Praise and Lament in the Psalms

by Claus Westermann

Book Overview

Praise and lament are two major approaches to praying to God. In this book, Claus Westermann investigates these primary categories of the Psalms and shows their meaning for prayer and worship. He contrasts the Old Testament Psalms with those of Babylon and Egypt indicating their distinctive characteristics. Sensitively written and carefully reasoned, Westermann's book will be valued for the clear-cut way it brings light to the character of the ancient...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804217920
• ISBN13: 9780804217927
• Release Date: March 1987
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

A Pivotal Book in Psalms Study: Form Critical

Westermann follows the form critical method in this pivotal work. Following the general scheme laid out by Gunkel, Westermann discusses the forms IL (Individual Lament), CL (Communal Lament), IP (Individual Praise), and CP (Communal Praise) as well as other classifications like Royal Psalms and Davidic Psalms. A good read for foundations in the form critical exegesis of the Psalms. However, any complete study of modern exegesis of Psalms should also include other works. The New Interpreters Commentary provides a good overview.