The Poems and Psalms of the Hebrew Bible [Paperback]

'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.' Expository Times, Vol. 106, October 1994

`This is a useful addition to The Oxford Bible Series of serious introductory text books on various aspects of biblical study...will serve as a very useful introduction to the poetry of the Bible and especially the Psalms' Anvil

'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.' Rex Mason, Theology, March/April 1995

'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 wide knowledge, literary appreciation and the clarity which has earned her a deserved reputation as teacher in Oxford, make her ideally suited to the task.' Rex Mason, Regent's Park College, Oxford, Theology

`the writer's wide knowledge, literary appreciation and the clarity which has earned her a deserved reputation as teacher in Oxford, make her ideally suited to the task' Rex Mason, Regent's Park College, Oxford, Theology, SPCK

`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, Volume 106, October 1994

`This is a substantial introduction to the poetry and the Psalms of the Old Testament ... The volume is up-to-date, covers all the substantial areas of Psalm study and, given its clear style, should find wide use among those seeking an introduction to the subject.' Themelios

`This is a useful addition to the Oxford Bible Series of serious introductory text books on various aspects of biblical study...will serve as a very useful introduction to the poetry of the Bible and especially the Psalms.' Anvil

Because of the command not to make `graven images' the creativity of the ancient Jews was always somewhat constrained: instead of the visual arts, poetry and story became the two most important forms which depicted the relationship between God and his people. This book concentrates on the poetry of the Hebrew Bible. After considering the essential elements of Hebrew verse, it looks as the most familiar poems - the Psalms, the Song of Solomon, and the poetry in 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. Much of this poetry suggests an earlier setting in the life of the people - from a more popular family or clan setting as well as the official royal court, and from local outlying sanctuaries as well as at the Temple in Jerusalem. Hence although these biblical poems should be understood primarily as ancient literary texts, many also have a setting in life beyond the text, offering a broader framework of reference on account of their pre-literary history. This is a study for those who already have some grounding in the contents of the Hebrew Bible, but it is also designed to be read by non-specialists, and no knowledge of Hebrew is presumed. A select bibliography following each chapter offers suggestions for further study. This study completes the Oxford Bible Series.