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Products>Answering the Psalmist’s Perplexity: New Covenant Newness in the Book of Psalms (New Studies in Biblical Theology | NSBT)

Answering the Psalmist’s Perplexity: New Covenant Newness in the Book of Psalms (New Studies in Biblical Theology | NSBT)

Publishers:
, 2023
ISBN: 9781789740981
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Overview

‘Give thanks to YHWH, for he is good, for his covenant faithfulness endures for ever’ (Ps. 136:1; a.t.)

There are now numerous models that seek to explain how the biblical covenants relate to one another. In an attempt to evaluate these models, James Hely Hutchinson mines the rich seams of the book of Psalms.

After covering the key data on covenant relationships in Books 1–3 of the psalter, Hutchinson considers the perplexity expressed in the pivotal Psalm 89: in the face of the exile, the promises to David appear to be null and void. The building blocks of the response lie with the first five books of the Bible, and chiefly with the inviolable character of the promises to Abraham (Book 4 of the psalter). However, if the Abrahamic covenant is to reach fulfilment, the problem of sin must be dealt with once and for all, and a glorious new-covenant regime must be established in which a host of covenants converge in their fulfilment. Central to this regime, which lies beyond the exile, is the eternal rule of David’s superior, righteous seed and son who is also a perpetual priest and a suffering servant (Book 5).

Identifying new-covenant newness as ‘eschatological satisfaction (fulfilment)’ and ‘transcendent inauguration’, Hutchinson tackles a range of matters that contribute to our understanding of the contours of redemptive history. The overall aim is to enhance readers’ grasp of God’s breath-taking salvation plan, ability to handle Scripture aright and worship of the Master.

  • Explores how the biblical covenants relate to one another
  • Considers the perplexity expressed in the pivotal Psalm 89
  • Enhances readers’ grasp of God’s breath-taking salvation plan
  • Illustrations
  • Series preface
  • Author’s preface
  • Abbreviations
  • 1. This study’s viability and method
  • 2. The covenant-relationships spectrum
  • 3. Scene-setting for the psalmist’s perplexity (Psalms 1–89)
  • 4. The building blocks of the answer in book 4
  • 5. The outworking of the answer in book 5
  • 6. The law and the new-covenant believer’s ethical life
  • 7. Summary and conclusions
  • Appendix 1: Hierarchy of key indicators of Psalter shape/shaping
  • Appendix 2: A second example of ambiguity between YHWH and his king in a prophecy concerning the new covenant
  • Appendix 3: Second possible explanation of the relationship between Psalm 106 and 1 Chronicles 16
  • Appendix 4: Meaning of ‘Of David’ after Psalm 72:20
  • Appendix 5: Referent of the first-person plural in Psalm 117:2
  • Bibliography
James Hely Hutchinson carefully traces the place of the biblical covenants within the book of Psalms, demonstrating both their importance for the canonical shape of the book and also why this matters for us today. Widely read and closely attentive to the text, this is a vital treatment of this important topic.

—David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol

My resonance with this book is deep and wide, methodological and exegetical. James Hely Hutchinson serves as a sure-footed guide (in English! at your desk!) through the highest mountain passes of the Psalter: its editorial arrangement, its contribution to our understanding of the covenants, and its typological presentation of the coming King. Here is a book whose author has meditatively studied the Psalms, and reading this book is the next best thing to undertaking exegesis through the Psalter with him in class. So if you can’t get to Belgium to take his class in French, avail yourself of what he has provided for you in this book.

—James M. Hamilton, professor of biblical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky

Answering the Psalmist’s Perplexity stands as an indispensable resource for scholars delving into the Psalter, providing clarity on its relationship with biblical covenants, particularly the new covenant. James Hely Hutchinson’s meticulous analysis of the psalms’ composition unravels the enigma that the psalmist ponders, shedding light on God’s unwavering covenant faithfulness. In this scholarly work, Hely Hutchinson’s insights not only enhance our understanding of the Psalter but also contribute to a deeper grasp of its pivotal role within the broader scope of redemptive history.

—Angie Velasquez Thornton, director of women’s ministry with SOLA (The Gospel Coalition, Quebec)

James Hely Hutchinson is Director of the Institut Biblique de Bruxelles, where he teaches Old Testament, biblical theology and biblical languages, and where he edits Le Maillon). He has also taught at several other training institutions in French-speaking Europe. He is a contributor to The God of Covenant, Interpreting the Psalms and Stirred by a Noble Theme (all Apollos).


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