Voice Without End: The Role of David in Psalms 3-14

In his book "A Voice Without End," Andrew C. Witt explores the significance of Psalms 3-14, focusing on the figure of David and how the book develops its own speaking personae. He argues that the introduction to the book and the association with David establish the figure of David as the principal voice within Psalms 3-14, constructing a Davidic persona who can speak as an ideal and representative figure. This study contributes to Psalms research by sharpening our understanding of the Davidic voice and demonstrating the ongoing value of premodern conceptual models for analyzing voices in the text. It is a pathbreaking and eminently readable book that changes both the way we read the Psalter and how we understand its relationship with David.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2021
Publisher: Eisenbrauns

The past fifty years have witnessed a profound fascination with the shape and the message of the book of Psalms. In his insightful work, "A Voice Without End," Andrew C. Witt delves into the significance of Psalms 3-14, with a particular focus on the presence and function of the figure of David. Witt employs a diverse range of interpreters and canonical and literary approaches to unravel the intricate development of speaking personae within the book of Psalms. Through his meticulous analysis, he argues that the introduction to the book in Psalms 1-2 and the association with David in the superscriptions establish the figure of David as the principal voice within Psalms 3-14. This construction creates a Davidic persona that can speak as an ideal and representative figure, as well as a typological figure, in anticipation of the establishment of a just kingdom in the context of the Davidic promises.

In addition to its original analysis of Psalms 3-14, this study makes a significant contribution to Psalms research by enhancing our understanding of the Davidic voice. Witt demonstrates that key themes and motifs at the seams of the Psalter and in its thematic center are already active and engaged at the very beginning. Furthermore, this study bridges the gap between premodern and modern psalm interpreters by showcasing the ongoing value of premodern conceptual models for analyzing voices in the text.

"A Voice Without End" is a groundbreaking and highly accessible work that revolutionizes both our reading of the Psalter and our comprehension of its relationship with David. It appeals to biblical studies scholars and seminarians alike.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 228 x 251 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646021116