozens of contributors, this ancient anthology includes 150 prayers and poems for a host of public occasions and private exigencies, ranging from the comforting passage "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death," Ps 23:4 to some of the most violent imprecations, such as "Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth," Ps 58:6).
The Psalms is an introduction to the world of the Psalms that focuses on the content and the poetic forms in the collection, guiding the reader toward an appreciation of the purposes of the Psalms and their contribution to the Scriptures of Israel. Rather than abstract theorizing, Keith Bodner offers close readings of numerous psalms, exploring the poetically-framed questions raised in the Psalms, ranging from the problem of evil and the silence of God to issues of philosophical speculation, practical atheism, and even life after death.
The Psalms is an introduction to the world of the Psalms that focuses on the content and the poetic forms in the collection, guiding the reader toward an appreciation of the purposes of the Psalms and their contribution to the Scriptures of Israel. Rather than abstract theorizing, Keith Bodner offers close readings of numerous psalms, exploring the poetically-framed questions raised in the Psalms, ranging from the problem of evil and the silence of God to issues of philosophical speculation, practical atheism, and even life after death.
Reviews / Votes
B.'s introductory text is advertised by the publisher as 'an easy, engaging read from start to finish'. To cut to the chase: it is. In a world not short of textbooks on the Psalter, B. offers elegance and a lightly-worn deep familiarity with Psalms scholarship, to guide the interested new reader through their study. A hit - a palpable hit. * Richard S. Briggs, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament * In a world not short of textbooks on the Psalter, B. offers elegance and a lightly worn deep familiarity with Psalms scholarship, to guide the interested new reader throughtheir study. * Richard S Briggs, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament * B.'s introductory text is advertised by the publisher as 'an easy, engaging read from start to finish'. To cut to the chase: it is. In a world not short of textbooks on the Psalter, B. offers elegance and a lightly-worn deep familiarity with Psalms scholarship, to guide the interested new reader through their study. A hit - a palpable hit. * Richard S. Briggs, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament * In a world not short of textbooks on the Psalter, B. offers elegance and a lightly worn deep familiarity with Psalms scholarship, to guide the interested new reader throughtheir study. * Richard S Briggs, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament * ...a well-written, engaging, and accessible work. * W. Derek Suderman, Review of Biblical Literature *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
390 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-091686-2 (9780190916862)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Keith Bodner is Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University in New Brunswick, and holds PhD degrees in Biblical Studies (University of Aberdeen) and English Literature (University of Manchester). His 2008 book 1 Samuel: A Narrative Commentary was awarded the R. B. Y. Scott Award from the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies, and he has lectured widely to academic and popular audiences.
Content
Chapter One: Entering the Psalms
Chapter Two: The Psalms in the Ancient Near East
Chapter Three: The Variety of Psalms
Chapter Four: Israel's Story in the Psalms
Chapter Five: Psalm Titlesand Collections
Chapter Six: The Fivefold Symphony of the Psalter Abbreviations Bibliography
Chapter Two: The Psalms in the Ancient Near East
Chapter Three: The Variety of Psalms
Chapter Four: Israel's Story in the Psalms
Chapter Five: Psalm Titlesand Collections
Chapter Six: The Fivefold Symphony of the Psalter Abbreviations Bibliography