Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series: Psalms, Part 1, with an Introduction to Cultic Poetry (FOTL)

by Erhard Gerstenberger

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1988

Overview

Erhard Gerstenberger begins this volume with an examination of the nature of cultic poetry, its role in ancient Near Eastern religion, and more specifically its role in the religion of Israel. He goes on to survey the genres of cultic poetry, including lament, complaint, and thanksgiving, and then focuses on the book of Psalms as an example of cultic poetry, first analyzing the book as a whole and then working through Psalms 1–60 unit by unit.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The purpose, then, of most ritual activity is to secure and maintain the means of survival: food, shelter, medicine, rain, etc.” (Page 5)

“In interpreting OT psalms and looking for analogies from neighboring cultures, then, we must be conscious of the prominence of small-group rituals, even in those highly centralized states.” (Page 7)

“Words and rites form a close-knit unity, yet language very probably was the decisive element in most ceremonies. The words employed would be carefully measured and guarded.” (Page 5)

“But why do vv. 4–6 allude to national history instead of personal and clan experience? Vorländer (pp. 273–74) thinks that vv. 4–6 are a late insertion. Gelin explains the abruptness as a function of adapting an individual prayer to communal worship. Most scholars accept this first affirmation of confidence as original because there is no consciousness of the basic difference between familial and national cult. Presupposing that difference, we have to admit the interpenetration of both spheres in Psalm 22.” (Page 110)

“On the other hand, thanksgiving includes a good deal of proclamatory speech directed to bystanders or participants in the ceremony.” (Page 15)

Praise for the Print Edition

A well-written, well-documented volume that is a gold mine of form-critical observations.

—John H. Hayes, Candler School of Theology

This commentary is the rich harvest of Professor Gerstenberger’s long investigation of the Psalms. It sets a benchmark for the form-critical study of Israel’s prayers and hymns.

—James Luther Mays, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia

Product Details

• Title: Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series: Psalms, Part 1, with an Introduction to Cultic Poetry (FOTL)
• Author: Erhard Gerstenberger
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1988
• Pages: 275

About Erhard Gerstenberger

Erhard Gerstenberger is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Literature at Marburg University in Germany. He is the author of numerous studies of the Old Testament.