Constructing and deconstructing power in Psalms 107-150 / W. Dennis Tucker, Jr.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tucker, W. Dennis, Jr., author.

Series:

Ancient Israel and its literature ; no. 19.

Ancient Israel and its literature ; number 19

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Psalms, CVII-CL--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bible.

Power (Christian theology)--Biblical teaching.

Power (Christian theology).

Physical Description:

xii, 227 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Atlanta : SBL Press, [2014]

Summary:

The psalms in book 5 of the Psalter construct a subtle anti-imperial ideology in response to threats posed to Israel from empires both past and present. The ideology of power articulated in selected psalms in book 5 stands in stark contrast to the ideology promulgated in particular by the Persian Empire. Throughout book 5 the psalmists employ various images and metaphors in an effort deconstruct the power associated with nations and empires. In addition to deconstructing the power of nations and empires, these psalms also seek to construct a particular identity for the people God, one that stresses the powerlessness of human strength in the face of empire. In light of such powerlessness, the psalmists point to the Divine King, "the maker of heaven and earth," as the source hope for the "poor servants of Yahweh." Book jacket.

Contents:

Book 5 in the Psalter: an introduction

The Achaemenid dynasty and imperial ideology

Constructing and deconstructing power: part 1

Constructing and deconstructing power: part 2

Reconstructing power: images of Yahweh in Book 5

The identity of the people of God: deconstructed and constructed power

Conclusion: Book 5 and imperial ideology.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-215) and indexes.

ISBN:

9781589839724

1589839722

9781589839731

1589839730

OCLC:

875240654