Commentary of the theology of the Psalter according to the agenda of the newer psalm exegesis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulrich Berges, since 12/2015
• Subject Area: Roman Catholic Theology
• Term: from 2009 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 154194976

Following the worked out synchronic structure of the entire psalter, various structural levels appear, requiring a diachronic assessment. In the synchronic flow of reading, in the first instance, the assessment of the singular colophon (the only redactional marker in the book of Psalms) appears in Psalm 72:20. Similarly, the assessment of the so-called "major break" of the Psalter in Psalm 89 belongs to this. In the second instance, the arrangement of the Psalter appears through the doxologies in the five books of various lengths. In the third instance, the problem of the grouping of the psalms, both through superscriptions as well as through the absence of superscriptions (cf. the introduction of the so-called Elohistic Psalter and the Yahweh-King psalms) or through framing formulas (cf. Hallelujah) appears. These overlapping various structural levels force a diachronic explanation of the synchronic final structure. A number of continuous themes are structurally relevant: 1) the tension between lament and praise; 2) the echo of the portrayal of the history of God with the people of Israel and with humanity; 3) the continuous theme of the theology of the poor; 4) the real and symbolic presence of God in space and time and the religio-historical connections with the ancient Near Eastern worldview (Here it is a question of the dwelling of God in heaven, in the temple and house of God in Jerusalem, and his presence in Zion, respectively.) 5) The figure (Gestalt) of David has special on-going meaning for the Psalter. Various images of David exist. He is the poet and singer of the psalms. He is the earthly king who represents the kingdom of God on earth. He is the exemplary pious person and person of prayer. He is the founding father of the Davidic dynasty, which explains why his son Solomon also appears in the Psalter. Likewise, he is the guarantor for the continuation of the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7). These five themes underscore the unique significance of the Psalter both for an Old Testament Theology as well as a New Testament Theology. The Church Fathers, as well as Martin Luther, had already stressed this when they spoke of the Psalter as the "Little Bible", so that there was no need for a New Testament book of Psalms.The primary purpose for the extension period of this project is the diachronic location of the above mentioned continuous themes in the history of the growth of the entire Psalter.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Frank-Lothar Hossfeld, until 12/2015 (†)