Hope for a New David in the Psalter's Narrative Impulse: Reading the Psalms as Utopian Literature (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781978717732)

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.

Author: S. D. Ellison
ISBN-10: 1978717733
ISBN-13: 9781978717732
Publisher: Fortress Academic
Language: English
Published: 12/11/2025
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.31lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.75d