Comparative Perspectives on the Psalms

""In this collection of ten essays, Gerstenberger's formidable form-critical skills shine. Several chapters insightfully compare praise and lament in the Psalter with Ancient Near Eastern parallels. Elsewhere, he provides deep analyses of healing rites, delight in Torah, world dominion, and evildoers in the Psalms. Even in the few places I disagree with Gerstenberger, I always learn so much from him. This is rich work."" --Timothy D. Finlay, Old Testament Lecturer, Grace Communion Seminary ""The final volume of Erhard Gerstenberger's essays on the Psalms in English is a powerful call for the comparative enterprise and an impressive expression of the importance of paying attention to traditions of ritual and music. From the dynamics of praise in the ancient Near East to Navajo chants, the volume attests to the vitality of the Psalms and religious poetry in the ancient and modern world."" --Anselm C. Hagedorn, Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Judaism, Universität Osnabrück ""Here is the final volume in a trilogy of English essays by Erhard S. Gerstenberger, a gift to the field courtesy of K. C. Hanson's editorship. The title of this third installment is true to form: throughout this collection, Gerstenberger sets the Psalms in perspective using comparative data across a remarkably wide and impressive range. Among other comparanda, his study of Latin American songs, Navajo chants, and Sumerian hymns alongside the biblical Psalms proves remarkably insightful, generative, and productive. Readers will learn much about the Psalms as a result, but also about comparative method, as well of the habits of mind of one of the greatest Psalms scholars in recent memory."" --Brent A. Strawn, D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament, Duke University