The Poems and Psalms of the Hebrew Bible (Oxford Bible Series) [Paperback]

S. E. Gillingham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 1994 | Series: Oxford Bible Series

Poetry was a key art-form for the ancient Jews, the most distinctive way in which they tried to depict the relationship between God and his people. The Poems and Psalms of the Hebrew Bible introduces the reader to the full range of the poetry of the Old Testament, both outside the Psalter and within it. After considering the essential elements of Hebrew verse, it looks at the most familiar poems--the Psalms, the Songs of Solomon, and the poetry of Job and Proverbs--as well as at less familiar examples of poems which by contrast are embedded in narrative, such as war poetry, harvest hymns, elegies, prayers of protest, and thanksgiving songs. The book is addressed to both specialists and non-specialists; no knowledge of Hebrew is presumed, and a bibliography following each chapter offers suggestions for further study.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A comprehensive review of earlier treatment of Hebrew poetry...there are also some excellent reflections on the nature of poetry which show that the author's interests and knowledge are by no means confined to technical academic matters....The aim of the series is to introduce the biblical literature to the general reader and the writer's knowledge, literary appreciation and the clarity which has earned her a deserved reputation as teacher in Oxford, make her ideally suited to the task."--Theology

"The title promises a widely ranging discussion and the reader is not disappointed. This is an excellent account of the poetry of the Old Testament, which not only informs the reader but opens up fresh insights into biblical poetry."--The Expository Times

"This is an excellent introduction/survey of Hebrew poetry....It is in the outstanding Oxford Bible Series....the work is practical and valuable."--ISouthwestern Journal of Theology

"Although this is not an introductory book, the interested nonspecialist will appreciate it. It will make a good textbook for an upper-division college or seminary course."--The Bible Today

"Gillingham provides clear and judicious treatments of these subjects and illustrates them with copious examples from a wide variety of Biblical texts...[T]his book is a helpful introduction to Biblical poetry and psalmody, as such it would make an ideal college- or university-level text for a course on this subject."--Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

About the Author

S. E. Gillingham is at University of Oxford.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 18, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192132431
• ISBN-13: 978-0192132437
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,448,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living Psalms, October 18, 2006

By 

Mary H. Sayler "The Poetry Editor" (FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Poems and Psalms of the Hebrew Bible (Oxford Bible Series) (Paperback)

This well-researched and well-written text offers valuable insights into appreciating and understanding Bible poetry, especially the Psalms. Judeo-Christian poet, like myself, can also find in these pages biblical models for the development of poetic themes, purpose, and contents using a variety of devices, moods, and forms.