Overview

This work argues the message of the Psalter is one of hope—utopian hope to be exact. Despite increasing scholarly consensus that the Psalter is a carefully organized collection, there remains debate concerning the message of such a collection. S. D. Ellison outlines a narrative impulse that sustains expectations of a better future by assuring readers that one day Zion will be glorified, enemies vanquished, and the Davidic dynasty embodied in a new Davidic king. This argument advances that of Gerald H. Wilson and refines that of David C. Mitchell. Ellison advocates a reading which defends the claim that the Psalter encourages its reader to hope for a new Davidic king. It clarifies that this king will usher in a kingdom of peace by vanquishing all enemies and so rule from a transformed Zion. The utopian hope of the Psalter’s narrative impulse is not a return to what once was, but an encouragement to remain confident that YHWH will realize all his promises in a new era of blessing following the exile. Reading the Psalms as utopian literature sustains hope for a new David in the Psalter’s narrative impulse.

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9781978717732

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Reviews

Building constructively on recent research into the structure of the Psalter, Dr. Ellison presents a compelling case that the individuals responsible for compiling the Psalter anticipated a God-centred utopian future that would fulfil traditional expectations regarding a unique Davidic king who would exercise universal authority. Not only does this study shed helpful light on the shape of the Psalter, but it also represents a significant contribution in highlighting the centrality of messianic expectations in Jewish religious life during the post-exilic period. * T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Director of Postgraduate Studies, Union Theological College, Belfast, UK * Drawing from utopian literary theory, Ellison argues persuasively that a narrative impulse provides continuity across the entirety of the Psalter. This “impulse” is rooted in the utopian hope of an ideal king who rules over a global kingdom from a transformed Zion. Ellison’s work is carefully argued and attentive to the dynamics of the biblical text. His use of utopian literary theory is at once both judicious and promising, providing new vistas for understanding the rhetoric and theology of the Psalter, particularly as it pertains to the role of the Davidic dynasty. * W. Dennis Tucker, Jr., Professor of Christian Scriptures, Baylor University, USA * Ellison has blessed Psalms scholars with a well-written, well-researched, and thoughtful addition to the discussion on the unfolding story in the book’s narrative impulse. His work exhibits an eye for both details and big picture, resulting in a walk through the five books that is textually-based and persuasively written. Crucially, he argues convincingly that the shape of the book of Psalms leads readers to hope in the coming of a globally-reigning new David. * Ian J. Vaillancourt, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Heritage Theological Seminary, Canada; author, Treasuring the Psalms: How to Read the Songs that Shape the Soul of the Church *

Author Information

S. D. Ellison is Director of Training and Lecturer in Old Testament at the Irish Baptist College, Moira, Northern Ireland, UK.

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