The Writings: Psalms

Abstract

The WritingsPsalms Christopher T. Begg, Thomas Hieke, and Fred W. Guyette Christopher T. Begg Catholic University of America Thomas Hieke Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz Fred W. Guyette Erskine College and Seminary 492. [Psalm Quotations on Aramaic Magic Bowls] Siam Bhayro, "The Use of Quotations from the Psalms in the Aramaic Magic Bowls," You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Most High, 69-82 [see #782]. My paper first discusses certain problems that have arisen in the history of the study of Jewish magic before proceeding to investigate the engagement of rabbis and scribes with magic in late antiquity. It then turns to a consideration of the use of biblical quotations on Aramaic magic bowls, with a particular focus on quotations that are drawn from the Psalter. Finally, my paper focuses on a specific textual problem, i.e., a problematic quotation from Ps 24:8 that occurs in a formula attributed to Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa in connection with which I cite a new text that features a quotation of Ps 24:8 that accords with the MT. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.] [End Page 164] Google Scholar 493. [E. Zenger's Psalms Commentary] Christoph Dohmen, "Vom Buch der Psalmen zum AT-Kommentarwerk: Die Bedeutung von Erich Zengers Psalmenauslegungen für 'Herders Theologischer Kommentar zum Alten Testament,'" Mit meinem Gott, 33-48 [see #781]. With his conceptualization of "Herders Theologischer Kommentar zum Alten Testament" (HThKAT), Erich Zenger not only pursued great goals for OT studies, but also set new standards for commenting on biblical texts. This essay attempts to show that Zenger's hermeneutics for a Bible commentary was largely determined by his exegesis of the psalms. Giving priority to larger textual contexts and perceiving the "Tiefenprofil" of the texts in a reflective manner are already prominent in Zenger's early interpretations of the Psalms. These characteristics are also manifest in his program for the exegesis of the Psalter as a whole, as is his practice of a "diachronically reflected synchrony" in his treatment of the psalms. [Adapted from published abstract—T.H.] Google Scholar 494. [The Psalms in Judaism] Carl S. Ehrlich, "Judaism and the Psalms: Life and Liturgy," Mit meinem Gott, 446-63 [see #781]. In this essay, E. surveys the presence of the Psalms in Jewish life and in the Jewish liturgy. His first part deals with questions of the relationship of the Psalms to the Torah and the Psalms' attribution to King David. The second part analyzes the use of the Psalms in the context of daily Jewish prayer, while the third part studies the recitation of psalms on special occasions in Jewish life. The fourth and last part addresses the problem that certain passages in the psalms occurring in the liturgy appear difficult from a modern point of view. [Translated and adapted from published abstract—T.H.] Google Scholar 495. [Psalms; Reception Aesthetics] Dorothea Erbele-Küster, "Reception Aesthetics of the Psalms: A Third Space for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue," Mit meinem Gott, 415-32 [see #781]. Understanding the "psalms as breath of the world" (Erich Zenger) opens a horizon for intercultural and interreligious dialogue. This is the basic hypothesis of E.-K.'s contribution, which is based on a reception-aesthetic reading of the Psalter. A second hypothesis is based on the history of reception: the Psalter and its language constitute a shared tradition in the so-called Abraham-Sara-Hagar religions. With the help of reception aesthetics and intercultural hermeneutics, E.-K. attempts to relate both these approaches to each other, and to identify both opportunities for and difficulties of dialogue. She highlights the dialogical structure and poetry of the psalms, especially the role of doxology. All this constitutes a third space that is open for a common address to God beyond the places of division and dispute. [Translated and adapted from published abstract—T.H.] Google Scholar 496. [Reading the Psalms Christologically] Daniel J. Estes, "How Reading the Psalms Christologically Resembles Where's Waldo? And How It Does Not," BS 177 (2020) 269-85. In the Book of Psalms, there are some clear appearances of Christ, as well...